RADIO
Matas Buzelis Plans to Attack the Rim More in Year 3
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis expects more offensive freedom under new head coach Tiago Splitter and wants to attack the rim more this season, according to Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic. The 21-year-old said he focused on adding strength after feeling he settled for too many three-pointers last year. Buzelis averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks while shooting 34.9 percent from three and 58.3 percent on two-point attempts. More drives and midrange work could help him get to the line more often while improving his shot selection. With Josh Giddey and rookie Caleb Wilson also needing touches, Buzelis finding better scoring opportunities could be key to another step forward.
Source: Joel Lorenzi
Source: Joel Lorenzi
Drake London Back in WR1 Conversation with QB Back
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London exploded in Week 3, hauling in nine of 10 targets for 194 yards in the 35-14 win over the Green Bay Packers. After a horrific start with Cooper Rush under center, Falcons starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. returned and helped rejuvenate London's slow start. Penix and London have a strong connection dating back to Penix's rookie season in 2024. In 13 games together, London has hauled in 91 of 143 targets for 1,356 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging a whopping 17.6 half-PPR fantasy points per game. They face the New Orleans Saints in Week 4, where London should be considered a low WR1. Despite the slow start, his chemistry with Penix should bode very well for his fantasy stock for the rest of the 2026 season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cam Whitmore Stands Out Early in Camp
Denver Nuggets forward Cam Whitmore made a strong first impression at training camp, according to Ryan Blackburn of Mile High Sports. Head coach David Adelman singled out the 22-year-old as one of the players who stood out on the first day, continuing the positive feedback Whitmore has received since joining Denver on a two-way contract. He averaged 9.2 points and 2.8 rebounds in 16.9 minutes across 21 games with Washington last season before a shoulder-related venous condition ended his year. Whitmore still has to earn a place in Denver's rotation, but the early praise gives him a chance to make a case for regular reserve minutes.
Source: Ryan Blackburn
Source: Ryan Blackburn
Nikita Grebenkin Considered Day-to-Day
Philadelphia Flyers winger Nikita Grebenkin (undisclosed) is day-to-day, according to Jordan Hall of NBC Sports Philadelphia. The Russian forward is dealing with an undisclosed injury that could keep him out of Wednesday's season opener against the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, unlike fellow forward Denver Barkey (lower body), Grebenkin hasn't landed on Injured Reserve. This suggests he's simply banged up and may still be available against Pittsburgh. If Grebenkin can't play, the Flyers will primarily miss his physicality, as he averaged 1.6 hits per game during his rookie season last year.
Source: Jordan Hall
Source: Jordan Hall
Kon Knueppel Iffy for Opening Night
Charlotte Hornets guard/forward Kon Knueppel (hamstring) remains uncertain for the Oct. 21 season opener in Brooklyn, according to Owen Watterson of Sports Illustrated. General manager Jeff Peterson said Monday that he "doesn't know" whether Knueppel will be ready, though the 21-year-old said he is no longer dealing with pain. Knueppel will miss the entire preseason after averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists while leading the league with 273 three-pointers as a rookie. Charlotte wants him handling more playmaking responsibility this season following the departures of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. If Knueppel misses time, Grayson Allen and Sion James could pick up extra perimeter minutes, while Brandon Miller and Coby White would have more offense to absorb.
Source: Owen Watterson
Source: Owen Watterson
Pitt's Ja'Kyrian Turner Listed As Questionable
Pitt running back Ja'Kyrian Turner (undisclosed) is listed as questionable for Week 5 against Virginia Tech. The sophomore running back has been dealing with an undisclosed injury all season and has been limited to just one game. In his only game this season, Turner was limited to 11 carries, rushing for 39 yards and catching 4 passes for 69 receiving yards. Turner was suited up for Pitt's Week 3 matchup against Syracuse but did not play, and he did not suit up for the team's Week 4 matchup against Bucknell. Virginia Tech is one of the toughest fantasy matchups for running backs, allowing only 83.3 rushing yards per game. Because of the tough matchup and uncertainty about whether Turner will play, fantasy owners should have a backup plan in place.
Source: Pete Nakos Of On3
Source: Pete Nakos Of On3
Jordan Addison Could See More Volume if Teammate Misses Time
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison could see a significant increase in targets following the injury to star receiver Justin Jefferson (ankle). In three games this season, Addison has hauled in seven of 16 targets for 111 yards and a touchdown, averaging just under seven half-PPR fantasy points per game. Despite his slow start, Jefferson suffered an ankle sprain and couldn't play through it in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his absence, Addison was very productive, hauling in five of nine targets for 90 yards and a touchdown. With the Vikings' bye week coming up in Week 6, Addison could be the focal point of the passing game if Jefferson can't return in Weeks 4 and 5. Fantasy managers will need to track Jefferson's practice status, as it will likely determine whether Addison can be started against the Miami Dolphins.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Andrew Mangiapane to Sit Out At Least Two Games
Chicago Blackhawks winger Andrew Mangiapane (lower body) won't play for the rest of the team's season-opening road trip, Mark Lazerus of The Athletic reports. Mangiapane suffered a lower-body injury in Tuesday's 5-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights, exiting the action after logging only 5:23 of ice time. The Blackhawks are on the road for the first three games of the season, meaning Mangiapane will be on the shelf for at least two games. Jordan Greenway and Nick Lardis are candidates for increased ice time during Mangiapane's absence. Greenway had an impressive Blackhawks debut on Tuesday, scoring a goal on five SOG and handing out three hits.
Source: Mark Lazerus
Source: Mark Lazerus
Rudy Gobert Works on Three-Point Shot in Camp
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert said shooting was part of his offseason work and has joined his teammates for three-point drills during training camp. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year went 0-for-5 from deep last season, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect three-pointers to suddenly become part of his game. Gobert averaged 10.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks while leading the league with a 68.2 percent field-goal percentage. His 52.6 percent mark from the free-throw line remains the bigger shooting concern. With LaMelo Ball now running the offense, Gobert should continue getting plenty of chances around the rim while providing strong rebounds, blocks, and field-goal efficiency.
Source: Andrew Dukowitz
Source: Andrew Dukowitz
Matthew Golden in the Midst of a Breakout Season
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden has been in the midst of a breakout season in 2026. In three games, the second-year receiver has hauled in 15 of 30 targets for 253 yards and a touchdown, averaging just under 13 half-PPR fantasy points per game. After struggling mightily in his rookie season, Golden has turned the corner, with the Packers using him more frequently and implementing the second-most pass-heavy offense in the NFL this season. While Christian Watson will remain a key part of this passing game, there's no reason he and Golden can't both produce in this pass-heavy offense, with running back Josh Jacobs on the commissioner's exempt list. As they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4, Golden is a must-start wide receiver as he looks to build on his hot start.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Connor Bedard Remains Without Timeline for Return
Chicago Blackhawks forward Connor Bedard (shoulder) still has no timeline for his return, Ben Pope of the Chicago Sun-Times reports. Before Tuesday's season opener against Vegas, Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson told reporters the team might have a firm timeline for Bedard's return sometime next month. Bedard underwent shoulder surgery in July and was ruled out for four months, suggesting he won't make his 2026-27 debut until November. With Bedard unavailable, rookie Roman Kantserov opened the season as Chicago's first-line center on Tuesday night, logging 17:07 of ice time, including 2:36 on the power play.
Source: Ben Pope
Source: Ben Pope
Zach Edey Cleared for Full-Speed Activity
Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey (ankle, elbow) has been cleared to be a full go, according to Damichael Cole of The Commercial Appeal. General manager Zach Kleiman said Edey is currently cleared for full-speed, full-court activity and is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, though Memphis could limit his preseason minutes. Edey hasn't played since Dec. 7 after undergoing ankle and elbow procedures in March. Before being sidelined, he averaged 13.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks while shooting 63.3 percent across 11 games. Isaiah Stewart and Quinten Post give Memphis other frontcourt options, but Edey's rebounding, blocks, and efficient scoring should keep him firmly in the fantasy mix if he stays healthy.
Source: Damichael Cole
Source: Damichael Cole
KJ Duff Faces Top-10 Opponent
Rutgers wide receiver KJ Duff will face his toughest matchup so far this season in Week 5 against No. 6 Indiana. The star wide receiver is having a breakout season and is currently the WR2 after finishing last season as the WR25. Through the first third of the season, the 6'6" wideout has a catch rate of 59% on a 38.5% target share for 550 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. However, heading into Week 5, Duff faces the Hoosiers, who are only allowing 168 passing yards per game. The Hoosiers' pass defense is a little misleading, as in their first three games against non-P4 teams they allowed 126 passing yards per game; however, in Week 4 Northwestern passed for 293 yards on them. Duff is ranked as RotoBaller's WR7 heading into this matchup, and fantasy owners should be starting him anywhere and everywhere.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jeremiah Smith Faces Top-12 Pass Defense
Ohio State star wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has a tough task in Week 5 against No. 14 Iowa. Smith has been the best wide receiver in college football this season, hauling in 33 of 47 targets for 617 yards and a ridiculous seven touchdowns, for 120.7 fantasy points and an average of 30.17 fantasy points per game. The standout junior is coming off of his best game in his two-plus years as a Buckeye. Against Illinois in Week 4, Smith had 12 receptions for 217 yards and four touchdowns, racking up 51.7 fantasy points. The Buckeyes travel to Kinnick Stadium to face Iowa in Week 5. Iowa ranks 12th in the country in passing yards allowed per game, allowing only 152 passing yards. However, they have yet to face a receiving threat like Jeremiah Smith. Smith is RotoBaller's WR9 heading into Week 5, and fantasy managers should start him in all leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
DeeJay Dallas a Deep-League Handcuff to Add in Week 4
Minnesota Vikings running back DeeJay Dallas has some fantasy appeal in deeper leagues ahead of Week 4. Dallas is firmly entrenched in the No. 2 role behind Aaron Jones Sr. (knee), but therein lies a potential opportunity for the veteran ball-carrier to take on a bigger workload. Jones has struggled to stay fully healthy in the back half of his career, and Dallas would likely see the biggest bump in volume if Jones were to miss any time due to injury. Although he wouldn't have the backfield all to himself because Demond Claiborne would also rotate in, Dallas would be the biggest riser in this hypothetical scenario where Jones gets hurt while Jordan Mason (thumb) is still on injured reserve. Because of Dallas' handcuff status, the 28-year-old has some waiver wire appeal in very deep fantasy leagues ahead of Week 4.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
