RADIO
CJ Daniels Enjoys Another Big Game as Receiver Room Gets More Crowded
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver CJ Daniels caught five of his six targets for 42 yards during Thursday's preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Rams' receiver room is a fluid situation right now, mostly because Puka Nacua could be facing a suspension soon. To prepare for his potential discipline, the Rams traded for Tutu Atwell on Thursday. Daniels will still make the 53-man roster, but the addition of Atwell adds more competition for him in the middle tier of the depth chart. He's now fifth or sixth in the receiving pecking order, whereas he had been making a case for the No. 4 role before the trade. Nevertheless, Daniels is much more of a long-term option for the Rams than Atwell, so dynasty managers shouldn't be too worried. The Miami product finished his first NFL preseason with an encouraging 15 catches and 128 yards, both of which led the Rams.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dean Connors Leads the Way After Teammate's Trade
Los Angeles Rams running back Dean Connors rushed for 69 yards on 18 carries during Thursday's preseason finale against the Los Angeles Chargers. He also caught all three of his targets for 24 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Connors is an undrafted free agent who impressed collegiately at Rice and Houston. He entered the preseason facing an uphill battle to make the team, and while his outlook is still unclear, one obstacle disappeared on Thursday as the Rams traded running back Jarquez Hunter to the Dolphins. There's now a clear roster spot open behind running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, and there's a nonzero chance it goes to Connors, who had 96 rushing yards, 53 receiving yards, and three touchdowns this preseason. With that being said, even if he does make the 53-man roster, it's hard to imagine him achieving any sort of fantasy relevance as long as both Williams and Corum are healthy.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
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
Jac Caglianone Peaking Late in the Season
Kansas City Royals first baseman/outfielder Jac Caglianone recently missed a few games with ankle soreness, but he is back now and just had a monster performance offensively in Thursday night's 13-2 blowout win on the road against the Toronto Blue Jays. Caglianone carried the Royals' offense, going 5-for-6 at the plate with a home run, a double, a career-high six RBI, three runs scored, and a strikeout to raise his season batting average to .282 and his OPS to .832 in his first full year in the majors. The five hits by Cags were also a career high to boost his overall season line to .282/.332/.500 with 23 home runs, 66 RBI, and six stolen bases in 479 plate appearances. The former first-rounder and two-way player from the University of Florida has come into his own in 2026 after a slow start at the plate, and he should now be rostered in all fantasy baseball leagues. Caglianone has been one of the hottest hitters in all of baseball in August, coming into Thursday's big game with a .382/.405/.658 slash line and a 1.063 OPS, five home runs, six doubles, 20 RBI, 12 runs scored, and three steals in 20 games played. Scoop him up immediately if he is available in your league.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
Jackson Chourio in Top Form in Win Over Mets on Thursday
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio had one of his best games of the season in Thursday night's 8-2 win over the hosting New York Mets at Citi Field, going 4-for-5 at the plate with two two-run home runs and four runs scored to boost his season average to .283 and his OPS to .822. He added a stolen base for good measure. The 22-year-old Venezuelan outfielder has missed some time due to injury in 2026, but otherwise he has been as advertised for fantasy managers, slashing .283/.345/.477 with 19 home runs, 54 RBI, 68 runs scored, and 14 stolen bases across his 447 plate appearances. Chourio is having one of his better months in August, as he came into Thursday's big game with a .287/.380/.460 slash line with an .840 OPS, four home runs, three doubles, eight RBI, 12 runs scored, and three stolen bases in 23 games played in the month. It was his first round-tripper since Aug. 9 against the Minnesota Twins. Chourio remains a must-start in all fantasy baseball leagues and will be looking to stay hot going into the start of a weekend series on Friday at home against the Texas Rangers.
Source: MLB.com
Source: MLB.com
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
X-Rays Negative on Jeremy Pena's Hand After Hit-by-Pitch
Post-game X-rays on Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena's left hand were negative, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Pena was hit on the knuckle of both his pinkie and ring finger with a 96 mph fastball from New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole in the top of the third inning on Friday night in the team's 5-1 win in the Bronx. Pena actually stayed in the game and went 1-for-4 at the plate with his 16th home run of the season, two RBI, and two strikeouts out of the leadoff spot for Houston. Fantasy managers should consider Pena day-to-day. Check back on Friday to see if the Astros give him a day off in the series opener in Queens against the New York Mets. The 28-year-old Dominican has been beat up by various injuries in 2026, but when active, he's been a solid fantasy shortstop, as he entered Thursday's tilt with a .283/.335/.471 slash line, .806 OPS, 15 homers, 43 RBI, 63 runs scored, and eight stolen bases across his 392 at-bats in his fifth year in the majors. Pena has now gone deep in two of his last three games.
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
Source: The Athletic - Chandler Rome
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
