April 22, 2026

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has had a tumultuous start to his NFL career. While Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye, and Bo Nix, fellow quarterbacks taken in the 2024 NFL Draft, have all seen their dynasty stock rise tremendously through their first two years in the league, McCarthy's has been in free fall. After missing the entire 2024 season with a torn meniscus sustained in the preseason, McCarthy struggled mightily in what was essentially a redshirt rookie season, throwing for 163.2 yards per game while tossing 11 touchdowns to 12 interceptions, all the while dealing with nagging injuries and rumors of a soft benching. Heading into his third season, the Vikings have brought in former Cardinal Kyler Murray on a one-year deal. While Murray has faced his own on-field struggles of late, the presumption is that he should have the inside track to Minnesota's starting job in 2026, and after peaking as high as QB12 before ever taking a regular-season snap, McCarthy has fallen to RotoBaller's dynasty QB28. While things currently look bleak for his NFL future, it's important to remember that McCarthy is only 23 and has made just 10 professional starts. With Murray's deal only tying him to the Vikings for one season, a lot can happen between now and the point when Minnesota will need to make a decision on McCarthy's fifth-year option. Depending on just how low his stock dips, he could still be a worthwhile dart-throw acquisition for rebuilding dynasty managers.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 22, 2026

Fresh off the closest MVP race in recent history, New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is RotoBaller's dynasty QB2, though the market would suggest he may be the most difficult player to acquire via trade. The 23-year-old third overall pick from 2024 finished his second season with 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns through the air and an additional 450 and four on the ground, good enough for a QB2 finish in most fantasy formats, and the arrow is still pointing up. Although a trade with the Eagles likely won't become official until after June 1st, dynasty managers are presently treating an A.J. Brown to the Patriots deal as a foregone conclusion, with the upgraded weaponry already baked into Maye's cost. At nearly 29 years old, Brown is still a dominant outside threat who could open things up even further for arguably the best downfield thrower in the league, and his presence would allow the rest of New England's receivers to slot into their more natural roles without having to fight up a weight class. The acquisition of Romeo Doubs to replace Stefon Diggs can be seen as a lateral move given the trajectory of each player, and the Patriots also made moves to bolster an offensive line that had its struggles throughout the 2025 season. Even with his rushing numbers dropping from his rookie season, Maye proved that he belongs among the fantasy elite, and if given the chance to fully utilize all his tools with a better surrounding cast, it should surprise nobody if he claims the QB1 title in the near future.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 22, 2026

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson missed 10 games in 2025, so the business-as-usual start with which he began the year may not be as fresh in the minds of dynasty managers as it could be. Through the first six weeks of the season, Wilson caught 36 passes for 395 yards and four scores, good enough to make him the WR9 on a 17-game pace of 102 receptions, 1,119 yards, and 11 touchdowns until a knee injury derailed his season. By all accounts, Wilson's recovery has gone well, and he should have no limitations heading into the 2026 season, either personally or from a quarterbacking perspective. The Jets traded for former Comeback Player of the Year winner Geno Smith, and while he's coming off a down year with the Raiders, he arguably represents the best quarterback that Wilson has played with in his four-year career. That title is currently held by a past-his-prime Aaron Rodgers, from whom Wilson caught over 100 passes in 2024 despite sharing the field with Davante Adams for much of the year. Wilson's 7.9 targets per game across his 11 games played with Adams showed he can still draw volume even when playing alongside elite target competition, an important factor with the Jets holding four of the first 44 picks in the week's NFL Draft and wide receiver high atop their list of needs. Should the team invest early capital in one of the premier wideouts in the class, Wilson could see a slight drop to his current dynasty status as RotoBaller's WR13, and contending managers should try to buy the dip.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 21, 2026

The Arizona Cardinals are linked to Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson "more than any other team," according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. Jones adds that the "noise across the league is impossible to ignore." He has the Cardinals mocked to trade up four spots with the Miami Dolphins to No. 30 overall in the first round on Thursday night in the 2026 NFL draft to take Simpson. The 6-foot-1, 211-pound quarterback only started in his final season at Alabama, which has many draft analysts questioning how quickly he can develop into a starting-caliber QB in the NFL. If he were to land in Arizona, Simpson would likely compete with Gardner Minshew for the No. 2 job in the desert behind veteran Jacoby Brissett in 2026. Simpson was considered a lock to be a first-rounder back in March, but his stock has fallen somewhat, and he could slip into the early portion of Day 2 this Friday. In dynasty/keeper leagues, any fantasy managers who select Simpson need to be prepared to be patient.--Keith Hernandez
Source: CBS Sports - Jonathan Jones

April 21, 2026

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that the team wants free-agent quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to return in 2026, but they are "letting him figure out his future," according to Rams beat writer Stu Jackson. There is no timeline for Garoppolo to decide on his future, and the Rams are not rushing him. It was reported on Monday that Jimmy G is considering hanging up his cleats after 12 seasons in the NFL. The 34-year-old veteran has been with the Rams for the last two seasons, but he's appeared in just four games (one start) while working behind Matthew Stafford, who was named NFL MVP in 2025. With Garoppolo being a free agent, only Stafford and Stetson Bennett are on the roster as QBs. Even if Garoppolo decides to re-sign with the Rams and return for another season, it would not be a surprise to see L.A. address the position in this week's NFL draft on Day 2 or 3. Garoppolo has only made double-digit starts in a season three times in his 12-year NFL career.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Rams.com - Stu Jackson

April 21, 2026

Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (groin) was present for the start of the team's voluntary offseason program on Tuesday, per Kelsey Russo of ClevelandBrowns.com. The 21-year-old tight end appears to be past the groin issue that kept him sidelined for the Week 18 regular-season finale late last year against the Cincinnati Bengals. The former third-rounder out of Bowling Green had a very special first year in the NFL, leading the Browns in receiving with 72 receptions for 731 yards and six touchdowns on 107 targets in 16 games played. He quickly surpassed David Njoku on the TE depth chart and excelled despite another tough season for Browns quarterbacks. Njoku is on the free-agent market and won't be returning to Cleveland in 2026, either, so Fannin should have an even higher fantasy football ceiling as a TE1 as he heads into Year 2. Fannin will be more intriguing to fantasy managers if Shedeur Sanders wins the starting QB job, as the two have chemistry already from last season.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ClevelandBrowns.com - Kelsey Russo

April 21, 2026

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (Achilles) has gone first in most of the early drills during the team's offseason program over second-year QB Shedeur Sanders, and Watson's arm and agility "look good," according to Mark Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Although Watson has not played since October of 2024 due to a twice-torn Achilles tendon, owner Jimmy Haslam said at the owners' meetings in late March that the 30-year-old signal-caller has a "great chance" to compete for the starting QB gig in 2026. Watson is heading into the final year of a five-year, $230 million deal that he signed with Cleveland in 2022. There have been conflicting reports about who is the favorite to win the starting QB job this summer between Watson and Sanders. Watson probably doesn't have a future with the Browns beyond the 2026 campaign, but if he's fully healthy, he has way more experience than Sanders and could give the team's offense a higher ceiling. At best in fantasy football, Watson will be a low-end QB2 with a lot to prove in superflex leagues if he wins the starting job.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot

April 21, 2026

Across 12 games in 2025, Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid recorded 39 receptions for 571 yards and five touchdowns on 49 targets. While Kincaid had his most efficient season on a per-target basis, volume continues to be a major impediment to his fantasy production. Kincaid missed time with knee and hamstring injuries in 2025 and has been sidelined for nine contests over the past two seasons. Buffalo also limits Kincaid's snap counts even when he's active, as he played fewer than 50% of the team's offensive snaps in 10 out of his 12 outings in 2025. As a former first-round pick who has flashed upside at certain points throughout his first three NFL seasons, Kincaid remains a somewhat buzzy name in fantasy circles. However, Buffalo is reportedly considering a load management plan for Kincaid once again in 2026 as it works through ways to keep him healthy throughout the season. In dynasty formats, the window to sell relatively high on Kincaid may be slowly closing.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

April 21, 2026

Veteran New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee) had the least productive season of his career in 2025, recording just 657 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown on 164 touches across 11 games. The 30-year-old also finished the year on the sidelines after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 12. The Saints signed former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $52 million contract in free agency, seemingly bringing Kamara's time as the RB1 in New Orleans to a close. While Kamara has been an excellent receiving back throughout his career and could still provide some fantasy production in a third-down role, his dynasty value is obviously plummeting following the Saints' acquisition of Etienne Jr. If the Saints choose to further fortify the running back position in the upcoming NFL Draft, Kamara could find himself completely out of a roster spot in New Orleans. Dynasty managers may want to consider selling on Kamara now before his value drops even further.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

April 21, 2026

A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan James spent his rookie season buried on the Niners' running back depth chart. James was slowed by a preseason injury and did not record a single carry during the regular season. However, the 22-year-old recorded six carries for 28 yards during the 49ers' NFC Divisional Round loss to the Seattle Seahawks and drew praise from San Francisco head coach Kyle Shanahan for the way he closed the year. Offseason reporting indicates that James could be the frontrunner to open 2026 as the primary backup to star 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. If that comes to fruition, James would be just one injury away from fantasy prominence. In dynasty formats, James profiles as a sneaky buy-low candidate whose value will likely gain traction following the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

April 21, 2026

The Denver Broncos made wide receiver Jaylen Waddle one of the offseason's biggest trade acquisitions by sending three draft picks to the Miami Dolphins for him. Waddle bounced back from a down year in 2024 with strong production in 2025, recording 64 receptions for 910 yards and six touchdowns on 100 targets across 16 games with Miami. After former Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill (knee) went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 4, Waddle had the advantage of being the clear number one pass-catcher in Miami. He could end up playing the same role in Denver, but the Broncos have other capable pass-catchers in wide receivers Courtland Sutton, Pat Bryant, and Troy Franklin. Still, the upgrade in offensive environment from Miami to Denver should be a net positive for Waddle's fantasy production. In Waddle's last fully healthy season with an above-average offense in 2022, he recorded 1,356 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. In dynasty formats, Waddle has clear buy-low appeal ahead of his first season in Denver.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

April 21, 2026

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs had a bit of a down year in 2025, recording 58 receptions for 566 yards and four touchdowns on 88 targets across 16 games. The Colts' 2025 draft-day acquisition of tight end Tyler Warren and the emergence of wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) both limited Downs' role in his team's offense. After averaging 7.6 targets per game in 2024, Downs averaged just 5.5 targets per game in 2025. While Warren and Pierce both remain in Indianapolis, the Colts traded away veteran wideout Michael Pittman Jr., who earned 111 targets last season. In Pittman Jr.'s absence, Downs should be in a position to play a more prominent role in the Indianapolis passing game. If the Colts do not add another big-name pass-catcher in the upcoming NFL Draft, Downs' dynasty value will almost certainly be on the rise. As such, now could be the best time for dynasty managers to buy low on Downs ahead of a possible bounce-back season.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

April 21, 2026

After spending the first 12 seasons of his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, veteran wide receiver Mike Evans made headlines by signing with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency earlier this offseason. Injuries forced Evans to miss nine games in his final year with Tampa Bay in 2025. Across the eight games he was healthy for, the 32-year-old hauled in 30 receptions for 368 yards and three touchdowns on 62 targets. While Evans should no longer be expected to provide the same production he once did at his peak, he currently profiles as the clear number one wide receiver in the 49ers' passing game. Particularly with star 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) working his way back from a torn Achilles tendon, Evans could dominate targets early in the year in San Francisco. In dynasty formats, now might be the time for win-now managers to buy low on Evans before his value starts gaining momentum following the upcoming NFL Draft.--Will Brady
Source: RotoBaller

April 21, 2026

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane said that kicker Tyler Bass (hernia) is really close to being fully healthy, according to Sydney Ciano and Maddy Glab of the team's official website. "If he's not 100 (percent), he's right at it," Beane said. Bass was working his way back from a sports hernia last year, but he eventually had surgery and was ruled out for the season in late November. With Bass out for all of last year, Buffalo mixed and matched at placekicker with veteran Matt Prater and Michael Badgley, neither of whom is with the team heading into the 2026 season. All signs are pointing to the Bills rolling with Bass as their primary kicker now that he's recovered from his hernia. The 29-year-old has been the team's kicker since being selected in the sixth round in 2020 out of Georgia Southern. In his five NFL seasons, he's made 84.5% of his 155 field-goal attempts, including going 16-for-23 from 50-plus yards. There will be more risk surrounding Bass in fantasy football, but he could be a nice sleeper target in drafts after he finished as a top-10 kicker in 2024.--Keith Hernandez
Source: BuffaloBills.com - Sydney Ciano and Maddy Glab

April 21, 2026

The Athletic's Chad Graff writes that one of the few certainties in this year's 2026 NFL draft for the New England Patriots is that they will "exit with a tight end who is a strong receiver." The Patriots desperately need a pass-catching complement to the all-around play of Hunter Henry and the blocking prowess of Julian Hill. Vanderbilt TE Eli Stowers "would check that box in a big way," according to Graff. The Patriots last drafted a TE within the first two rounds back in 2010, when they took Rob Gronkowski. Henry is entering the final year of his contract in 2026. Stowers has some work to do as a blocker as he heads to the next level, but he could give New England a mismatch weapon in the passing game alongside Henry this year. Austin Hooper served as the pass-catching complement to Henry last year, but he left in free agency to rejoin the Atlanta Falcons. Stowers profiles as a joker tight end in the NFL, and he's generally projected to be a Day 2 pick in the second or third round, but there's a chance he could sneak into the first round this Thursday night.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Chad Graff