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Tyler Shough Emerging as Top Late-Round QB with League-Winning Upside
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough is a definite redraft riser heading into the 2026 season. He threw for 2,384 yards and 10 touchdowns in 11 games, adding 195 yards and three scores on the ground. He really picked it up late, ranking as the QB12 from Week 9 through the end of the season and QB5 from Weeks 12-18. The Saints have since added Travis Etienne Jr. and first-round receiver Jordyn Tyson, giving Shough more help around him. However, Tyson is dealing with a hamstring injury and is expected to miss the next two months, so Chris Olave could see more targets early in the season. Shough is currently going around QB21 in current drafts, which is well outside the range of quarterbacks expected to be weekly starters, and his rushing ability gives him another way to put up points. If the new additions help the passing game as expected and he can maintain his current end-of-season pace, Shough could provide immense value at his ADP.
Corey Kiner Sees Another Healthy Workload In Loss
Arizona Cardinals running back Corey Kiner handled 10 carries for 29 rushing yards and caught one of his two targets for six receiving yards in Saturday's preseason loss to the Cowboys. The 24-year-old has logged at least 10 rushing attempts in each of the Cardinals' three preseason games thus far. With James Conner (ankle) and Trey Benson (knee) still working their way back from last year's season-ending injuries, the back end of Arizona's depth chart is far from settled. Kiner's consistent workload might indicate he has a leg up on Evan Hull and Bam Knight in that regard. Even so, Kiner's fantasy production would depend first on Jeremiyah Love's (ankle) health, and then on how he would work in behind Tyler Allgeier. For now, Kiner can be ignored in fantasy drafts, but he will be someone to watch for when the Cardinals wrap up their preseason against the Packers on August 28.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Evan Hull Leads Cardinals In Rushing In Preseason Loss
Arizona Cardinals running back Evan Hull led the team in carries and rushing yards in Saturday's 34-13 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Hull gained 51 yards on 11 rushing attempts and had two catches for 14 receiving yards. Hull came into the game on the Cardinals' third drive and alternated series with starter Corey Kiner. The 25-year-old entered the NFL in 2023 but has seen action in just eight games and is doing what he can to earn a roster spot. The odds of Hull making the team might rely on the health of Jeremiyah Love (ankle) and potential backups James Conner (ankle) and Trey Benson (knee). Even if he does make the team, Hull will be too far down the depth chart to have any fantasy value at the start of the season. His final audition will come against the Packers in the Cardinals' preseason finale on August 28.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Gardner Minshew II Captains Cardinals Offense In Loss To Cowboys
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Gardner Minshew II went 19-for-23 for 177 yards with one interception in Saturday's preseason loss to the Dallas Cowboys. With Jacoby Brissett resting and Carson Beck (ribs) still recovering from a hard shot taken in the Hall of Fame Game on August 6, Minshew operated as the team's signal-caller until K Slovis took over late in the third quarter. Minshew threw an interception on Arizona's first possession but settled in after that, keeping his stat sheet clean by focusing on short-yardage targets. Minshew had a passing touchdown negated by an offensive pass interference flag on the receiver, tight end Rivaldo Fairweather. He was later robbed of a rushing touchdown due to a false start call. The journeyman backup sits second on Arizona's depth chart and will not be relevant for fantasy unless Brissett suffers an injury. Minshew's final chance for a tuneup will come on August 28, when the Cardinals face the Packers in their preseason finale.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Roschon Johnson Again Leads Bears' Backfield
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson picked up 42 yards on 12 carries in his team's 27-9 loss to the hosting Cincinnati Bengals. He also gained a yard on his sole target. Johnson carried the load again, leading Chicago's backfield in rush attempts for the second consecutive outing. With backfield mate Kyle Monangai (knee) shelved for a few weeks and D'Andre Swift failing to suit up with the rest of the starters, it was Johnson in with the first-string and for most of the first half. While the University of Texas alum doesn't figure to be an impactful fantasy asset in 2026, it appears the Bears' RB3 job is his to lose for the time being. As it stands, that could spell a decent amount of work for Johnson to begin the campaign. That is, if Monangai hasn't fully recovered from a hyperextended knee by the time Week 1 rolls around. Chicago will hit the road again for their preseason finale, squaring off with the Tennessee Titans next Saturday.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Colston Loveland Targeted Three Times on Opening Drive
Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland reeled in one of three targets for a gain of 10 yards in Saturday's 27-9 preseason loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The former Michigan Wolverine connected with quarterback Caleb Williams in the flat on Chicago's fifth play from scrimmage and turned upfield for a nice gain. That was the last time the duo would sync up, however, as Williams narrowly missed Loveland for a touchdown up the seam and had a pass batted down a play later. Misfires aside, it was a promising debut for the 22-year-old. More so, it's hopefully foreshadowing for the season ahead. Loveland is slated to be peppered with looks in 2026 - something he'll require to support his lofty price tag of the TE3 in ADP. Chicago will get the Tennessee Titans on the road for their preseason finale next Saturday, although it seems unlikely we'll see the second-year pro on the field for that contest.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Cyrus Allen the Most-Targeted Chiefs Receiver In Preseason
Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Cyrus Allen has been creating a lot of buzz in training camp, and that hype has translated into usage. Allen has earned 10 targets through the team's first two preseason games, making him the most targeted Kansas City skill position player in the preseason. The rookie turned his five targets this week into three catches for seven yards in the 15-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Allen has been one of the buzziest names of the offseason and could get his opportunity to play into a bigger role this season. Given the injury history and legal issues, Rashee Rice could miss time this season, which could pave the way for Allen to be more involved. If Rice is forced to miss time this season, the rookie could push past Xavier Worthy as the WR1 of the offense. Allen will get another opportunity to prove himself next week against the Seattle Seahawks in the third and final preseason game.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Rome Odunze Collects Red-Zone Target in First Action
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze caught one of two targets for 18 yards in his team's 27-9 loss to the hosting Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday. Odunze was a surprise start in this one - along with the rest of the first-string offense that suited up - although he only got a single series of plays. Despite Chicago making it all the way inside the red zone on its first possession, the drive stalled after a holding penalty and three straight incompletions by quarterback Caleb Williams - one of which was intended for the third-year wideout near the end zone. Odunze will face legitimate target competition from fellow wide receiver Luther Burden III (groin) and tight end Colston Loveland in the upcoming season. However, the former looked the part of a WR1 at the beginning of 2025, and averaged 7.5 targets per game before a foot injury derailed the back half of his campaign. We'll see if Odunze suits up again for in-game action when Chicago squares off against the Tennessee Titans next Saturday.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Caleb Williams Handles Lone Drive in Preseason Debut
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams completed two of five passes for 28 yards in Saturday's 27-9 road loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Head coach Ben Johnson indicated earlier in the week that the team's joint practice with Cincinnati would determine whether or not Chicago's starters would get reps in Week 2 of the preseason. Ultimately, most of the first-string attack played a lone drive, and it was a mixed bag for the third-year signal-caller. Williams completed his first two pass attempts of the series, but misfired on the final three after a holding call pushed the offense outside of the Bengals' 20-yard line. Aside from missing tight end Colston Loveland on a would-be touchdown, it was encouraging to see the 24-year-old take the checkdown read on more than one occasion. Whether we'll see the young gunslinger take the field again before the start of the regular season is anyone's guess. Either way, he has an exciting arsenal of weapons and would be poised for a massive year with a step forward in accuracy. Next up for Chicago is a bout with the hosting Tennessee Titans.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Brashard Smith Finishes As Leading Rusher In Preseason Loss
Kansas City Chiefs second-year running back Brashard Smith handled six carries for 37 yards and broke off an 18-yard gain in the 16-15 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in preseason action on Saturday. Smith also caught two passes for two yards in the contest. Smith was a favorite sleeper player last season as a rookie because of his pass-catching ability, but his potential was never truly realized playing as a change-of-pace back behind veteran Kareem Hunt. That may end up being the case again this season as the Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker to be their workhorse back and drafted rookie Emmett Johnson, who looks more suited for an every-down role. Smith should still be involved due to his ability to catch the ball, but may not be the best bet to take over RB1 duties if anything happens to Kenneth Walker. Smith should continue to get run in the preseason against next week's opponent, the Seattle Seahawks.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Emmett Johnson Continues To Impress In Preseason
Kansas City Chiefs rookie running back Emmett Johnson once again carried the load, finishing the Chiefs' second preseason game with the most carries out of the backfield. Johnson handled seven carries for 25 yards and a touchdown while adding one catch for 10 yards. The rookie finished second on the team in rushing yards behind Brashard Smith, who had 37 yards and broke off an 18-yard gain. It seems like the Chiefs are gaining more and more trust in Johnson each week, and he looks like the insurance back to roster in case anything happens to Kenneth Walker. The 22-year-old profiles as more of an early-down thumper and goal-line carrier if he's ever thrust into a starting role, but fantasy managers should view him as nothing more than a potential handcuff. Johnson will have another chance to flash his potential in next week's preseason matchup against the reigning Super Bowl Champions, the Seattle Seahawks.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Kenneth Walker Makes Appearance In Preseason
Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker handled two carries for four yards on the first drive of the game in Week 2 of the preseason. The new Chiefs RB1 made his preseason debut in the 15-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday. Although it's nice to see Walker touch the field, we don't need to see him prove anything in preseason to know the potential he has as the new Kansas City workhorse. The reigning Super Bowl MVP will shift from a committee approach with the Seattle Seahawks to getting the lion's share of the carries and catches out of the backfield. It remains to be seen if Walker will play more in next week's preseason matchup at home against his former team, the Seahawks, but regardless, fantasy managers should be excited for what the upcoming season will hold. Walker should be viewed as a potential RB1 for the 2026 season.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Kendre Miller's Role Trending Up with Saints Injuries
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller had six carries for 22 yards in the 34-0 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams. While Miller struggled to gain ground, Saturday was a positive for his fantasy stock. He was the clear-cut starter with Travis Etienne and Alvin Kamara (knee) both sitting out. He played 14 of 26 snaps with the starting offense, while Ty Chandler (6) and Devin Neal (4) were behind him. Neal also appeared to suffer a hamstring injury during the first half of the game. With Kamara possibly missing time early in the season with an MCL injury and now Neal hurt, Miller could begin the 2026 season as the direct handcuff to Etienne. While Kamara isn't expected to miss much time, if any, Miller is still a player to watch on the waiver wire.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jarquez Hunter Looks Good Against Saints
Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter carried 12 times for 68 yards and a touchdown in the Rams' dominant 34-0 preseason win over the New Orleans Saints. Hunter had a heavy workload Saturday, playing 28 of 50 snaps with the starting offense, while rookie Jordan Waters played 19 of those. The 2025 fourth-round pick did not record a carry during his rookie season and appears to be in a timeshare with Waters, who was also efficient Saturday. Both backs will operate behind starters Kyren Williams and Blake Corum in 2026. Hunter carries minimal fantasy value and should not be rostered in any redraft formats this season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tai Felton Has Strong Day Against Ravens
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton hauled in three of four targets for 66 yards in the 13-3 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Felton caught a 50-yard bomb from quarterback J.J. McCarthy down the right sideline, headlining a strong day for the second-year receiver. With the three starting receivers, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings, all sitting out, Felton was the lead receiver. He played 18 of 19 snaps, ran 11 routes, and led the starting offense in targets against the Ravens. Some have speculated that Felton could be the WR3, ahead of Jennings in the receiver rotation, and Saturday's strong outing lends credibility to those theories. While Felton is unlikely to carry an impactful fantasy role this season, he could diminish Jennings' value as the third receiver in Minnesota.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
