RADIO
Dak Prescott Being Slept on Again in 2026
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott threw for 300+ yards a league-leading six times on his way to a fourth straight top-eight fantasy finish in as many fully healthy seasons. Perhaps because of the three injury-shortened campaigns mixed into that stretch, Prescott does not get the credit he deserves as one of fantasy's most consistent, high-ceiling assets, again landing around QB10 by current ADP. On a per-game basis, Prescott has averaged 22.6 fantasy points per start dating back to 2019, a number that would have made him a top two quarterback in each of the past three seasons, and with arguably the league's top receiver duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens returning for one more season together, the pieces remain in place for him to challenge for the top spot in 2026. Generally coming off the board in the middle to late rounds, Prescott is one of a handful of quarterbacks who make this a banner year to wait at the position, still offering league-winning upside at a low-QB1 discount.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mike Evans Could Bounce Back in a Major Way with 49ers
When the San Francisco 49ers open training camp practices on Sunday, fantasy managers will get their first extended look at 13th-year wide receiver Mike Evans in his new home. For the first time since the Buccaneers selected him in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, he'll be playing for a new team, and after a string of injuries left him shy of 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in his career in 2025, he should have every opportunity to begin a new streak with the 49ers. Evans has long dominated with two or fewer wide receivers on the field, and with head coach and playcaller Kyle Shanahan deploying a fullback on more than 41% of his team's snaps a year ago, that is a situation the six-time Pro Bowler should find himself in often. Assuming sustained health for all three, a trio of Evans, Christian McCaffrey, and George Kittle has the ability to attack all levels of the defense and should find fantasy success in an offense projected among the highest scoring in the league. At RotoBaller's WR26, Evans is an underrated bounceback candidate in 2026 drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tre Tucker a Best-Ball Option Who Could Find a Role in Lineup Leagues
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker led the team with 696 receiving yards in 2025, taking advantage of a depth chart that saw Jakobi Meyers traded away after Week 9 and All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers in and out of the lineup with a knee injury. With free agent receiver Jalen Nailor representing the most notable addition to the pass-catching group, Tucker should again be a featured piece of the Raiders offense under new head coach and playcaller Klint Kubiak. As offensive coordinator for the Seahawks, Kubiak was able to scheme up splash plays through heavy play-action usage, making Tucker a particularly interesting dart throw in best ball formats, though he could work his way into weekly flex discussions if Vegas can find cohesion under veteran Kirk Cousins and later first overall pick Fernando Mendoza. At RotoBaller's WR65, Tucker is likely to begin the year on waivers in many leagues, but he is a player to monitor throughout training camp, as his big-play ability can rack up fantasy points in a hurry.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Fantasy Expectations Low for Jack Bech's Second Season
Unable to rise to a position of relevance on a lackluster depth chart, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech disappointed as a rookie, finishing his first season with only 224 yards on 20 scoreless receptions. A second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Bech was held outside the team's top five in all major receiving categories, and although the team made minimal improvements to a room that was led by Tre Tucker's 696 receiving yards, fantasy expectations remain low for the second-year player. Vegas signed former Viking Jalen Nailor to a three-year deal, and he is expected to form a tandem with Tucker in a Klint Kubiak passing offense likely to run through tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty. When the Raiders take to the field for their first public training camp practice on August 2, Bech should have an advantage for what amounts to a fifth spot in the rotation, as his biggest competition will come from Dont'e Thornton Jr. and sixth-round rookie Malik Benson, but without a notable push for a regular place in two-receiver sets, he is unlikely to matter for fantasy as RotoBaller's WR96.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Darius Slayton has Shaky Long-Term Value
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton has seen his role in the offense drop in recent years. Over the last two seasons, Slayton has finished with fewer than 600 receiving yards both years. During that span, Slayton has scored a total of three touchdowns, which is fewer than in his 2023 campaign. The expectation was that Slayton would have a larger role once Malik Nabers (knee) went down, but that didn't really happen. Now, Nabers is expected to return at some point this season, and the Giants have added reinforcements. They've signed Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin III, and Odell Beckham Jr. this offseason. The Giants also drafted Malachi Field in the third-round of this year's draft. There's becoming too many bodies in New York and not enough targets for everyone. The 29-year-old may get lost in the shuffle with all the new weapons for Jaxson Dart in 2026.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Keaton Mitchell Could be Low-Cost Trade Target
Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell could be primed for a breakout campaign in 2026. Due to injuries and Derrick Henry, Mitchell wasn't able to fully unleash his skillset during his time in Baltimore. The 24-year-old has now moved on and signed a two-year deal with the Chargers this offseason. Mitchell has a clearer path to carries with Omarion Hampton as the only other legitimate threat on the roster. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel wasn't afraid to pound the ball with De'Von Achane in Miami. He has a few viable options in Hampton, Mitchell, and Kimani Vidal in Los Angeles. If Mitchell can prove he's healthy, there's a good chance he becomes the change-of-pace back behind Hampton. His fantasy value is likely only going to rise, so fantasy managers should target him now as a low-cost option before the season begins.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Jonathon Brooks Sees ADP Skyrocket
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks hasn't been much of a thought to fantasy managers over the last few seasons. In fact, Brooks hasn't played in a game since making three appearances during the 2024 season. The former second-round pick has been sidelined since then due to two knee injuries. The hope is that Brooks can put the knee injuries behind him and return to form in 2026. If healthy, there is a clear path for Brooks to become the No. 1 back in Carolina. Rico Dowdle is no longer with the team, and Chuba Hubbard is looking to bounce back after a lackluster 2025 season. The expectation is that Brooks will get a real chance to prove he's capable of being the top back in Carolina. He's only 23 years old and was an unstoppable force during his college days at Texas. Given the Panthers lack of depth at the position, it's not surprising to see Brooks ADP skyrocketing this offseason.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
DK Metcalf Likely to See Decreased Role
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf might be trending in the wrong direction in 2026. Metcalf was a two-time Pro Bowler in Seattle before getting traded to the Steelers ahead of the 2025 campaign. Metcalf was underutilized in Pittsburgh with 59 receptions, which was his lowest since his rookie season. He also finished with a career-low 850 receiving yards across 15 games with the Steelers. Metcalf was the top option in Pittsburgh and saw a team-high 99 targets last season. It doesn't help his case that 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers is under center again this season. The Steelers have also added Michael Pittman Jr. and drafted Germie Bernard in the second round of this year's draft. Metcalf has more competition for targets and the same quarterback as the season before. This is a recipe for Metcalf's stats to decline again in 2026.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Jordan Whitehead Fully Cleared to Resume his Career
Veteran free-agent safety Jordan Whitehead (neck) has been fully cleared to resume his football career after having neck surgery by Alex Vaccaro, his surgeon and the Philadelphia Eagles' spine specialist, according to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. Whithead had recent workouts with the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans and is expected to meet with other teams soon. The 29-year-old former fourth-rounder by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018 out of the University of Pittsburgh suffered a serious neck injury in a car accident in January of 2025 and was forced to miss all of last season. In 2024 with the Bucs, Whitehead had 79 tackles (49 solo) and three pass breakups in 12 regular-season starts in his seventh year in the NFL. In his seven years in the league, Whitehead has been a strong tackler at the strong safety position, never having fewer than 69 combined tackles in a season while also racking up 11 total interceptions and 45 pass breakups in his 105 games played (101 starts). It remains to be seen if he'll land a starting role with a new team in 2026.
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Tucker Kraft Could Open Training Camp on the PUP List
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) could begin on the Physically Unable to Perform list to open training camp in less than 10 days, according to Jason Wilde of Channel 3000. "The guess here is that he won't set foot on Ray Nitschke Field without a new deal in place," writes Wilde. Kraft is entering the final year of his four-year, $5.54 million rookie contract, and the Packers also hope to get an extension done with him early in camp, according to Jordan Schultz. He's slated to earn a $3.624 million base salary in 2026, which makes him the 36th-highest-paid TE in the league. Kraft will most likely be eased into camp, but all expectations are that he will be a full-go for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Sept. 13 against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings. Before tearing the ACL in his right knee on Nov. 2 against the Carolina Panthers in 2025, Kraft was arguably the best TE in the league, catching 32 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns on 44 targets in eight games. We'll be tracking Kraft's progress closely this summer, and if fully healthy, he will have a high ceiling as a high-end TE1 in fantasy.
Source: Channel 3000 - Jason Wilde
Source: Channel 3000 - Jason Wilde
Bucky Irving Says he'll be Ready for Training Camp
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving told Mark Skol Jr. of FOX 13 News on Monday at his annual youth football camp that he will be good to go for the start of training camp. The Bucs could ease Irving into drills early in camp after he had offseason surgery on his shoulder, but barring a setback this summer, he should be a full-go for the start of the 2026 regular season in early September. The 23-year-old former fourth-rounder in 2024 out of the University of Oregon had 1,122 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns on 207 carries in his rookie campaign, but he played in only 10 games in his sophomore season in 2025 due to injury and finished with a disappointing 588 yards and a touchdown on the ground on 173 rushing attempts, adding 30 receptions for 277 yards and three more TDs. Irving should be healthy, but he should be considered an injury risk as a low-end RB2 in fantasy football drafts going into Year 3, especially since Kenny Gainwell figures to factor in heavily on passing downs in Tampa's new offense in 2026. RotoBaller has Irving ranked as the No. 25 fantasy RB right now.
Source: FOX 13 News - Mark Skol Jr.
Source: FOX 13 News - Mark Skol Jr.
Deebo Samuel Sr. Is a Hold Until His Landing Spot Is Clear
Free-agent wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. remains unsigned after a useful season that also showed how much his fantasy profile has changed. He caught 72 of 99 targets for 727 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games with Washington, adding 75 yards and another score on 17 carries. The 72 receptions were the second-most of his career. The 10.1 yards per catch were his lowest. Injuries elsewhere in the Commanders receiving corps pushed Samuel into more work than originally planned, and he handled it without recapturing his old ceiling. He has not reached 900 receiving yards since 2021, while the rushing workload that once separated him has continued to shrink. Samuel is now 30, and his next offense matters more than his name. A team could still make good use of him on underneath targets and designed touches, but there is no weekly role to project until he signs. Rebuilders should not give him away while his value is depressed. Contenders should not buy on reputation alone. Hold for now, then reassess once his team and role become clear.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Elic Ayomanor Faces a Tougher Path to a Second-Year Breakout
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor earned real playing time as a rookie, which is why he should not be written off after one offseason. He started 14 games, played 787 offensive snaps, and drew 89 targets. The result was 41 catches for 515 yards and four touchdowns. That is a useful foundation for a fourth-round pick, even if a 46.1% catch rate and 5.8 yards per target show how little of the volume became dependable production. Tennessee then made the room much harder to climb. Carnell Tate arrived as the fourth overall pick, Wan'Dale Robinson signed in free agency, and Calvin Ridley and Chimere Dike remain in the picture. Ayomanor flashed during spring work, but Robinson and Dike finished with more momentum, while Xavier Restrepo led the open practices in catches. Ayomanor is only 23 and already has a full season of NFL routes behind him. That keeps him rosterable. It does not make him a buy. Contenders cannot count on a weekly role, and rebuilders should wait through camp rather than pay for a breakout that now requires several things to break right.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Allgeier Retains Useful Dynasty Value in a Secondary Role
Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier did not sign in March expecting to remain in the same type of role he had in Atlanta. The third overall pick changed that quickly. Jeremiyah Love is expected to lead the backfield, with Allgeier and James Conner behind him as the other likely game-day options. That leaves a crowded path, but Allgeier still has a role worth tracking. He rushed for 514 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns on 143 carries last season, even though his 3.6 yards per attempt was the lowest mark of his career. The larger sample is steadier. Allgeier has averaged 4.3 yards per carry across four seasons, topped 1,000 yards as a rookie, and missed only one game since entering the league. Arizona also gave him a two-year contract rather than a short-term camp deal. Love owns the greater ceiling, while Conner overlaps with Allgeier as a physical runner. Even so, short-yardage work and injuries could pull Allgeier into useful weeks. Rebuilders do not need to chase a 26-year-old reserve. Contenders can hold him as a proven back who does not need a full workload to score.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kenny Gainwell Can Establish a Meaningful Role in the Early Days of Training Camp
Veteran running back Kenny Gainwell led the Pittsburgh Steelers with 73 receptions in 2025 on his way to an RB20 finish, and in signing a two-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason, he inherits a role that saw Rachaad White average nearly 56 targets per year over the past four seasons. After splitting the Steelers' backfield with do-it-all back Jaylen Warren, he will now form a tandem with third-year pro Bucky Irving, another player capable of contributing both on the ground and through the air. Irving struggled through an injury-marred sophomore campaign and was not present for minicamp as he recovered from offseason shoulder surgery. The expectation is that he will return at some point during training camp, but with his timeline still not fully clear, Gainwell could have the opportunity to build an early chemistry with the first-team offense when padded practices commence at the end of the month. At RotoBaller's RB36, Gainwell's standalone receiving work will keep him in the weekly flex conversation, but if at any point he's tasked with handling a larger role, he could prove to be a steal in 2026 drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
