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MarQuel Mederos An Underdog At UFC Sacramento
MarQuel Mederos will aim to bounce back in the win column when he faces off against Mason Jones on the main card of UFC Sacramento on Saturday. Mederos was last seen in the Octagon in April at UFC 327, where he fought Chris Padilla to a majority draw. Mederos has had four fights in the UFC thus far, going 3-0-1. DraftKings sees Mederos as the underdog with a salary of $7,200.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Mason Jones Looks To Extend His Win Streak To Eight
Mason Jones will look to extend his win streak to eight when he takes on MarQuel Mederos on the main card of UFC Sacramento on Saturday. Jones was last seen in action in March at UFC London, where he extended his win streak by beating Axel Sola via unanimous decision. After going 1-2 in his first stint in the promotion, Jones is currently riding a three-fight win streak. DraftKings sees Jones as a big favorite with a salary of $9,000.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Jalen Hurts Set to Target Middle of the Field More Often in 2026
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts "will target the middle of the field" in new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion's system, per Zach Berman of The Athletic. Hurts has been extremely effective at protecting the football in the passing game over the past two seasons, throwing just 11 interceptions over his last 31 regular-season games. However, he averaged a career-low 7.1 yards per pass attempt in 2025 and has frequently drawn criticism for being too dependent on hitting deep passes outside the numbers. While Hurts' interception rate may spike if he's more aggressive over the middle, it could lead to more overall efficiency for both him and the Eagles' offense as a whole. The 28-year-old's fantasy value remains heavily tied to his ability to produce as a rusher. Still, pass-game improvements would clearly help Hurts' overall production and provide him with more touchdown-scoring opportunities. RotoBaller ranks Hurts as the QB5 for redraft leagues entering 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Makai Lemon Still Expected to Have a Major Role in Eagles Passing Game
Philadelphia Eagles rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon (hamstring) is expected to have a major role in the team's passing game, according to Zach Berman of The Athletic. The 20th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Lemon has missed a large portion of training camp with a hamstring injury and just recently returned to practice in a limited capacity. Still, Berman writes that Lemon is expected to be one of Philly's top three wide receivers alongside DeVonta Smith and Dontayvion Wicks, and that the team believes the rookie can stay up to speed even without on-field work. Following their offseason trade of wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots, the Eagles have a significant level of pass-catching production to backfill in 2026. As long as he can stay healthy from here on out, Lemon could be a major part of that effort. In leagues where his value may be dropping due to injury concerns, Lemon could be a solid buy-low target for fantasy managers.
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Source: The Athletic - Zach Berman
Camden Brown "Seems Like a Lock" to Make Cowboys Roster
Dallas Cowboys rookie Camden Brown has made highlight catches "pretty much every practice" and "seems like a lock" to make the team's 53-man roster, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. An undrafted free agent signee out of Georgia Southern, Brown recorded 65 catches for 1,079 yards and 14 touchdowns across 13 games in his final collegiate season. He was one of the stars of Dallas' first preseason game last Saturday, catching three passes for 62 yards and two touchdowns. Between wideouts CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Ryan Flournoy, and KaVontae Turpin, the Cowboys have both high-end talent and depth in their wide receiver room. Still, it appears that Brown is forcing his way into the discussion in Dallas with his play so far this summer. Particularly in deeper leagues and dynasty formats, Brown could be a name for fantasy managers to be aware of entering 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Junior Tuihalamaka Commits to LSU
Former Notre Dame defensive tackle Junior Tuihalamaka has committed to LSU. Tuihalamaka was granted a fifth year of eligibility just a couple of days ago with the recent Louisiana court ruling, and Marcus Freeman just stated today that the Fighting Irish would not be taking him back. Tuihalamaka recorded a sack and 12 tackles last season as a rotational edge rusher. He joins a deep LSU defensive line where he will likely play a similar role once he is up to speed.
Source: Pete Thamel
Source: Pete Thamel
Israel Abanikanda Exceeding Expectations in Cowboys Camp
Dallas Cowboys running back Israel Abanikanda has exceeded expectations in training camp so far, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. Abanikanda has not appeared in an NFL game since his rookie season in 2023, when he recorded 113 scrimmage yards on 29 touches across six games with the New York Jets. He spent the final portion of the 2025 season on the Cowboys' practice squad and is now competing for a spot on the team's 53-man roster this summer. Dallas has a clear leader in the backfield in running back Javonte Williams. However, the team's RB2 job appears to be an open competition between Jaydon Blue (shoulder), Malik Davis, and Phil Mafah. With all three of those players largely unproven as NFL contributors, Abanikanda may have a chance to work his way into the mix for the Cowboys. In deeper league formats, Abanikanda may be a name for fantasy managers to keep an eye on throughout the remainder of the preseason.
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Ollie Gordon II Has Earned Another Look in Deeper Drafts
Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II has at least made the backup race worth watching again. Gordon was rough as a rookie, finishing with 199 yards and three touchdowns on 70 carries, but his first preseason showing was much better. The 6-foot-2, 225-pound back ran seven times for 39 yards against Washington while splitting reserve work with Jaylen Wright. Miami still lists Wright second behind De'Von Achane and Gordon third, so one good night hasn't changed the depth chart. The roles are different, too. Miami used Gordon more in short-yardage situations last season, while Wright was the back asked to fill in for Achane. That probably keeps Gordon from being a clean handcuff even if he keeps running well. RotoBaller has him 309th overall in its Aug. 19 PPR rankings, which is deep-draft territory. Gordon isn't a standard-league target yet, but after a better start to this preseason, he's at least earned another look in deeper formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Quincy Porter Remains Injured, Unlikely to Play Week 1
Notre Dame wide receiver Quincy Porter remains "a couple of weeks out" as he recovers from a January surgery on his left patellar tendon. Porter reportedly had a minor procedure today with the hope of getting him back sooner, but a return for Week 1 seems unlikely at this point. In his place, Micah Gilbert looks to be running with the starting unit. Porter was a five-star recruit, but only caught four passes for 59 yards at Ohio State last season before transferring to Notre Dame.
Source: South Bend Tribune
Source: South Bend Tribune
Garrett Oakley Making Noise for Kansas State
Veteran tight end Garrett Oakley has been making noise this fall for Kansas State as the Wildcats transition to a new era under Colin Klein. Offensive coordinator Sean Gleeson said that Oakley is a player who always plays "extremely hard and [is] always looking to block someone down the field." Oakley has 71 receptions for 779 yards and 13 touchdowns in his three year career, and very well could emerge as the top target for Avery Johnson this fall after the departure of Jayce Brown to LSU.
Source: On3
Source: On3
DeAndre Hopkins Reunion With Texans Not Expected
A return to Houston apparently isn't in the cards for free-agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The Texans are looking around for receiver help after losing Jayden Higgins for the season, but Aaron Wilson reports that they aren't expected to pursue a reunion with Hopkins. The 34-year-old spent his first seven NFL seasons in Houston, though things look much different now. Hopkins joined Georgia Tech's staff as an assistant wide receivers coach earlier this month after catching 22 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns with Baltimore last season. He hasn't officially retired and made a point of saying so after taking the coaching job. That leaves open the possibility of playing again somewhere, just apparently not with the team that drafted him. There isn't much reason for fantasy managers to count on any 2026 production.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
Rashod Bateman Emerges in Houston's Receiver Search
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman has come up in Houston's search for outside help after Jayden Higgins' season-ending injury. Aaron Wilson reports that the Texans have made exploratory trade calls about Bateman, but there is no indication that Baltimore is shopping him. Bateman is under contract through 2029 after signing a three-year, $36.75 million extension last offseason, and the Ravens are finding different ways to use him in their new offense. The 26-year-old said earlier this month that he's moving around more under offensive coordinator Declan Doyle after feeling like a one-dimensional receiver in the past. Bateman is trying to rebound from a rough 2025 season in which he caught 19 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns. He had 756 yards and nine scores the year before. Houston's interest is still in the exploratory stage, but Bateman would be a much more established addition than a typical depth signing if talks ever went anywhere.
Source: Aaron Wilson
Source: Aaron Wilson
Trent Hendrick Likely Headed to UCLA
Former James Madison linebacker Trent Hendrick was one of the players who was granted a fifth year in a recent Louisiana court ruling. Hendrick was the Sun Belt Defensive Player of the Year last year, playing a key role in JMU's run to the College Football Playoff. He recorded 85 tackles, six sacks, and three forced fumbles a year ago. Hendrick is reportedly leaning towards teaming up with former head coach Bob Chesney at UCLA, instantly filling a similar role to the one he held last season.
Source: On3
Source: On3
TJ Harden Receiving Interest from 4+ Schools
Former Seattle Seahawks, UCLA, and SMU running back TJ Harden was one of the players who was granted a fifth year of eligibility from a recent Louisiana court ruling. After playing in Seattle's preseason game last weekend, Harden was cut from the Seahawks and begin to seek a fifth year of college. He ran for 787 yards and nine touchdowns last season, and is a very capable college-level back. Harden is reportedly receiving interest from Kentucky, Kansas, Baylor, and Syracuse. He would be an instant contributor at all four programs.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Thomas Castellanos Granted Fifth-Year of Eligibility, Expected to Land at Texas Tech
Former Boston College and Florida State quarterback Thomas Castellanos has been granted a temporary restraining order, giving him a fifth year of eligibility. Castellanos now has the option to enter the transfer portal, and Stewart Mandel of The Athletic believes he will land at Texas Tech. Castellanos has tons of experience at the collegiate level, throwing for 6,449 yards, 48 touchdowns, and 28 interceptions in his career. He started the bulk of games for Florida State last season, finishing 5-7 after an impressive win over Alabama in Week 1. Should he land at Texas Tech, he would likely open the season behind Will Hammond, who is recovering from a torn ACL. The Red Raiders have a hole at quarterback after the fallout from the Brendan Sorsby situation, and Castellanos would step in as an experienced veteran.
Source: The Athletic
Source: The Athletic
