RADIO
Ja'Tavion Sanders Likely to Lose Playing Time
Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders might not be as appealing of a fantasy option as he was earlier in the summer. The Panthers recently signed veteran tight end Darren Waller to a deal for the 2026 season. He has been taking first-time reps, which pushes the rest of the tight ends down a spot. The latest unofficial depth chart has Sanders listed as third behind Waller and Tommy Tremble. The presence of Waller is certainly going to hurt Sanders' path to playing time. The 23-year-old still has decent upside as a dynasty stash, but he isn't someone who should be rostered in redraft formats to begin the season.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Olamide Zaccheaus has Interesting Upside as Starter
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus has been quietly moving up draft boards recently. In the latest unofficial depth chart, Zaccheaus is listed as a starter ahead of rookie Zachariah Branch. The expectation is that Zaccheaus will remain a starter to begin the season while Branch gets more comfortable as a pro. Down the road, Zaccheaus could lose playing time, but he might be a deep league option to begin the season. The Falcons are going to lean on Drake London and Kyle Pitts Sr. as their focal points in the passing game. They also have stud running back leading the charge on the ground. There might not be a ton of work for Zaccheaus, but he could be worth stashing in deep leagues to begin the year.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Zach LaVine Optimistic About Kings' Season
Sacramento Kings guard/forward Zach LaVine said his offseason is going well and that he is excited about the team's younger group, according to Logan Struck of Sports Illustrated. LaVine also touched on his leadership role, saying he already texted rookie guard Darius Acuff Jr. and plans to connect with more of Sacramento's young players closer to camp. The two-time All-Star picked up his $49 million player option this summer after hand surgery ended his season at 39 games. LaVine averaged 19.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists while shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 39.0 percent from three. He should have scoring volume if healthy, but Acuff's arrival and Domantas Sabonis' playmaking keep LaVine more valuable for points and threes than assists.
Source: Logan Struck
Source: Logan Struck
Davion Mitchell Enters Camp with a Clear Path to Starter Minutes
Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell is deserving of the starting point guard job, but Miami's depth behind him remains a question, Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel wrote in his latest mailbag. Dru Smith projects as the backup, while two-way rookie Tre Donaldson is the next internal option if injuries hit. That setup helps Mitchell's minutes outlook after he started all 70 of his appearances last season, averaging 9.3 points, 6.5 assists, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 28.6 minutes while shooting 49.0 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from three. He will not carry fantasy teams with scoring, but the assists, steals, and secure role keep him useful if Miami does not add another veteran guard.
Source: Ira Winderman
Source: Ira Winderman
Darius Garland Set to Run Clippers Offense
Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland enters 2026-27 positioned to run the offense for a full season, with Yahoo Sports' Kelly Iko writing that whatever optimism remains around the team starts there. Garland was still managing a lingering toe issue when he arrived from Cleveland in February, but he averaged 19.9 points and 6.4 assists in 19 games while helping L.A. reach the play-in tournament. Kawhi Leonard's expected move to Toronto leaves Garland with a clearer on-ball role, though Brandon Ingram and Gradey Dick are expected back in the deal. Iko noted the Clippers ranked 23rd in three-point attempts last season, so Garland's creation should help shooters like Max Strus and Dick. If the toe cooperates, Garland has a strong fantasy setup built around points, assists, and threes.
Source: Kelly Iko
Source: Kelly Iko
Collin Sexton Cites Winning in Lakers Free-Agent Decision
Los Angeles Lakers guard Collin Sexton said the chance to win and make an impact on a big stage drove his free-agent decision, according to ESPN LA. "I feel like I just fit right in," the former No. 8 pick said. Sexton signed a two-year, $19 million deal with a player option after averaging 17.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals in 26 games with Chicago last season while shooting 48.2 percent from the field and 41.0 percent from three. Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves still control the offense, leaving Sexton as a bench scorer whose fantasy value depends on minutes, efficiency, and whether his defensive stats hold.
Source: ESPN LA
Source: ESPN LA
Ben Simmons Open to Long-Term Stay in Sacramento
Sacramento Kings guard/forward Ben Simmons could be open to staying beyond his one-year deal if the fit works, ESPN's Marc J. Spears told Sactown Sports 1140. Spears described Simmons as a loyal player and said, "I think he'd want to stay" if both sides are happy after this season. Simmons agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract Friday after sitting out all of 2025-26 while working back from chronic back issues. He last played in 2024-25, averaging 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 0.7 steals in 22.0 minutes across 51 games with Brooklyn and the Clippers. His fantasy value depends on whether Doug Christie gives him real second-unit ball-handling work behind Darius Acuff Jr. The assists, rebounds, and steals still help, but the absent jumper and year away keep the risk high.
Source: Sactown Sports 1140
Source: Sactown Sports 1140
Jadarian Price Unlikely to Occupy Every-Down Role in Seattle
Seattle Seahawks running back Jadarian Price will be a major part of the team's offense this season, but he's not expected to occupy an every-down role, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. "I don't know if he's going to be that huge 20-carry-per-game workload, because Seattle likes to use two or three backs," Fowler said. "That's their plan this season." Hype had been growing for Price in recent weeks, especially after the Seahawks officially placed Zach Charbonnet (knee) on the PUP list. However, this latest update shouldn't come as much of a surprise. Indeed, Seattle is known for sharing the running back workload, and Price's track record suggested he isn't ready for an every-down role. During his final season at Notre Dame, he averaged just 9.4 carries per game, albeit in a role behind fellow first-round pick Jeremiyah Love. We do imagine that Price will be the preferred ball-carrier while Charbonnet is sidelined, but we fully expect George Holani and Emanuel Wilson to carve out sizable roles, too.
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Rashid Shaheed Will Take on a Bigger Role in 2026
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is expected to be "more of a complete receiver" this season, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. Fowler pointed out that Shaheed didn't have a huge offensive impact after being acquired from the Saints at last year's trade deadline, but that should change going forward. The 28-year-old had a "killer offseason," according to Fowler, and he's expected to eat into Jaxon Smith-Njigba's workload. This isn't any sort of indictment on Smith-Njigba, but rather a result of the Seahawks wanting to spread the ball around so that the former Offensive Player of the Year doesn't have to be relied on for a 36% target share again this year. The exact workload for Shaheed remains unclear, but we wouldn't be surprised to see him have weekly WR3/flex appeal, especially in a Seahawks offense that is expected to be firing on all cylinders following their Super Bowl victory.
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Seahawks Expected to Feature Both A.J. Barner and Elijah Arroyo
The Seattle Seahawks' new-look offense is expected to feature plenty of two tight end sets, which will result in a large role for both A.J. Barner and Elijah Arroyo, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com. "Barner and Arroyo are going to be major parts of this offense," Fowler said. Seattle's offense is now led by coordinator Brian Fleury, who comes from the San Francisco coaching tree. Fleury has spent four years as the tight end coach with the Niners, leading an impressive unit headlined by superstar George Kittle. While we don't expect Kittle-caliber production from either Barner or Arroyo, it does sound like one or both tight ends will get on the fantasy radar. The incumbent starter is Barner, who had 52 catches, 519 yards, and six touchdowns last year. However, managers shouldn't sleep on Arroyo, comes with high draft capital after being a second-round pick in 2025. As it stands, Barner is RotoBaller's TE25, while Arroyo ranks as the TE47.
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Source: Jeremy Fowler
Giants Sign Jon Runyan to a Two-Year Extension
The New York Giants have signed guard Jon Runyan to a two-year, $22 million contract extension, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. The deal includes $21.5 million guaranteed. Runyan provided key protection to Jaxson Dart last season, posting an 84.5 PFF pass-blocking grade. However, he needs to improve in run blocking, where his PFF grade dropped to a woeful mark of 49.1. The veteran lineman was slated to hit free agency next offseason, so the new deal will tack on one additional year. Having him under contract for two more years will provide some stability within a revamped offensive line that will be tasked with keeping Dart and Cam Skattebo upright.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Cardinals Expected to Ease Jeremiyah Love Back Into the Offense
The Arizona Cardinals are expected to "ease" rookie first-round running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) back into the offense, according to Donnie Druin of Sports Illustrated. Love suffered a high-ankle sprain during the Cardinals' preseason opener, putting his status for Week 1 up in the air. Druin expects that Love will be active, but that the Cardinals will lean on Tyler Allgeier more than the rookie during the regular-season opener on Sept. 13. This makes sense from both an injury and developmental standpoint. There's no need to rush Love back to a full workload before he's ready, especially since Allgeier has proven that he can be a lead back in the NFL. The Cardinals are taking it week by week with Love, but we wouldn't even be surprised if Allgeier gets a few starts before Love gets back up to full speed. Love is a high-end RB2 in fantasy leagues this season, but we'd be hesitant to start him for at least the first week or two. Meanwhile, Allgeier is more of a handcuff long-term, but he should get onto the RB2 radar for the first game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Source: Donnie Druin
Source: Donnie Druin
Puka Nacua Expected to Play Week 1 in Australia
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) is expected to play in the season opener in Australia, head coach Sean McVay said, according to Nate Atkins. Nacua has been facing the possibility of discipline under the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy, but no suspension has been announced. McVay also expects offensive tackle Alaric Jackson, who has been dealing with his own potential discipline, to play. Nacua caught 129 passes for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns across 16 games last season, leading the NFL in receptions. The Rams open against San Francisco in Melbourne on Sept. 10. McVay's comments are a strong sign that Nacua will be available for Week 1, though there has been no public indication that the NFL's review of his situation is finished.
Source: Nate Atkins
Source: Nate Atkins
Angel Genao Worth Targeting on the Waiver Wire in Deeper Leagues
Cleveland Guardians infielder Angel Genao's underlying metrics make him an intriguing player to target on the waiver wire, especially in deeper fantasy baseball leagues. On the surface, Genao's stats look mediocre at best. In 27 games since his promotion to the majors on August 5, he is slashing .255/.314/.362 with two homers, six RBI, 12 runs, a 6.9% walk rate, a 12.7% strikeout rate, and 92 wRC+. However, a few things stand out as reasons why managers should be optimistic about Genao going forward. First of all, the 92 wRC+ is slightly below league average, but not by much. That could very easily trend upward as he gets more games under his belt. Additionally, his 12.7% strikeout rate reveals that he's seeing the zone well and putting the ball in play. That strikeout rate ranks in the 93rd percentile among MLB batters. Finally, what the box score won't show is that Genao has been producing a very high quality of contact. His 91.0 mph average exit velocity, 52% hard-hit rate, and 33% squared-up rate all rank within the upper echelon of hitters. All of these factors help solidify Genao's case as a late-season waiver wire pickup. He's available in 96% of leagues and has eligibility at second base, third base, and shortstop.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kalif Raymond Making Noise in Bears Camp
Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond has spent the summer making a stronger case for offensive work than most expected when he signed in March. The veteran caught a 54-yard touchdown from Caleb Williams during an early camp practice, and the connection kept showing up from there. Williams found Raymond deep again on Aug. 18, hit him for a touchdown during the joint practice with Cincinnati and connected with him on another difficult downfield throw in padded work Sept. 3. Ben Johnson has praised what Raymond has brought to Chicago, while the Bears themselves noted that he excelled throughout camp. Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III still sit ahead of him in the receiver pecking order, so this isn't suddenly a high-volume fantasy role. Raymond caught only 24 passes for 289 yards and one touchdown with Detroit last season. Still, he's looked like more than just a return specialist this summer. RotoBaller has him at WR101 in half-PPR formats, keeping him mostly in the deep-league conversation for now.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
