RADIO
Similar Year Incoming for Tyjae Spears?
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears could be headed for more of the same in 2026. He remains the No. 2 option on the depth chart behind Tony Pollard, putting him in line to handle receiving work without a very sizable role on early downs. Across 13 games last year, Spears logged a career-low 283 rushing yards, but he did catch 45 passes for 264 receiving yards. Tennessee's offense may look a little different with Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll coaching the team and Wan'Dale Robinson and Carnell Tate added to the offense, but from a backfield perspective, not much has changed. We expect to see Tony Pollard go for another 1,000+ rushing yards and 6-8 touchdowns, leaving Spears to catch passes. The big concern is that Spears will be tough to trust week over week. Sure, he'll have some big games -- especially in PPR -- but his inconsistency will make it tough to know which weeks he's worth starting. As a result, he has a modest ranking as the RB44 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football draft rankings. At that spot, he's not quite a weekly RB3/flex, but he could certainly jump into that tier if he's playing a weaker defense or has been getting more involved in recent weeks.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Braelon Allen Developing Into a Legitimate Fantasy Option This Year
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen was a low-end handcuff in years past, but he appears to have developed into a legitimate fantasy option with potential standalone value in deeper leagues this season. Allen ran with the first-team offense when Breece Hall (groin) was sidelined, and while we do expect to see Hall back for Week 1, Allen could continue to play a role on offense. He's a versatile running back who contributes as a receiver and ball-carrier, and at 22 years old, he injects some youth into the offense while offering Hall a breather from time to time. Allen has jumped to RB64 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for 2026. If this offense starts to show any signs of life this year, we'd be intrigued by the possibility of both Hall and Allen carving out fantasy value.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
LeQuint Allen Jr. Worth Stashing in Dynasty Leagues
Jacksonville Jaguars running back LeQuint Allen Jr. (undisclosed) may be third on the depth chart, but between his age and track record, he's someone worth stashing on the bench in dynasty fantasy football leagues. Allen saw limited involvement as a rookie last year, totaling 94 rushing yards and 54 receiving yards. He faces a complicated path to meaningful playing time again in 2026, but the good news is that Travis Etienne Jr. departed in free agency, making it somewhat easier for Allen to make a positive impression. Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. project as the Jags' top two backs, but neither player has a super strong track record in Jacksonville, so we could see the team look to get Allen more involved if either (or both) of those top two ball-carriers struggle. Allen represents the youth of this backfield, and although he's the RB91 in RotoBaller's redraft rankings, he has higher upside in dynasty formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mark Andrews Looking to Overcome Poor 2025 Campaign
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews is looking to bounce back following a frustrating TE16 finish in PPR leagues last season. TE16 is nothing to scoff at, but Andrews' fantasy managers would have liked him to contribute a little more, especially after he was the TE6 in 2024. This year, he'll have a chance to return to his TE6 form. Not only is he healthy, but so is quarterback Lamar Jackson, and the duo will be under the guidance of new head coach Jesse Minter, as well as new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. Although Doyle spent last year as the Bears' OC, he was previously the Broncos' tight ends coach, so perhaps he'll be the key to getting Andrews back on track. The new coaching staff should benefit the Ravens' offense this year, which is one of the reasons why Andrews has jumped back to TE13 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Hunter Henry Expected to Play a Very Important Role Again in 2026
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry "will be important" within the team's offense this season, according to Mark Daniels of MassLive.com. "It's hard to overestimate the importance of Hunter Henry here," Daniels wrote. "He's by far the team's best tight end and once again will be a security blanket for Maye. Henry had a good summer and should be applauded for his longevity." Even at age 31 and facing new competition for targets from AJ Brown and Romeo Doubs, Henry appears on track to occupy a large role once again in 2026. He was the TE9 in PPR leagues last year, tying the best fantasy finish of his career. Along the way, he caught 60 passes for 768 yards and seven touchdowns. While there are some receivers who will push for more targets, Henry essentially has the tight end room all to himself, and he faces minimal competition there. It's not crazy to project that Henry's 2026 stats will look similar to 2025, which would make him a top-12 fantasy tight end once again.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Klint Kubiak Still Not Ready to Name a Starting QB
After the Las Vegas Raiders' preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night, head coach Klint Kubiak is still not ready to name a starting quarterback between veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie first overall pick Fernando Mendoza, according to Vincent Bonsignore of The California Post. In the 18-12 loss in Vegas, Cousins went 8-for-11 passing for 51 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions, while Mendoza went 7-for-14 for 57 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception. The Raiders were saying early in the offseason that they wanted Cousins to open the 2026 season as the starter to give Mendoza a chance to adapt to the speed of the pro game and to get more comfortable running an offense under center. However, Mendoza's quick development in training camp has opened the door for him to seize the job in Week 1. In three preseason games, the former Indiana star went 25-for-45 for 240 yards, one touchdown, and two picks. Whoever wins the starting job at QB in Vegas will be a low-end QB2 option for fantasy managers in superflex leagues.
Source: The California Post - Vincent Bonsignore
Source: The California Post - Vincent Bonsignore
Kaleb Johnson Projected to be Released by Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson is projected to be released within the upcoming weeks, according to a 53-man roster prediction from Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. "Moving on from a third-round pick just one year after he was drafted would be a tough look for the Steelers," DeFabo wrote. "However, that possibility is looking increasingly likely." Johnson was essentially nonexistent on offense as a rookie last year, and he struggled this preseason to the tune of 57 rushing yards on 17 carries (3.1 YPC). Those are subpar numbers, especially for a once-highly-touted running back going up against reserve defenders. DeFabo notes that in addition to the offensive shortcomings, Johnson is replaceable on special teams. He projected that Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle will handle almost all of the offensive snaps, while Travis Homer makes the team as the No. 3 running back with plenty of experience and talent on special teams. If that is the case, Johnson will be the odd man out just one year after being a Day 3 pick. He's tough to trust in dynasty leagues, and he should be avoided in all redraft formats.
Source: Mike DeFabo
Source: Mike DeFabo
Skyler Bell Breaks Out in First Taste of Preseason Action
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Skyler Bell made his preseason debut on Thursday, catching seven of his 10 targets for 49 receiving yards. He also had a 28-yard rushing touchdown. In total, the UConn product tallied eight touches, 77 scrimmage yards, and one trip to the end zone. As a fourth-round pick, Bell never really faced much concern about his ability to make the roster. Still, it was encouraging to see him contribute, especially after he missed the first two weeks of the preseason due to a lower-body injury. In addition to putting impressive numbers on the stat sheet, Bell showed that he's healthy enough to play in Week 1 of the regular season, barring a setback. He projects as the No. 5 receiver on Buffalo's depth chart, and he's currently off the redraft radar as the WR119 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football draft rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Luke Floriea Making a Late Push for a Roster Spot
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Luke Floriea caught three of his five targets for 29 yards and two touchdowns during Thursday's preseason finale against the New England Patriots. Floriea has been very impressive lately, catching three touchdown passes over the last two games. The 24-year-old is a former undrafted free agent from Kent State who spent most of 2025 on the practice squad. Often, players who get a ton of reps in Week 3 of the preseason are projected cuts, but Floriea's recent streak of success might just be enough to get him a roster spot, especially after more targets opened up following the release of Cedric Tillman. If he does make the 53-man roster, though, he'll be buried on the depth chart and can be avoided in all fantasy football leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dillon Gabriel Solidifies Himself as QB3 with Big Night
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel completed 12 of 15 pass attempts for 186 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions during Thursday's preseason win over the New England Patriots. He also rushed for three yards and didn't take a sack. It's worth noting that Gabriel was playing against a bunch of defensive reserves, but it was still a very encouraging showing nonetheless. This performance comes on the heels of the Browns naming Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback over Shedeur Sanders. Gabriel never had a legitimate chance to earn the starting job, but today's game essentially confirms that he's locked into the No. 3 quarterback role and won't lose his roster spot to Taylen Green, a sixth-round pick out of Alabama. Gabriel's path to playing time in Cleveland faces plenty of obstacles, but the Browns should feel confident in his ability to step into the offense at any time if needed. He's off the fantasy radar entirely, though.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Will Howard Evaluated for a Head Injury on Thursday
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard (head) was being evaluated for a potential head injury on Thursday night in the preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills, according to Alan Saunders of PGH Steelers Now. Howard played the entire first half against Buffalo before being pulled due to injury after going 9-for-15 for 69 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. He was sacked three times for a loss of 22 yards. Rookie Drew Allar, who is competing for the QB3 job with Howard behind Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph, went 9-for-18 in the contest for 88 yards passing, no touchdowns, and no interceptions. Howard, 24, was a sixth-round pick by Pittsburgh last year from Ohio State, but he didn't see any action in the regular season and could be headed to the Steelers' practice squad or to another team if he loses the QB3 battle to Allar following training camp and the preseason. He led the Buckeyes to a national championship in 2024, and new head coach Mike McCarthy has had positive things to say, but Howard has zero redraft appeal and very little stash upside in dynasty/keeper leagues.
Source: PGH Steelers Now - Alan Saunders
Source: PGH Steelers Now - Alan Saunders
Jeremiyah Love Trending in the Right Direction for Week 1
Arizona Cardinals rookie first-round running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) is trending toward being available for Week 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7. He noted that Love needs to keep progressing, but things are looking positive. Fantasy managers should be cautiously optimistic that this year's No. 3 pick might play in the season opener on Sept. 13. He still has two weeks to recover and get back into game shape ahead of making his NFL debut. If he does suit up, he might be on a snap count, especially since the Cardinals have a deep backfield that also features Tyler Allgeier and James Conner (foot). With that being said, even if Love isn't quite at 100%, he could have fantasy relevance because of his skill set. During his final two seasons at Notre Dame, he amassed 2,497 rushing yards, 617 receiving yards, and a whopping 40 touchdowns. He ranks as the overall RB19 in RotoBaller's latest 2026 redraft rankings.
Source: John Gambadoro
Source: John Gambadoro
Jalen Milroe to Play a Full Game in Preseason Finale
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said that quarterback Jalen Milroe will play a full game in the team's preseason finale on Friday against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Corbin K. Smith of Emerald Spectrum. The Seahawks will get a good look at the second-year signal-caller to close out preseason action after the 23-year-old former third-rounder from Alabama has gone 11-for-19 for 88 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions in the first two preseason contests. In his first NFL campaign last year, Milroe only appeared in three games and did not attempt a pass, carrying the ball three times for four yards with a lost fumble. He is firmly entrenched as Seattle's QB3 to begin the 2026 season behind Sam Darnold and Drew Lock, so Milroe has zero redraft fantasy appeal. Milroe does not lack athleticism, but he must develop as a passer if he is to become anything more than a backup in the NFL long term.
Source: Emerald Spectrum - Corbin K. Smith
Source: Emerald Spectrum - Corbin K. Smith
Geno Smith Will Not Play in Friday's Preseason Finale
New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith will not play in Friday night's preseason finale against the New York Giants, a source told Brian Costello of the New York Post. Most of the Jets starters who have played in the preseason are expected to sit out on Friday. The 35-year-old veteran only played in the preseason game on Aug. 21 against the Pittsburgh Steelers and went 7-for-7 passing for 65 yards and a touchdown. The two-time Pro Bowler and former second-rounder by the Jets in 2013 from West Virginia is hoping to bounce back in 2026 in his return to New York after throwing a league-high 17 interceptions and getting benched late last season with the Las Vegas Raiders. Smith has looked good in training camp this summer while running offensive coordinator Frank Reich's scheme, and he will have more talent to work with through the air in 2026 than he did in his lone season in Sin City. Still, fantasy managers in single-QB leagues should be ignoring Smith, and he will merely be a low-end QB2 for those in two-QB superflex formats.
Source: New York Post - Brian Costello
Source: New York Post - Brian Costello
Andy Borregales Finishes Preseason on a High Note
New England Patriots kicker Andy Borregales has bounced back ever since his ugly showing in Week 1 of the preseason. During Thursday's preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns, he went 2-for-2 on field goals and also made his lone extra point attempt. The field goals weren't particularly impressive, as they came from 26 and 33 yards out, but it was nice to see him demonstrate some accuracy. He missed three kicks in the first week of the preseason, but he has gone 3-for-3 on field goals since then. There was never much doubt that Borregales would make the team, as he was the only kicker on the Patriots' roster this summer. Nevertheless, fantasy managers should be encouraged that he overcame his initial struggles and the team never felt compelled to bring in any external competition. He was the K10 in fantasy football as a rookie last year, but he has fallen to K22 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football draft rankings for 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
