RADIO
Matas Buzelis Adds Strength Ahead of Year 3
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis told Cousins with Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady that he added roughly 12 pounds this offseason and hired a personal chef to help keep the weight on. Bulls On SI's Elias Schuster noted that Buzelis wants to play through more contact and cut down on his three-point volume after taking 6.4 attempts per game last season. The 21-year-old nearly doubled his scoring in Year 2, averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 29.2 minutes while shooting 46.3 percent from the field. The added strength could help his finishing and rebounding, though Chicago's frontcourt now includes rookie Caleb Wilson and Nicolas Claxton. Buzelis still has breakout appeal, but the Bulls' crowded rotation keeps his fantasy ceiling tied to minutes.
Source: Elias Schuster
Source: Elias Schuster
Tetairoa McMillan to Be a "Huge Part" of Panthers Offense
The Carolina Panthers recently participated in a joint practice with the Jaguars ahead of Friday night's preseason matchup. While the session got off to a slow start for the Panthers' offense, things quickly settled into place once quarterback Bryce Young started looking in the direction of wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan. "Bryce just started finding TMac in different ways," head coach Dave Canales told reporters after practice. "Explosive passes, touchdowns, things that went into the end zone. It was fantastic to see." Young connected with the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year on a number of plays throughout practice, including a leaping catch in the corner of the end zone that beat double coverage. Afterward, Young spoke about McMillan's importance to the team. "It makes my job so much easier, having a guy like him out there that you can trust one-on-one," he shared. "Obviously he's a huge part of what we do." Following a WR15 finish as a rookie, McMillan is being drafted as the WR17 but has a chance to crack the top 12 as a focal point of the Panthers' offense.
Source: Alex Zietlow - The Charlotte Observer
Source: Alex Zietlow - The Charlotte Observer
Cavaliers Acquire Ismael Kamagate's Draft Rights
The Cleveland Cavaliers have acquired the draft rights to center Ismael Kamagate from the LA Clippers, closing a minor piece of the expanded multi-team deal that also sends Peyton Watson and Cam Whitmore to Cleveland, Max Strus to the Clippers, Tre Mann to Washington, and Julian Reese to Denver. Kamagate, the No. 46 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, has never played an NBA game and recently signed with OpenJobMetis Varese after spending last season with Besiktas. This is strictly a trade-facilitation move, leaving no fantasy angle to chase. Watson is the Cleveland piece with the clearest fantasy relevance.
Source: Eurohoops
Source: Eurohoops
Raiders Not Ready to Name a Starting Quarterback for Week 1
The Las Vegas Raiders open the regular season by hosting the Miami Dolphins on September 13, but head coach Klint Kubiak is not ready to name a starting quarterback, according to ESPN's Ryan McFadden. With veteran Kirk Cousins held out of Thursday's preseason matchup against the Texans, first overall pick Fernando Mendoza received his first professional start, throwing an interception on the opening drive that was returned 80 yards for a touchdown. When asked after the game about who would start the regular season, Kubiak told reporters, "We got another week. I don't want anyone to be comfortable in their job... It should always be that way for all positions. So, let's keep going." By all accounts, Mendoza has impressed behind the scenes with his work ethic and mentality, but McFadden reported on Tuesday that the coaching staff is still looking for the improved timing and anticipation that will come with additional reps. Regardless of who begins the season under center for the Raiders, Mendoza is projected to take the job from Cousins before the end of his rookie season, making him a dart-throw third quarterback in superflex drafts as RotoBaller's QB29.
Source: Ryan McFadden
Source: Ryan McFadden
Darius Garland Says He Is Back to 100 Percent
Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland says he is back to 100 percent after the injury that disrupted his last year in Cleveland and delayed his Clippers start. Speaking with HoopsHype at New Balance's Beantown Elite camp, Garland said the issue began as a bone bruise before worsening into torn ligaments that required reconstruction. He is now excited for a full training camp under Tyronn Lue and said he has discussed borrowing from Kyrie Irving's 2016 Finals role. Garland averaged 20.6 points, 6.7 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.8 threes in 2024-25, so a clean offseason makes him a strong bounce-back fantasy target.
Source: Cyro Asseo
Source: Cyro Asseo
Derek Meadows Stepping up in Alabama Receiver Room
Alabama wide receiver Derek Meadows has had a strong camp in the absence of Lotzeir Brooks (undisclosed) and Noah Rogers (undisclosed), according to Charlie Potter of BamaOnLine. The four-star recruit in the Class of 2025 out of Las Vegas played in 12 games last season, but he was primarily on special teams and did not record an offensive stat. "He got more opportunities today than most of the receiving corps, and I thought today was a really good growth day for him," head coach Kalen DeBoer said of Meadows. "Competitive catches, in particular. Using that big body to go up and make some plays. I like the way he's battling, and he's really growing." Quarterback Keelon Russell is expected to be named the starter, and he'll have no shortage of offensive weapons to work with. Meadows could be an impact player in 2026.
Source: BamaOnLine
Source: BamaOnLine
Max Strus Earns Praise From Lawrence Frank
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Max Strus received a strong endorsement from president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank, who called him "a big part" of the team's plans after the trade from Cleveland. Frank praised Strus as a shooter with feel who can handle, pass, and fit into different lineup groups. The veteran wing gives Los Angeles another floor spacer after shooting 37.0 percent from three across his NBA career. His 2025-26 regular season was derailed by a left foot Jones fracture, but he returned in the playoffs and averaged 9.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.1 threes across 18 games. Strus should get clean catch-and-shoot chances next to Darius Garland, though his fantasy value still depends on minutes and shot volume in a crowded Clippers rotation.
Source: Joey Linn
Source: Joey Linn
Luther Burden III Looks "Mostly Fine"
The Chicago Bears were in Cincinnati on Thursday for a joint practice with the Bengals, and while second-year wide receiver Luther Burden III (groin) did not participate as he works his way back from the groin injury that has caused him to miss most of training camp, podcast hosts Adam Hoge and Adam Jahns expressed a lack of concern, saying that Burden looks "mostly fine." After a strong finish to his rookie season, Burden was the star of the opening days of training camp before getting tangled with a teammate and exiting practice on August 8. The hope has since been that he would be ready for the team's regular season opener against the Panthers on September 13. While the groin injury has caused an ADP dip in recent weeks, Burden is still RotoBaller's WR22, as all signs pre-injury pointed to the 22-year-old receiver becoming the focal point of a high-powered Bears offense.
Source: Hoge & Jahns
Source: Hoge & Jahns
Nick Richards Works Out with Heat Players in Miami
Free-agent center Nick Richards has been working out in Miami Heat gear on the team's practice court, but the Sun Sentinel's Ira Winderman downplayed the idea that it signals a front-burner signing. Miami is an offseason hub for player runs, and Winderman framed any Heat path for Richards as more likely a non-guaranteed camp invite than a firm roster move. The 28-year-old could follow the path Precious Achiuwa took last year, though that route would come with no roster-spot guarantee even if he plays well in preseason. Miami's hard cap after the Giannis Antetokounmpo acquisition also limits flexibility while other roster matters remain unresolved. Richards split 2025-26 between Phoenix and Chicago, averaging 5.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 0.3 assists in 14.6 minutes per game, leaving him off fantasy radars unless a real roster opening develops.
Source: Ira Winderman
Source: Ira Winderman
De'Zhaun Stribling Continues To Impress In Preseason Action
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling had four catches for 46 receiving yards on five targets in Thursday's preseason win over the Chargers. Stribling's stats might not be eye-popping, but his ability to secure the ball while in traffic or going to the ground on each reception in the game added to his burgeoning popularity. Stribling was not listed as a starter but was on the field for the 49ers' first two offensive drives before being removed from the game. With Ricky Pearsall (knee) out for the season and Mike Evans (foot/ankle) already hobbled by injuries, Stribling may have a significant role in the 49ers' offense when the regular season begins. His next opportunity to build on his impressive preseason performance will come on August 27 against the Raiders.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Khalil Herbert Finds End Zone In Preseason Win
San Francisco 49ers running back Khalil Herbert handled four carries for 17 yards and caught his lone target for no gain in Thursday's 41-17 drubbing of the Los Angeles Chargers. He also handled one kickoff for a 29-yard return. The five-year veteran showed flashes of talent with the Bears in the first years of his career, but timeshares and injuries barred him from fully breaking out. In 2025, Herbert appeared in seven games with the New York Jets. Now with the 49ers, Herbert is among a handful of running backs vying for the team's RB2 role behind Christian McCaffrey. Aside from the touchdown on Thursday night, Herbert has done little to set himself apart from the rest of the group. He will have one more chance to do so in San Francisco's preseason finale on August 27.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Sincere McCormick Improves His Stock In Preseason Win
San Francisco 49ers running back Sincere McCormick led the team in rushing for another week in the team's preseason meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers. While starter Kaelon Black and backup Zamir White handled more carries, McCormick finished with a team-high 53 rushing yards and scored a touchdown in the 49ers' 41-17 win. McCormick got the bulk of his yardage after taking advantage of solid blocking and weaving his way through traffic and then exploding for a 37-yard gain. Two plays later, McCormick fought his way into the end zone from seven yards out. Despite being used as an alternate, McCormick has outshone his teammates for the second game in a row. The 49ers' depth chart at running back is yet to be settled, but whoever wins might be worth a late flyer as Christian McCaffrey's handcuff. McCormick's last preseason audition to be San Francisco's RB2 will come on August 27 against the Raiders.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Adrian Martinez Extends Lead In Rout Of Chargers
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Adrian Martinez captained the team's offense in the second half of Thursday's preseason clash with the Los Angeles Chargers. Martinez went 8-for-17 for 57 passing yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions, and added 10 more yards and another touchdown on four scrambles in the 41-17 win. Martinez got off to an inauspicious start, going three-and-out in his first series and throwing a pick-six in his second. Martinez righted the ship on the 49ers' next possession, leading a 14-play drive that culminated in a Khalil Herbert touchdown. Martinez himself ran in for a score on the following drive, and hit Jordan Watkins for a 17-yard score on the possession after that. With Brock Purdy and Mac Jones firmly positioned ahead of him on the depth chart, the best Martinez can hope for is a solid showing in the 49ers' preseason finale on August 27 to retain his third-string role.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Brock Purdy Sees First Preseason Action Against Chargers
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy got the start in Thursday's preseason meeting with the Los Angeles Chargers. Purdy was removed after the 49ers' opening drive, and he finished the game 4-for-6 for 29 passing yards and one rushing attempt for three yards. Purdy's first pass went to Deebo Samuel Sr., who recently re-signed with the 49ers after spending last season with the Commanders. Purdy missed Deebo on his next attempt but completed his next three consecutive throws to De'Zhaun Stribling. With Ricky Pearsall (knee) out for the season and Mike Evans (foot/ankle) already slowed by injuries, it is imperative that he rekindles his relationship with the recently reunited Samuel and develops chemistry with Stribling. Purdy's next and final tune-up before the regular season will come on August 27 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Jason Myers Faces Accuracy Concerns After Strong 2025 Season
Seattle Seahawks placekicker Jason Myers is coming off the best fantasy season of his NFL career in 2025. Myers made 41 of 48 field goals and 48 extra points in 17 games, finishing as the number one-ranked kicker and averaging 11.9 fantasy points per game. The veteran kicker has finished in the top four among kickers in three of the last four seasons, but inaccuracy could cost him important points in 2026. He has an 85% field goal percentage, which would've ranked him below league average last season. He also missed his only field goal attempt in the Seahawks' opening preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, from 45 yards. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on Myers' preseason performances, as accuracy could be the difference between another top season and an average one for the Seahawks kicker.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
