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Is Malachi Fields Set for Large Role with Giants?
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields could potentially earn a large role for the Giants in 2026. The Giants' depth chart currently lists Malik Nabers andDarius Slayton as the starting wide receiver duo, with Calvin Austin III and Darnell Mooney also listed ahead of Fields. Fields is also competing with veteran Odell Beckham Jr. for snaps. However, recent reports indicate that Fields may actually operate as the No. 2 wide receiver for New York. According to SNY, the 6-foot-4, 222-pound Fields has worked his way up the depth chart and will work in tandem with Nabers. Fields recorded three receptions for 34 yards and a touchdown in his preseason debut against the Minnesota Vikings. The third-round pick out of Notre Dame is currently a promising dynasty prospect, while he is rostered in just 6% of dynasty leagues. He is a name to watch in standard leagues moving forward.
Source: SNY
Source: SNY
Germie Bernard Impresses During Preseason, Looks to Earn Role in Pittsburgh's Offense
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard impressed throughout the preseason, recording five catches (on eight targets) for 64 yards (12.8 yards per catch) and a touchdown during the preseason. Two of his five receptions went for first downs. Pittsburgh's depth chart currently lists DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson as its starting wide receiver trio. Still, Bernard is expected to be involved in the passing game alongside quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers recently spoke about the process, including the mental aspects, that Bernard and the young receivers will need to learn as the 2026 season quickly approaches. Pittsburgh selected the 6-foot-1, 206-pound Bernard out of Alabama in the second round (47th overall pick) of the 2026 NFL Draft. Bernard is a strong dynasty league play, but he is currently rostered in just 2% of Yahoo leagues. Bernard ranks as RotoBaller's No. 80 receiver (Half-PPR).
Source: https://www.steelers.com/news/rodgers-reviews-progress-for-pass-catchers-and-fellow-passers
Source: https://www.steelers.com/news/rodgers-reviews-progress-for-pass-catchers-and-fellow-passers
Tyjae Spears Could Lose Touches
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears could see a reduced role in the backfield this upcoming season. The Titans added more competition in the backfield by selecting Nicholas Singleton in the fifth-round of this year's draft. The expectation is that Tony Pollard will lead the charge, while Spears is the second string, and Singleton begins the season behind them. It might not take too long before Singleton jumps Spears on the depth chart. Spears produced a solid rookie campaign in 2023, but he hasn't been anything special on the field since then. For now, Spears is the No. 2 option in Tennessee, but fantasy managers can't confidently play Spears as an RB3 every week.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Braelon Allen Could be Interesting Handcuff Option
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen is expected to have a larger role in the offense this upcoming season. Allen was forced to miss 13 games last year due to an MCL injury. The 22-year-old is healthy now and is expected to be the primary backup to Breece Hall (groin) in the backfield. Allen is viewed as a dual-threat back who can contribute as a runner and a pass-catcher in the backfield. Sadly, fantasy managers weren't able to see what he could do last season. Hall is already banged up coming into the season, so it wouldn't be shocking to see the Jets wanting to slightly lower his workload. If he plays well, Allen could carve out a legitimate role for himself in the Jets' backfield this upcoming season.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Hunter Henry is Likely to Play a Key Part in the Offense
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry quietly put together a top-10 season at his position in 2025. The Patriots made some offensive upgrades this offseason, but Henry is expected to remain a focal point. Over the offseason, the Pats added wide receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs. The assumption is that Henry will take a backseat to them, but that might not be the case. Henry has finished with 60 or more receptions during his first two seasons with Drake Maye under center. The two of them clearly have good chemistry, which is something you don't mess with. According to Mark Daniels of MassLive.com, Henry is expected to be a key part of the Patriots' offense next season. It's unclear if he'll post another top-10 season, but he should be a viable option.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Chimere Dike Could Get Lost in the Shuffle
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike is hopeful to build off a decent rookie campaign. Last season, Dike hauled in 48 receptions with 423 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 17 games. Those stats were good enough to finish as the WR50, but Dike could be trending downward now. The Titans made significant upgrades to their offense this past offseason with Wan'Dale Robinson and drafting Carnell Tate in the first round. Dike might end up as the fourth or fifth wideout on this roster, which doesn't bode well for his fantasy value. The 24-year-old could be worth holding in dynasty leagues, but Dike isn't someone who must be selected in redraft formats.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Tory Horton Injury Concerns Could Lower His Value
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton has missed part of training camp due to an undisclosed injury. Head coach Mike Macdonald recently told the media that Horton isn't dealing with a significant injury. The Seahawks haven't given much information on this situation, which is concerning for fantasy managers. It sounds like Horton is going to be fine for the season opener against the New England Patriots. The 23-year-old finished with 13 receptions for 161 receiving yards and five touchdowns in eight games last season. The expectation is that Horton will step into a bigger role this season, but the injury bug is something fantasy managers should be aware of with Horton.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Parker Washington Seeking New Contract in Jacksonville
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington, who has had a tremendous training camp this summer after a strong 2025 season, is seeking a new contract with the team as he gets set to enter the final season of his rookie contract in 2026. Washington has developed excellent chemistry with quarterback Trevor Lawrence and has become his trusted safety valve, and because of that, he wants to be compensated accordingly. Washington and the Jaguars' front office have been in communication. There is a chance that something between the two sides gets done before Week 1 of the regular season, and the 24-year-old would prefer to get it done before then and not have talks linger into the regular season. Fowler adds that the Jaguars would be comfortable continuing talks into the season. Washington is likely comparing himself to Arizona Cardinals wideout Michael Wilson, who just got $25 million a year from the Cardinals in a new deal. After catching 58 of 95 targets for 847 yards and five touchdowns in 16 regular-season games in 2025, Washington is rising up fantasy draft boards this year as a WR3/flex with upside going into his fourth year in the NFL.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Harrison Smith Returns to Minnesota on One-Year Deal
Minnesota Vikings legend Harrison Smith is returning to the Vikings for a 15th season, signing a one-year deal worth $12.25 million on Saturday, according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network. The six-time Pro Bowler and former All-Pro has a maximum value of $16.25 million with playoff incentives. The Vikings released the 37-year-old safety back in March with a post-June 1 designation to avoid a $25 million base salary guarantee of his contract in 2026. The former first-rounder back in 2012 from Notre Dame is no longer in his prime, but he will return to the Vikes for one more season as a valuable veteran defensive back. In 15 games with the Vikings last year in his 14th NFL season, Smith had 54 tackles (37 solo), one sack, two interceptions, 10 pass breakups, a forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. Smith made five straight Pro Bowl appearances from 2015 to 2019 and has only played for Minnesota in his 15-year career. He has racked up 1,180 combined tackles, 21.5 sacks, 39 interceptions, and 106 pass breakups in 207 regular-season games.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Wan'Dale Robinson a PPR Sleeper with Large Target Share Expected
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson currently has an ADP of 130.8, and he's emerging as a potential sleeper in PPR leagues because of his anticipated role. Robinson is coming off a fantastic season with the Giants, catching 92 of his 140 targets for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns. He's not a major threat for otherworldly yardage or touchdown totals, but he was peppered with targets in New York, and that trend should continue in Tennessee. First of all, the Titans gave him a four-year, $78 million contract, demonstrating a financial commitment to getting him heavily involved, especially as rookie Carnell Tate adjusts to the NFL. Furthermore, Robinson's new offensive coordinator in Tennessee is Brian Daboll, who was the Giants' head coach for the first portion of last season. Assuming Daboll's Titans offense looks similar to his Giants offense, Robinson should continue to fetch a very high target share, making him a very appealing target in PPR leagues, especially at his current ADP. Robinson has top-25 receiver upside after finishing as the WR14 last year, yet he's being drafted as the WR46 this year. That's a major discrepancy and could be an opportunity for managers to get a steal in the 10th round of fantasy drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyle Williams Trending Up After Big Preseason
New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams is trending up in fantasy football after stringing together three impressive preseason games. The Washington State product scored a touchdown in all three contests, and he totaled six catches for 166 yards despite playing limited snaps. The Patriots have A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs firmly entrenched as their top two wide receivers, but Williams could push for the No. 3 receiver role, especially after Kayshon Boutte was traded to Houston last month. The 23-year-old is looking to build off his three-touchdown season as a rookie last year. He ranks as the WR119 in RotoBaller's redraft rankings, but he could get onto the fantasy radar by midseason, especially if either Brown or Doubs miss any time.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Rodgers Holds Deep-League Appeal with Improved Supporting Cast
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has emerged as a viable fantasy option in deeper leagues this season. Rodgers lacks true rushing upside, and he's certainly past his peak even as a passer. After all, he has confirmed that the 2026 season will be his last. Nevertheless, he continues to hold deep-league appeal, given the Steelers' improved wide receiver room. Pittsburgh made a diligent effort to improve its pass-catching unit this offseason, acquiring Michael Pittman Jr. from the Indianapolis Colts. Pittman is coming off a WR18 finish, fueled by 80 catches and seven touchdowns. The unit also features DK Metcalf, who is back for his second year in Pittsburgh after catching 59 passes for 850 yards and six touchdowns in 2025. Beyond the receiver room, Rodgers should also get support in the passing game from Jaylen Warren and Pat Freiermuth. As it stands, the veteran quarterback ranks as the QB27 in RotoBaller's latest redraft rankings. He currently has an ADP of 218.7, which means he'll be available on the waiver wire in many leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Keon Coleman's Stock Falling After Injury During Camp
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman's stock is falling in fantasy football, partly due to an injury that slowed him down during training camp. Coleman suffered a right foot/toe injury during the Bills' preseason opener on Aug. 15, and although he did get back on the practice field this past week, his abbreviated training camp will likely hurt his stock at the start of the season. It's an unfortunate setback for the former Florida State receiver, who was already trending down after a frustrating 2025 season that included multiple non-injury-related absences. Coleman will try to dig his way out of the doghouse with new head coach Joe Brady, but first, he needs to get back up to game speed. He also needs to prove himself worthy of playing time in a wide receiver room that features DJ Moore, Khalil Shakir, Josh Palmer, and Skyler Bell. As it stands, Coleman is RotoBaller's WR117 in the latest redraft rankings. He can be avoided in 16-round fantasy drafts in leagues with 16 or fewer teams.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jack Bech Set for a Starting Role in Second Season
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech is expected to occupy a starting role this season. Bech should consistently handle a large snap share as the team's primary slot receiver, playing alongside Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor. Bech finished his rookie season last year with a modest 20 catches for 224 receiving yards, but he had an impressive stretch near the end of the year, catching 12 passes for 132 yards across four games. The state of the Raiders' offense this year remains a question mark with Kirk Cousins starting at quarterback, but Bech's role as the starting slot receiver should get him on the fantasy radar in deeper leagues. Plus, if the Raiders do find themselves playing from behind often, they'll likely pass the football more, which benefits Bech. At the moment, he ranks as RotoBaller's WR114 in redraft leagues. He has an ADP of 274.8, which makes him the 100th receiver off the board in fantasy drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dylan Sampson a Handcuff with Pass-Catching Upside
Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson enters the 2026 season as a solid handcuff in fantasy football, but he also has a chance to carve out standalone value with his pass-catching ability. Sampson was limited to just 175 rushing yards across 15 games in his role behind Quinshon Judkins last year, but he made an impact as a receiver with 33 catches, 271 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns. Judkins will occupy the lead-back role again this year, but he may not play every down, opening the door for Sampson to get targets specifically on third downs. Plus, if Judkins were to miss any time due to injury, Sampson would step into the lead-back role. As it stands, he's the RB55 in RotoBaller's latest redraft fantasy football rankings. He has an ADP of 168.4, which corresponds to the 14th round and makes him the 53rd running back off the board.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
