RADIO
Dolphins D/ST Can Be a Streaming Option vs. the Raiders
The Miami Dolphins' defense and special teams unit will have real streaming upside as a top-10 unit in Week 1, when they visit the Raiders in Las Vegas. Last season, the Dolphins ranked in the middle of the pack with 39 sacks and 20 takeaways. They added cornerback Chris Johnson in the first round of the NFL Draft and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez in the second round, giving them some good young talent alongside pass rushers Chop Robinson, Zach Sieler, and Josh Uche. The Raiders were the best matchup in the NFL for D/ST last season, and even with Kirk Cousins now leading the offense, the Dolphins should be in a favorable spot to make some plays. They aren't a week-to-week starting option, but for this matchup, they check in as the No. 9 DST in RotoBaller's rankings, meaning they can be a solid plug-and-play option from the waiver wire because of the matchup in Vegas.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tetairoa McMillan in a Smash Spot Against the Bears in Week 1
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is set up for a strong Week 1 against a banged-up Chicago Bears secondary in Week 1. The Bears will be without safety Coby Bryant and cornerback Kyle Gordon for the regular-season opener and allowed the third most fantasy points to wideouts last season. Coming off an impressive rookie campaign where McMillan caught 70 passes for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 games, the 23-year-old took home the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. According to ESPN's Mike Kaye, McMillan will be used more in the slot in 2026, and Carolina wants to use the second-year wideout's size and strength to get the ball to him more in the middle of the field. McMillan is ranked as RotoBaller's WR23 in PPR formats, and fantasy managers should roll with him in all leagues as a borderline WR2 against the Bears in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Coker Becomes a Strong FLEX Option in Week 1 Vs. the Bears
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker will look to keep things going in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears after an impressive Wild Card round performance against the Rams last season. Coker caught nine passes for 134 yards and a touchdown in the Panthers' lone playoff game. Overall, he caught 33 passes for 394 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games. The 24-year-old signed a three-year, $35 million extension this offseason and is expected to be a big part of Carolina's offense this season. Coker will look to stay hot and has a great matchup against a banged-up Chicago defense that allowed the third most fantasy points to wideouts last season. The Bears defense will also be down two starters in the secondary with safety Coby Bryant and cornerback Kyle Gordon ruled out. He enters as RotoBaller's WR47 and ranks 93rd in our top 200 FLEX rankings. With the positive matchup and his strong connection with quarterback Bryce Young, Coker is a strong FLEX option heading into Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jonathan Taylor is a Top-Tier Start in Week 1
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is a high-end RB1 to start the 2026 season against the Baltimore Ravens at home in Week 1. Interestingly, the Week 1 matchup featuring Taylor (1,585 rushing yards in 2025) and Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (1,595) 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. Last year, the Ravens' defense ranked 18th against the run, and they will again be without defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) this Sunday, which bodes well for Taylor if he runs between the tackles. In 2025, Taylor had a 56% inside-the-tackles rushing rate, his lowest since 2021, and he faced a stacked box only 17.6% of the time, one of the lowest of all qualified rushers in 2025. Taylor, who led all running backs last year in rushing attempts (323), should dominate opportunities in the Colts' backfield, while also seeing some looks in the passing game. Last year, Taylor had a 15.9% target share and ran an average of 20 routes per game, which is a bonus for managers in PPR formats. Fantasy managers in nearly every format probably drafted Taylor in the first or early second round to be their RB1, and he is a must-start against the Ravens in Week 1.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jalen Hurts Looks to Thrive in Philadelphia's New Offense in Week 1
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts enters his seventh season in the NFL in 2026, and his first under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion - whom Hurts recently referred to as a "North Star." Hurts and the Eagles take on the NFC East rival Washington Commanders in Week 1. Hurts finished the 2025 season as the No. 9 quarterback in total fantasy points, and the No. 7 quarterback in fantasy points-per-game. He saw an increase in his passing production in 2025, as he threw for 3,224 yards and 25 touchdowns in 16 games last year (compared to 2,903 yards and 18 touchdowns in 15 games in 2024), but his rushing production decreased significantly. In 2024, Hurts amassed 631 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground, but those numbers dipped to 421 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in 2025. He only threw six interceptions last season, but he also lost four fumbles. Hurts also lost his No. 1 target from the 2025 season after the Eagles traded A.J. Brown (121 targets in 2025) to the New England Patriots in June. Hurts will rely on DeVonta Smith (who had similar production to Brown in 2025), Dontayvion Wicks, Makai Lemon, Dallas Goedert, Saquon Barkley, and others in 2026. The Commanders ranked near the bottom of the NFL in passing yards allowed per game in 2025 (242.5), checking in at 28th. Hurts ranks as RotoBaller's No. 5 quarterback heading into the 2026 campaign. He is a must-start player for Week 1 and a strong DFS option as well.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Spencer Shrader is an Overlooked Start in Week 1 with Potential Long-Term Value
Indianapolis Colts Kicker Spencer Shrader won the preseason kicking competition against Blake Grupe and will face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1. During the preseason, Shrader went five-for-five in field goals, including two from at least 60 yards, which makes him incredibly valuable for fantasy managers. Shrader had his 2025 season cut short with an ACL and MCL tear in Week 5 and was replaced by Grupe for the rest of the season, but he was 13-for-14 in field goals and 14-for-14 in extra points before going down. Because of this injury, many managers drafting in 2026 may have forgotten how dominant he was in early 2025, averaging 13 points per game in the first four weeks. Lastly, this week's game against the Ravens has one of the week's highest over/under totals at 47.5, which should translate to plenty of kicking opportunities for Shrader. More importantly, the match is at home in the controlled environment of Lucas Oil Stadium, which gives Shrader a slight edge over kickers playing outdoors. Shrader appears fully recovered and is a viable starter for the Colts and for managers in 12-person or larger leagues with kickers.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Josh Downs is an Intriguing Option for Deep Leagues in Week 1
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (calf) practiced in full all week and looks to put his minor training camp injury behind him as he goes into Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. Admittedly, Downs is coming off a rough 2025 season, setting career lows in receiving yards (566), targets (88), and receptions (58). Even though Michael Pittman Jr. moved on during the offseason, Downs will still share targets with freshly acquired veteran Keenan Allen and Alec Pierce (heel), with the latter possibly being on a snap count in Week 1. Downs showed promise last year between Weeks 6 and 9 with quarterback Daniel Jones, finishing as a WR2 in each week except for Week 7 when he was ruled out due to a concussion. Looking to this Sunday, Downs has a decent matchup against the Ravens defense, which ranked in the bottom five against wide receivers last year. However, the Ravens defense got a massive overhaul in the offseason and will almost certainly show different schemes this year under new head coach Jesse Minter. This week, Downs is Rotoballer's WR33, placing him firmly in WR3/low-end flex territory, but with high upside.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mark Andrews is Quietly a Solid Start in Week 1
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews looks to bounce back this season, and his campaign starts in Indianapolis against the Colts in Week 1. Andrews is entering the first year of his three-year, $39.3 million contract extension signed in December and is leading a rebuilt tight end room. Veteran Durham Smythe joined in the offseason, and rookies Matt Hibner and Josh Cuevas each made strong showings during the preseason. Smythe is expected to handle much of the blocking work, while the younger tight ends will develop over the course of the season. Andrews is coming off one of his worst career years, in terms of efficiency, but he had a promising camp and looks healthy heading into his ninth season with the Ravens. Last year, Andrews had a career-low 422 total yards, despite playing all 17 games, and averaged just 24.8 receiving yards per game. He also had career lows in several advanced metrics, including yards per reception (8.8), receiving EPA (-9.2), air yards per target (7.8), and yards after catch over expected (-23). However, the Colts defense was in the bottom 10 against tight ends in 2025, allowing an average of 12.6 points to the position. Andrews should fall right behind wide receiver Zay Flowers in targets on Sunday. Most importantly, the veteran tight end has established trust with quarterback Lamar Jackson, especially in the red zone, which probably makes him a low-end TE1 going into Week 1.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Zay Flowers Set to Lead Ravens Receiving Corps in Week 1
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (hamstring) is off the injury report after logging a limited practice on Wednesday and is ready to take on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1. Flowers led the Ravens in targets, receptions, and yards, and is clearly quarterback Lamar Jackson's preferred pass catcher, as he enjoyed a 25% target share in 2025. Moreover, Zay Flowers averaged 2.5 yards per route run last season, the third-most among 76 wide receivers who ran at least 300 routes, according to Next Gen Stats; only Puka Nacua (3.8) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (3.7) averaged more. However, the Colts secondary has gotten healthier over the off-season, and they boast two All-Pro cornerbacks in Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward Sr., which may hinder Flowers' ability to separate downfield. Nonetheless, fantasy managers probably drafted Flowers as their WR2, and he lands within Rotoballer's top 12, making him a borderline WR1 heading into Week 1.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Roman Wilson Has a Tough Path to Week 1 Role Despite Solid Camp
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson reportedly put together an impressive training camp, and we saw him catch three passes for 23 yards throughout the preseason. However, the current state of the Steelers' receiver room will make it very challenging for him to carve out any sort of fantasy relevance this year. Through two seasons in the NFL, Wilson has just 12 catches, 166 yards, and two touchdowns. He was buried on the depth chart last year, and even if he opens this season as the No. 3 receiver on the depth chart, he'll still be stuck behind DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. in an offense that doesn't have an absurd amount of passing volume available for its depth targets. Plus, there's a chance that Wilson could slip further down the depth chart as rookie Germie Bernard, who had five catches for 64 yards and a touchdown in the preseason, continues to acclimate to the NFL. Fantasy managers can leave Wilson on waivers in all redraft and most dynasty leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brian Thomas Jr.'s Target Share Uncertain for Week 1
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. took a major step backward in his second pro season last year, and he remains a very uncertain wide receiver for fantasy managers in 2026. Thomas went from ranking as the WR4 in 2024 to the WR44 in 2025. While he did miss three games last year, that brief absence doesn't account for the 45% reduction in receptions, 45% reduction in receiving yards, and 80% reduction in touchdowns from Year 1 to Year 2 in the NFL. More likely than not, we can blame his step backward on a mix of talent and surroundings. Not only did he look like a different, less dominant receiver last year, but he also faced more competition with Travis Hunter's arrival to the NFL, Parker Washington's breakout, and the Jaguars' midseason trade for Jakobi Meyers. Unfortunately for Thomas, those three receivers are back this year, and tight end Brenton Strange could also be on the brink of handling a larger target share. Thomas continues to be plagued by uncertainty in fantasy football, dropping him to the low-end WR3 tier for the time being.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dylan Laube Off the Fantasy Radar Entirely
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube is no longer worth rostering in fantasy football. There was a stretch where Laube had some appeal as a handcuff behind Ashton Jeanty, but he never ended up logging more than four touches in a single game last season. The New Hampshire product now has 10 career offensive touches and two career fumbles, which is not a good ratio, although it's worth noting that he has also earned plenty of returns on special teams. Laube opens the season as the No. 3 running back on the Raiders' roster, and it's hard to see him carving out any sort of offensive role behind Jeanty and up-and-coming rookie Mike Washington Jr. Both backs have generated plenty of buzz throughout the offseason, so they're both on the fantasy radar while Laube is essentially a non-factor. He can be dropped in most leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Washington Commanders D/ST Not A Recommended Option for Season Opener vs. Philly
The Washington Commanders' defense was a train wreck in 2025, allowing the most yards and the sixth most points in the league. Predictably, the team completely overhauled the defensive roster over the offseason, adding a new voice in defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, formerly the Vikings' defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator. Jones is expected to implement a Brian Flores-style scheme after working closely under him for the past few seasons. Key pieces like EDGE Odafe Oweh, LB Sonny Styles, and S Nick Cross are expected to be impactful additions, in addition to bounce-back seasons from CB Mike Sainristil and LB Frankie Luvu. This unit is still largely expected to be closer to the bottom 1, and will also face a new-look offense in Philadelphia for the season opener. Until proven otherwise, Washington's D/ST is not recommended as a starting option.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Luke McCaffrey Slipping Down the Depth Chart in New-Look Receiver Room
Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey is falling down the depth chart ahead of the 2026 NFL season, and as a result, his fantasy outlook has taken a massive hit. McCaffrey, a 2024 third-round pick out of Rice, is the brother of 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. He has never finished higher than WR108 in his two NFL seasons, and he missed eight games due to injury last season. The Commanders beefed up their wide receiver room this offseason with Stefon Diggs and Antonio Williams, who will operate behind Terry McLaurin. That leaves McCaffrey vying for the No. 4 receiver spot at best, although he's also losing ground to Dyami Brown, Treylon Burks, and Jaylin Lane. If not for his special teams value, McCaffrey would probably have found himself on the roster bubble by now. He can be dropped in all fantasy leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Drew Stevens Set to Make NFL Debut Against Eagles in Week 1
Washington Commanders rookie kicker Drew Stevens is set to make his NFL debut on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles for the season opener. Stevens, an undrafted free agent out of Iowa, beat out former 2023 third-round pick Jake Moody for Washington's kicking duties. Stevens went 4-for-5 on field goals and 2-for-2 on extra points in the preseason. Stevens was also remarkably consistent throughout training camp, making 43 of 48 field goal attempts. Attached to Jayden Daniels and Washington's offense, there could be some scoring opportunities for Stevens, putting him in streamer range for kickers in very deep leagues for Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
