RADIO
Justin Herbert Could be Trade Bait if Season Goes South?
The Ringer's Tom Pelissero said on the Rich Eisen Show on Wednesday that if the Los Angeles Chargers' season continues to go south and they start 1-5 or 0-6, they would likely get calls on the availability of quarterback Justin Herbert. The unusual amount of QB injuries around the NFL early in the season could make teams more aggressive on the QB market by midseason of this year. The 28-year-old Herbert was praised for his ability to pick up new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's offensive scheme quickly during training camp, but through two regular-season games, Herbert and the Chargers' offense looks lost. The former sixth overall pick in 2020 from Oregon has completed just 59.3% of his pass attempts for 401 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions while leading the team to an 0-2 start. It has not looked good to this point so far, and L.A.'s extremely difficult schedule is not going to do them any favors, but Herbert and the rest of the offense have plenty of time to get things figured out. You may want to judge the buy-low cost on Herbert in your fantasy league.
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Source: The Ringer - Tom Pelissero
Tucker Kraft Set For Bounce-Back Week 3 Against Falcons
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft enters Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as a low-end TE1 with considerable upside. Kraft caught two of three targets for 15 yards against the Jets, but his underlying usage remained strong. He played all 50 offensive snaps and posted a 94% route participation rate after playing just 66% of the snaps in Week 1. Kraft has five catches for 80 yards through two games, and Jayden Reed (neck) has been ruled out, which should create additional opportunities alongside Christian Watson and Matthew Golden. Kraft has averaged 9.1 yards after the catch per reception since entering the league, highlighting his ability to create after the catch. Atlanta also presents a favorable matchup, having allowed 19.4 fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends, the seventh-most in the NFL, including two touchdown receptions last week. RotoBaller ranks Kraft TE9 for Week 3. Start him as a back-end TE1 with the usage and matchup to challenge for a top-six finish.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Travis Etienne Jr. Limited on Wednesday With Hamstring Injury
New Orleans Saints running back Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, according to Saints reporter Jeff Nowak. Etienne had to deal with the return of veteran Alvin Kamara in last week's upset win over the Baltimore Ravens, and now he is dealing with an injury issue going into a home Week 3 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders. Through his first two games with the Saints, Etienne has not really excited his fantasy managers, carrying the ball 17 times for 71 yards while catching nine of his 11 targets for 38 yards through the air. Kamara's return definitely lowers Etienne's fantasy ceiling, but when healthy, he should see the majority of backfield touches this season. If Etienne does not improve this week or upgrade to a full practice, Kamara could become a must-start in fantasy lineups as an RB2 against the Raiders if Etienne does not play. Etienne being inactive this weekend would also thrust Kendre Miller back onto the game-day roster after he was a healthy scratch in Week 2. We will continue to monitor Kamara's status the rest of the week.
Source: Jeff Nowak
Source: Jeff Nowak
Dalton Kincaid Could Be on the Verge of a Superstar Breakout
Through two weeks, Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid looks like he could be on his way to a long-awaited breakout season. Across his team's first two games, the 26-year-old has recorded 12 catches for 225 yards and one touchdown on 14 targets. Kincaid was uber-efficient as a receiver in 2025, averaging 14.6 yards per reception and scoring five touchdowns on just 49 targets across 12 games. However, he missed time due to several injury issues, and Buffalo limited Kincaid's snaps even in games where he was active. So far in 2026, Kincaid appears to be fully healthy and has played at least 66% of Buffalo's offensive snaps in both games. Bills WR1 DJ Moore (shoulder) is also battling an AC joint sprain in his shoulder, which could only further increase Kincaid's role in his team's passing game. Kincaid still carries some injury risk for fantasy managers, but he carries high-end TE1 upside if he can sustain his current performance.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Matthew Golden Offers Strong Value In Week 3 Against Falcons
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden has quickly established a steady role in the passing game. He enters Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as a solid WR2/WR3 after catching four of six targets for a team-high 58 yards against the Jets. The second-year receiver out of Texas now has 10 receptions for 153 yards on 18 targets, including 12 targets in the season opener. Jayden Reed (neck) has been ruled out, which should keep Golden heavily involved alongside Christian Watson in two-receiver sets. Golden has yet to score a touchdown, but his production has remained consistent. The matchup may work in his favor, with Atlanta missing top cornerback A.J. Terrell (groin) and edge rusher Samson Ebukam (hamstring). Green Bay will be without left guard Aaron Banks (knee/toe), so protection remains worth monitoring. RotoBaller ranks Golden WR22 for Week 3 and lists him as a must-start for Thursday night. Treat him as a dependable WR2/WR3, with his steady target volume giving him a solid floor even without touchdown production.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jared Goff Emerging as a Consistent Top-12 Quarterback?
After an underwhelming performance in Week 1, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff bounced back by completing 26 of 38 pass attempts for 327 yards, four touchdowns, and zero interceptions in his team's 41-31 Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Two weeks into the 2026 season, Goff is tied for the NFL lead with six touchdown passes and is averaging 38.5 pass attempts per game. While Goff has led productive Lions offenses for the last several seasons, Detroit's struggling defense looks like it could force the team into pass-happy shootouts in 2026. As long as Goff and the Lions' deep contingent of talented skill position players remain healthy, the veteran signal-caller could work his way into consistent top-12 quarterback production for fantasy managers. Goff also has a fairly favorable string of matchups coming up on paper, as Detroit will play the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and Arizona Cardinals before its Week 6 bye. Heading into Week 3, Goff's redraft value is trending up.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Warren Limited With Shoulder Injury on Wednesday
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (shoulder) was listed as a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, according to Alan Saunders of PGH Steelers Now. Backfield mate Rico Dowdle injured his toe in the Week 2 loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday and was seen wearing a walking boot. Dowdle did not practice on Wednesday. With Warren also dinged up, Pittsburgh's backfield could be in flux heading into their big Week 3 divisional clash against the Cincinnati Bengals. Warren appears to have the better chance of playing this Sunday, though, and he would essentially become a must-start RB2 in fantasy football lineups if Dowdle cannot play against the Bengals. The 27-year-old Warren has been the better back of the two through the first two games in 2026, carrying the ball 21 times for 89 yards (4.2 yards per carry) while catching seven of 10 targets for 61 yards as a receiver. Behind Warren and Dowdle is rookie Eli Heidenreich.
Source: PGH Steelers Now - Alan Saunders
Source: PGH Steelers Now - Alan Saunders
Austin Ekeler Works Out for Panthers on Wednesday, No Deal Imminent
Veteran free-agent running back Austin Ekeler worked out for the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, per Mike Kaye of ESPN. Kaye reports that Ekeler's workout "went well" but that the veteran back "will not be signing" on Wednesday. Ekeler has not appeared in an NFL game since Week 2 of the 2025 season, when he suffered a season-ending Achilles tear while playing for the Washington Commanders. However, the 31-year-old was productive in a part-time role with Washington in 2024, recording 367 rushing yards, 366 receiving yards, and four touchdowns on 112 touches across 12 games. The Panthers are set to be without running back Jonathon Brooks (abdomen/groin) for six to eight weeks after Brooks underwent core muscle surgery. If signed, Ekeler would likely step in as the passing-down complement to Carolina RB1 Chuba Hubbard. While Hubbard would still likely shoulder early-down and goal-line work, his fantasy outlook would take a hit if the Panthers bring in Ekeler.
Source: ESPN - Mike Kaye
Source: ESPN - Mike Kaye
Christian Watson Carries WR1 Upside Into Week 3 Against Falcons
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson enters Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as a high-end WR2 with legitimate WR1 upside. Watson caught four of a team-high 11 targets for 41 yards against the Jets, including a three-yard fourth-quarter touchdown that helped fuel Green Bay's comeback. He now has 10 receptions for 188 yards and three touchdowns on 19 targets through two games, pairing big-play ability with heavy involvement. Jayden Reed (neck) has been ruled out, leaving Watson and Matthew Golden atop Green Bay's wide receiver rotation. Protection remains a concern with left guard Aaron Banks (knee/toe) also ruled out, although Anthony Belton (elbow) will play at right tackle. Atlanta enters short-handed as well, with top cornerback A.J. Terrell (groin) on injured reserve and edge rusher Samson Ebukam (hamstring) out. Carolina threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns against the Falcons last week. RotoBaller ranks Watson WR11 and considers him a borderline WR1 for Thursday. Fantasy managers should start him confidently as a strong WR2 with the target volume and scoring upside to finish inside the top 12.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mike Evans Won't Practice on Wednesday
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans (hip) will not practice with the team on Wednesday, according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic. Evans left the Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins early with a hip injury in the fourth quarter, but head coach Kyle Shanahan said after the game that Evans should be fine. The Niners already have Ricky Pearsall (knee), Christian Kirk (calf), and De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) on Injured Reserve, with Demarcus Robinson (ankle) also expected to miss multiple weeks after getting hurt on Sunday. Much like San Francisco did in training camp, Evans' practice reps will be managed this week, but he should end up suiting up this Sunday against the division-rival Arizona Cardinals. Fantasy managers should have a better read on Evans' status for Week 3 by Friday, but for now, the expectation is that he will play, and he should have a high target floor given the injured state of the team's WR corps. The 33-year-old future Hall of Famer and six-time Pro Bowler has nine catches on 10 targets for 103 yards and one touchdown in his first two games with his new team in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur
Source: The Athletic - Vic Tafur
Antonio Brown to Accept Plea Deal on Attempted Murder Charges
Former NFL wide receiver Antonio Brown "plans to accept a plea deal on an attempted murder charge in Miami that avoids prison," per David Fischer of The Associated Press. Brown was accused of discharging a firearm at a man during an altercation in Miami in May 2025. If convicted, Brown could have faced up to 30 years in prison. The 38-year-old last appeared in the NFL in 2021, when he played seven games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both during and after his time in the league, Brown has an extensive history of questionable off-field conduct. Since being arrested in connection to the alleged incident, Brown has claimed on social media that he was defending himself from attackers who were trying to steal jewelry from him.
Source: The Associated Press - David Fischer
Source: The Associated Press - David Fischer
Kaleb Johnson Brings Speculative Appeal Into Week 3
Green Bay Packers running back Kaleb Johnson has moved onto the fantasy radar for Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The rookie earned a larger role against the Jets, going from zero offensive snaps in Week 1 to 14 in Week 2 while leading the backfield with eight carries for 32 yards. Johnson also opened the game-winning overtime drive with an 11-yard run, another sign that Green Bay was willing to trust him in a key situation. His role remains difficult to project. MarShawn Lloyd matched Johnson's snap total, while Chris Brooks led the backfield in playing time and remains Green Bay's preferred option in passing situations. Johnson has yet to draw a target this season, leaving his fantasy value heavily dependent on rushing volume. Atlanta has held opponents to 126 rushing yards on 43 carries through two games and has not allowed a rushing touchdown. Despite the difficult matchup, RotoBaller ranks Johnson as RB35 for Week 3. He profiles as a speculative low-end RB3 or flex in standard and half-PPR formats but should remain on the bench in full-PPR leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jayden Reed Officially Ruled Out for Thursday Night Football
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (neck) has officially been ruled out for his team's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN. Reed was carted off from his team's Week 2 win over the New York Jets after suffering a scary-looking neck injury, and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said on Tuesday that the team is unsure of Reed's status for the remainder of the 2026 season. With Reed sidelined, the Packers' passing game could become highly concentrated on the talented trio of wide receivers Christian Watson and Matthew Golden and tight end Tucker Kraft. While Reed has not yet been placed on Injured Reserve, it appears as though the 26-year-old is likely facing an extended stretch of missed time.
Source: ESPN - Rob Demovsky
Source: ESPN - Rob Demovsky
MarShawn Lloyd Carries Significant Risk Into Week 3
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd enters Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as a touchdown-dependent RB4 who belongs on the bench in most fantasy leagues. Lloyd rushed six times for 20 yards and caught two passes for six yards against the Jets, salvaging his fantasy performance with a six-yard receiving touchdown. The Jets recovered a Lloyd fumble early in the fourth quarter, and he played only one more snap without another touch. Kaleb Johnson had already entered the rotation and finished with a team-high eight carries on 14 snaps. Chris Brooks led the backfield in playing time, further crowding Lloyd's path to touches. The matchup does little to help Lloyd's case. Atlanta has allowed only 126 rushing yards on 43 attempts and has yet to surrender a rushing touchdown. With Johnson taking early-down work and Brooks handling passing situations, Lloyd may be touchdown-dependent to deliver useful fantasy production. RotoBaller currently ranks him RB55 for Week 3. Keep Lloyd on the bench outside deeper leagues or desperation flex situations.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Love Has QB1 Upside In Week 3 Against Falcons
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love has thrown two touchdowns in each of his first two games and remains a viable QB1 option for Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. His production dipped against the Jets, finishing with 145 passing yards on 29 attempts, but another two-touchdown performance helped Green Bay escape with an overtime win. Protection is the bigger concern, as Love has already taken seven sacks. Green Bay also lost starting right tackle Zach Bako-Bewele (knee) for the season to a torn patellar tendon. Anthony Belton (elbow), who replaced him against New York, is expected to play Thursday, while left guard Aaron Banks (knee/toe) remains uncertain. Atlanta can generate pressure, but its secondary is vulnerable without top cornerback A.J. Terrell (groin). Bryce Young threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns against the Falcons last week despite facing pressure on 53.6% of his dropbacks. Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, and Tucker Kraft give Love multiple ways to attack that secondary, so the upside remains intact. RotoBaller ranks Love QB12 for Week 3, making him a reasonable low-end QB1 with top-10 upside if Green Bay's protection holds.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
