RADIO
Fernando Mendoza Confirmed as Raiders' QB2
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza will officially back up Kirk Cousins in Sunday's opener against Miami, head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed Friday, according to Sam Gordon. The Raiders' depth chart had already pointed in that direction, listing Mendoza second and Aidan O'Connell third, but Kubiak had stopped short of confirming the order earlier this week. Now there is no question who gets the call if Cousins has to leave the game. Mendoza had an uneven preseason, completing 25 of 45 passes for 240 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions across three appearances. That was enough for the No. 1 overall pick to secure the backup spot while Las Vegas continues bringing him along behind its veteran starter. Nothing changes for Mendoza in standard redraft leagues, where he belongs on the waiver wire for now. He is much more interesting in dynasty and deeper Superflex formats, particularly with a clear path to the field if Cousins struggles or misses time.
Source: Sam Gordon
Source: Sam Gordon
D'Andre Swift Lands Three-Year Extension
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift is sticking around for a while. Swift and the Bears have agreed to a three-year, $33.75 million extension with $27.5 million guaranteed, according to Adam Schefter. He was entering the final season of the three-year deal he signed with Chicago in 2024, so there had been some uncertainty about what came next. Not anymore. Swift is coming off his best rushing season, finishing 2025 with 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns on 223 carries while adding 34 catches for 299 yards and another score. Kyle Monangai earned plenty of work himself as a rookie, and that part of the backfield isn't suddenly going away because of this deal. Still, giving Swift this much guaranteed money is a pretty clear sign that Chicago wants him around beyond 2026. His immediate redraft outlook remains in the RB2 range, but the extension gives dynasty managers considerably more security than they had entering the week.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Alec Pierce Set to Play in Week 1
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) will play Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, according to Stephen Holder. The question now is how much Indianapolis wants to put on his plate right away. Pierce spent all of training camp on the PUP list after undergoing ankle surgery in March and only returned to practice on Aug. 27. He was limited Wednesday and Thursday this week, and Holder noted that a snap count is still possible. Pierce is coming off his first 1,000-yard season after catching 47 passes for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. His 21.3 yards per catch led the NFL for the second straight year. Indianapolis also lists him as a starting receiver alongside Josh Downs and Keenan Allen, so the role is still there once he is fully ramped up. For Week 1, though, the possible snap restriction keeps Pierce in the boom-or-bust WR4/flex range rather than making him an automatic start.
Source: Stephen Holder
Source: Stephen Holder
Lamar Jackson to Show Off New Look in Week 1
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson heads to Indianapolis to take on the Colts Sunday afternoon and will debut a revamped Ravens' offense. According to Baltimore Ravens staff writer Clifton Brown, offense coordinator Declan Doyle and the Ravens' coaching staff have changed how Jackson will operate from the pocket, and Jackson will take more snaps under center to use play-action elements. This is a marked departure from Jackson's over 80% drop-back pass rate from pistol or shotgun formations last season, and Jackson will also be taking snaps from a new center, Jovaughn Gwyn, making his first NFL start. Sunday will also be the first time that fantasy managers will see Jackson play for a head coach not named John Harbaugh since the veteran quarterback sat out each of the three preseason games led by new head coach Jesse Minter. Each of these factors adds uncertainty about how Lamar and the broader offense will operate; however, players, coaches, and fans alike remain optimistic the changes will lead to a more dynamic and efficient offense. Despite disappointing fantasy managers last year, Jackson managed to generate +50 rushing yards over expectation (RYOE) across 67 total carries in 2025, including +20 RYOE gained across a career-low 24 designed runs. Last season, the Colts defense faced a season-low three designed QB runs and never faced more than one designed QB run in any game, which should give Lamar managers more confidence in trusting the multiple-time NFL MVP this Sunday to earn points with his legs. Fantasy managers almost certainly invested high draft capital in Lamar, and he is a must-start QB1 option in every fantasy football format in Week 1.
Source: Baltimore Ravens - Clifton Brown
Source: Baltimore Ravens - Clifton Brown
Raiders Won't Commit to Brock Bowers' Return Timeline
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) still does not have a return date from the team after undergoing a meniscus trim Tuesday. Head coach Klint Kubiak told Ryan McFadden that the situation developed quickly and said the Raiders "got it cleaned up," but he declined to say whether Bowers is expected to miss one or two games. That is worth noting after outside reports suggested he could be sidelined for the first two weeks. Bowers is already out for Sunday's opener against Miami, and Las Vegas visits the Chargers in Week 2. He caught 64 passes for 680 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games last season, so there is no replacing his role outright. Michael Mayer should get the first crack at more work after posting 35 catches for 328 yards and one score in 2025, with Ian Thomas also available. Fantasy managers should continue to plan without Bowers for Week 1 and treat Week 2 as uncertain until the Raiders give a clearer indication of his progress.
Source: Ryan McFadden
Source: Ryan McFadden
Derrick Henry Primed to Reprise Bellcow Role in Week 1
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry is the NFL's active leader in rushing yards (13,018), and he looks to expand his lead in the Ravens' season opener against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday afternoon. Interestingly, the Week 1 matchup featuring Henry (1,595 rushing yards in 2025) and Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (1,585) marks just the fourth game in NFL history to open the season with opposing rushers who each surpassed 1,500 yards the prior season, according to Next Gen stats. Admittedly, Henry does not see much action in the receiving game, tallying just 15 receptions for 150 yards last year. However, the veteran running back averaged over 20 rushing attempts per game with a 5.2 yards-per-carry average in 2025. Last season, Henry had eight games with over 100 yards, scored a touchdown in nine games, and reached the end zone multiple times in four games while enjoying ample goal-line and red-zone opportunities throughout the season. Even with the Ravens' offense going through significant off-season changes, Henry remains integral, and his running game is key to unlocking a new play-action style from quarterback Lamar Jackson. Derrick Henry is the unquestioned bell cow for the Ravens and is a locked-in RB1 starter for fantasy managers in every format this weekend.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Rome Odunze Questionable for Week 1
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (calf) is officially questionable for Sunday's season opener against the Carolina Panthers, according to Sean Hammond of the Chicago Tribune. Odunze was listed as limited Wednesday and Thursday after spending Monday and Tuesday rehabbing the injury, so this looks like one fantasy managers will have to carry into the weekend. The good news is that Chicago has been optimistic. Head coach Ben Johnson called Odunze day-to-day earlier this week and said the calf issue is not related to the foot injury that bothered him last season. Odunze still managed 44 catches for 661 yards and a career-high six touchdowns in 12 regular-season games in 2025. If he suits up, the calf adds some risk to what already looked like more of a WR3/flex spot for Week 1. If he cannot go, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland would be the biggest names to watch for extra targets, while Kalif Raymond could pick up more work on the outside.
Source: Sean Hammond
Source: Sean Hammond
Bengals Defense With A Tough Matchup In Week 1
The Cincinnati Bengals defense has a tough matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1. The Bengals defense was among the worst defenses in the NFL in 2025, allowing the third-most points just behind the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys. While the Jets and Cowboys defensive units are expected to be much improved this season, the same optimism is not surrounding the Cincinnati unit. The Bengals defense is also facing injuries with Shemar Stewart listed as doubtful for Sunday's contest. Even if this defensive unit were at full strength, they would still have a hard time slowing down the Buccaneers offense. The Bengals defense is ranked 29th in our RotoBaller Week 1 rankings, making them a unit to avoid this week and probably most weeks moving forward.
Source: Cincinnati Bengals - Twitter
Source: Cincinnati Bengals - Twitter
Evan McPherson Could Be Kicking Often In Week 1
Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson will face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1. McPherson knocked through a career-high 89.3% of his field goal attempts in 2025 and made 41 of his 44 PATs. The Bengals kicker was perfect through the preseason, nailing all of his kicks, and should be locked in for a heavy workload. McPherson should be among the league leaders in PATs considering that Cincinnati is projected to be a top-tier scoring offense again this season. McPherson should be in line for a lot of attempts against the Buccaneers in a game with the highest over/under of the week. McPherson is ranked K7 in our RotoBaller Week 1 rankings, making him a strong option to start at kicker this week. Fantasy managers should be interested in McPherson's prospects this season as he should be relied on often in a high-scoring offense.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Samaje Perine Opens Season As Bengals RB2 Against Tampa Bay
Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine will operate as the team's RB2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1. Chase Brown is the clear RB1 of the team, but that does not mean that he will take all of the opportunities out of the backfield. Perine will get the opportunity to mix in, especially on passing downs. Over the past five years, Perine has been one of the most efficient running backs on a per-target basis so it stands to reason that Cincinnati will want to get him involved in the passing game. There could be a lot of passing involved in the game against the Buccaneers this Sunday. With a 50.5-point over/under, Vegas is projecting a lot of scoring to take place in Cincinnati this weekend. Perine is ranked RB52 in our RotoBaller Week 1 PPR rankings, so he would have to be a desperation flex option for deep leagues only but his contingent upside is among the highest of all RB2s. If Brown goes down with an injury, Perine will step into one of the most valuable roles in the NFL. For now, Perine is likely best served warming the bench for fantasy managers.
Source: Fantasy Points Data - Twitter
Source: Fantasy Points Data - Twitter
Mike Gesicki Atop TE Pecking Order In Week 1
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday in Week 1. Gesicki has established himself as the top receiving option among Bengals tight ends and the role could potentially be valuable if he is able to produce with the opportunities granted to him. The Bengals have rarely relied on one tight end to produce and instead opted to rotate the position. Gesicki is the main receiving option, but Drew Sample is a much better blocker so he takes Gesicki off the field. Gesicki also has competition with Erick All Jr for reps at tight end. That said, Gesicki could find some fantasy points on Sunday in a game with the highest over/under of the week against the Buccaneers. If this week's contest turns into an offensive affair, fantasy points could be flowing in this game. Gesicki is ranked TE25 in our RotoBaller Week 1 PPR rankings, making him a difficult TE2 option to trust this week. If you're truly desperate at the TE position, he could be a worthy dart throw.
Source: Mike Petraglia - Twitter
Source: Mike Petraglia - Twitter
Emari Demercado Moves Onto the Waiver Radar
Dallas Cowboys running back Emari Demercado is basically unrostered on Yahoo, but that could change after Malik Davis was injured during Friday's practice. Davis had clearly won the No. 2 job behind Javonte Williams, with Demercado sitting directly behind him after Dallas claimed the veteran off waivers at the end of August. If Davis is forced to miss time, Demercado suddenly has a much cleaner path to backup work. He has been efficient when called on, averaging 6.5 yards per carry on 126 career attempts. Last season with Arizona, Demercado ran 44 times for 312 yards and caught 13 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. None of that makes him a Week 1 starter against the Giants. Williams is still the lead back here. But with Demercado at 0% rostered on Yahoo, deeper-league managers now have a reason to take a shot before there is more clarity on Davis. If Davis misses time, Demercado's handcuff value rises quickly.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chase Brown Ready To Make His Mark In Week 1
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1 of the 2026 season. All the buzz around Brown this offseason has been about how the Bengals view him as an explosive playmaker and will be looking to get the ball in his hands as much as possible. These reports suggest that Brown could be in line for even more receiving work than he's had in recent years. Brown finished the 2025 season as the RB7 in PPR formats and could build on that this season. The road to finishing as the RB1 this season could start in Week 1 against the Buccaneers in a game that could very well turn into a back-and-forth scoring affair. The Bengals game has a 50.5-point over/under, making it the highest total of the week. Brown could score a ton of fantasy points in a great offensive environment. Brown is ranked RB5 in our RotoBaller Week 1 PPR rankings, making him a very strong start this Sunday.
Source: UnderdogNFL - Twitter
Source: UnderdogNFL - Twitter
Tee Higgins Removed From Injury Report, Ready For Full Workload
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins was listed on the Week 1 injury report with a foot injury but was a full participant in all practices and has since been removed from the injury report ahead of Sunday. Higgins and the Bengals will take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1 of the 2026 season. Despite his quarterback missing nine games last season, Higgins still managed to finish as the WR15 in PPR formats. Higgins will have the opportunity to pick up where he left off against the Buccaneers in what should be one of the highest-scoring games of the week. The highly talented WR2 for the Bengals is a strong WR2 option for fantasy with the upside to finish as a WR1 if he and Burrow can both stay healthy. Higgins is ranked WR11 in our RotoBaller Week 1 PPR rankings, making him a low-end WR1 option in a positive offensive environment. Fantasy managers should start Higgins with confidence this week.
Source: Kelsey Conway - Twitter
Source: Kelsey Conway - Twitter
Ja'Marr Chase Off Injury Report, Ready To Begin Historic Season
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase was previously listed on the Week 1 injury report with a knee injury, but he has since been removed from the report and is ready to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Despite losing his superstar quarterback, Joe Burrow, for nine games, Chase still managed to finish the season as the WR4 in PPR formats. Chase's ability to perform at a high level despite playing with backup quarterbacks for the majority of the season is just a testament to his immense talent and reliability. Now with his quarterback fully healthy, the runway should be clear for Chase to have another historic season. The 26-year-old completed the receiving triple crown in 2024 and now has his eyes set on the touchdown record. Chase said he wants to score 23 touchdowns this season, and he certainly has the opportunity to do it. Chase could get his scoring started this Sunday against the Buccaneers, in a game with a 50.5-point total. The Buccaneers defense gave up over 24 points per game in 2025 while the Bengals defense gave up nearly 29 points per game. If the Bengals find themselves chasing points, Chase could be in for a very hefty workload. Chase is ranked as the overall WR1 in our RotoBaller Week 1 PPR rankings, making him a smash play this Sunday. Fantasy managers should be prepared to see a massive fantasy output from Chase every week.
Source: UnderdogNFL - Twitter
Source: UnderdogNFL - Twitter
