RADIO
Evan Engram Too Risky for Week 1 Against Chiefs
Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram is a riskier play for Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs. After two seasons outside the top 28 fantasy tight ends, Engram remains a strong candidate to be benched in deeper redraft leagues. Alternatively, he can be left on the waiver wire in shallower leagues. Last year, during his first campaign in Denver, Engram caught 50 passes for 461 yards, but he scored just one touchdown. An increase in touchdowns would prop up his 2026 fantasy projections by a decent amount, but we're still not sold on him as a fantasy starter. His target share is only expected to decline after the Broncos' trade for Jaylen Waddle, putting him somewhere between third and fifth in the pecking order. He's certainly behind Waddle and Courtland Sutton, but he could lose key volume to wide receivers Pat Bryant and Troy Franklin. It also doesn't help that Engram is going up against the Chiefs, who allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2025. As it stands, Engram ranks as the TE24 in RotoBaller's latest Week 1 fantasy football rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Payton Pritchard Viewed as a $22 Million Extension Candidate
Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard should be worth about $22 million per year on his next contract, Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe said on the Big 3 NBA podcast. Washburn called Pritchard one of the league's biggest bargains, and the 2024-25 Sixth Man of the Year has a three-year extension window worth roughly $67 million opening in October. Pritchard is making $7.8 million this season and $8.3 million in 2027-28, so a raise is coming if Boston wants to lock him in early. He earned it with career highs of 17.0 points, 5.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds, and 32.4 minutes last season. The fantasy concern is usage. Jayson Tatum is back, and Paul George arrived in the Jaylen Brown trade, so Pritchard may not match last year's scoring volume. The threes and assists should still travel, but 17.0 points reads more like a ceiling than a baseline.
Source: Celtics on CLNS
Source: Celtics on CLNS
Pat Freiermuth on the Fringe of Fantasy Radar for Week 1
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is a fringe top-24 option in fantasy football ahead of Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. Freiermuth is coming off a modest 2025 campaign in which he ranked as the TE25 with 41 catches, 486 yards, and four touchdowns. Last year, he faced plenty of competition for targets from Jonnu Smith and Darnell Washington. This year, Smith is gone, but Washington remains in the position group, and the Steelers are also expected to divert more targets to new wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Additionally, the Steelers' matchup against the Falcons isn't incredibly advantageous for fantasy football. The Steelers are 6.5-point favorites and could go up early against the Falcons, who are starting third-string quarterback Cooper Rush. In such a lopsided matchup, we could see the Steelers adopt a run-heavy approach early in the game to keep the clock moving. Therefore, there may be fewer targets to go around for Freiermuth, who ranks third (at best) in the Steelers' passing game pecking order behind Pittman and DK Metcalf.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ziaire Williams Eyes Starting Role with Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers guard/forward Ziaire Williams believes he has a real chance to win the team's open starting spot, according to Ron Gutterman of LakersNation.com, who cited Williams' comments to Ryan Ward of Lakers On SI. Asked whether Jonathan Kuminga's move to Minnesota created a real opportunity in Los Angeles, Williams said, "Yeah, I do," though he added that the failed pursuit of Kuminga did not change his mindset. Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and Walker Kessler are expected to start when healthy, while Quentin Grimes appears likely to claim another spot, leaving Williams in a battle with Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt, Matisse Thybulle, and Sandro Mamukelashvili. Williams averaged 10.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals in 22.9 minutes with Brooklyn last season, so the defensive role and steals upside are the clear fantasy hooks. He still needs JJ Redick to choose him before the watch-list case turns into draft-day value.
Source: Ron Gutterman
Source: Ron Gutterman
Steelers D/ST a Must-Start in Week 1 Against Third-String Quarterback
The Pittsburgh Steelers D/ST already finds itself in must-start territory most weeks, but the importance of getting them into lineups has heightened ahead of Week 1. Their opponent, the Atlanta Falcons, recently ruled out Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Tua Tagovailoa (oblique), leaving third-string quarterback Cooper Rush (back spasms) in line to start on Sunday afternoon. Rush has been dealing with back spasms, but he reportedly feels well enough to play in the season opener. As the Falcons continued to deal with bad quarterback news recently, the Steelers' fantasy ranking skyrocketed. Fueled by star pass rusher T.J. Watt, this unit now ranks as the #2 D/ST in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Penix Jr. Expected to Return in Next Two Weeks?
The Atlanta Falcons have been targeting Week 2 or Week 3 for quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) to return, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Penix won't be ready in time for Sunday's season opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the door remains open for him to play within the next two weeks. He's working his way back from an ACL tear that ended his 2025 season in Week 11. Through nine games last year, he racked up 1,982 passing yards, nine passing touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also showed off his mobility with 70 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown. Normally, Penix's absence would lead to a start for Tua Tagovailoa (oblique), but he has also been ruled out. As a result, the Falcons will start veteran third-string quarterback Cooper Rush (back spasms) against the Steelers and star pass rusher T.J. Watt.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Cooper Rush Remains on Track to Start Against Steelers
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Cooper Rush (back) is still expected to be active for Sunday's Week 1 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Rush had been dealing with back spasms, but he reportedly "is feeling better" and will be able to play in the season opener. It's a rare positive headline about a Falcons quarterback, as Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Tua Tagovailoa (oblique) were both ruled out ahead of time. Rush is technically the Falcons' third-string quarterback, but he'll now be tasked with staying upright and leading the offensive charge against the Steelers and star pass rusher T.J. Watt. For what it's worth, Rush ranks as a clear QB3 in fantasy football this week.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Joel Embiid's Usage Could Slip Below a Career Low in 2026-27
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (knee) could see his offensive role shrink in 2026-27, according to PhillyVoice's Adam Aaronson. Embiid's usage rate has dropped from 39.6 percent in 2023-24 to 34.2 percent and 33.5 percent over the last two seasons, and Aaronson sees a real chance it falls below his career-low 32.9 percent with LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe alongside him. The former MVP may spend more possessions as a facilitator, decoy, or occasional spot-up option, and the shooting is worth watching after he hit 32.2 percent from deep over the last two seasons. Embiid still averaged 26.9 points in 38 games last season, but that number is harder to bank on in this lineup. A slimmer offseason frame could help his mobility, though availability remains the bigger fantasy concern than usage.
Source: Adam Aaronson
Source: Adam Aaronson
Labaron Philon Jr. Blocked by Sixers' Backcourt Depth
Philadelphia 76ers guard Labaron Philon Jr. has a tougher path to rookie-year minutes than he appeared to have on draft night, according to PhillyVoice's Adam Aaronson. The No. 22 overall pick's best current NBA skill is creating with the ball, but Tyrese Maxey, LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe, and Joel Embiid (knee) all sit ahead of him in the touch hierarchy, while Anfernee Simons and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope give Nick Nurse veteran backcourt options. Philon's quickest route to the floor may be catch-and-shoot threes, movement shooting, and attacking closeouts. Strength is another hurdle, as the 20-year-old is listed at 177 pounds and still needs to add weight. He averaged 22.0 points and 5.0 assists at Alabama, then scored 24 points in a Summer League overtime win over Indiana, so the scoring feel is real. He is a player to monitor, not draft, unless injuries open guard minutes.
Source: Adam Aaronson
Source: Adam Aaronson
Julius Randle Confident Nets Can Exceed Low Expectations
Brooklyn Nets forward Julius Randle is not treating his first season in Brooklyn like another rebuilding year, according to Andrew Crane of the New York Post. Speaking Saturday at the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center, Randle leaned into the team's "shock the world" framing and said, "Whatever your expectations are, whatever expectations that are put upon us, we're gonna exceed them." The three-time All-Star averaged 21.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.0 assists for Minnesota last season before being traded to a Nets team that went 20-62. Brooklyn still has Michael Porter Jr., Egor Demin, and Mikel Brown Jr. in the offensive mix, but Randle should have a larger creation role than he did with the Timberwolves. With Nicolas Claxton now in Chicago, Randle also has a path to frontcourt minutes, giving him a strong counting-stat base if Brooklyn stays competitive.
Source: Andrew Crane
Source: Andrew Crane
Maxx Crosby Wanted to Stay with Raiders After Failed Ravens Trade
Las Vegas Raiders star edge rusher Maxx Crosby was nearly traded to the Baltimore Ravens this past offseason, but the deal fell through due to medical concerns with Crosby's knee. After that deal fell apart, Crosby "let it be known to anyone interested that he did not want to be traded," according to Ian Rapoport of ESPN.com. "Specifically, the 29-year-old's request to stay in Vegas shut down trade talks that had been heating up with the Los Angeles Rams. If he had been open to a trade, the Rams were pushing very heavily to get a deal finalized, which would have presumably taken them out of the sweepstakes for Myles Garrett. Instead, they missed out on Crosby and swung a deal to get Garrett from the Cleveland Browns for defensive end Jared Verse and multiple picks. As a result, Crosby stays in Vegas, where he'll be tasked with containing Miami Dolphins mobile quarterback Malik Willis on Sunday.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Joey Porter Jr. Unlikely to Play in Sunday's Season Opener
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (back) is expected to be inactive for Sunday's Week 1 contest against the Atlanta Falcons, according to Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Porter had been listed as questionable, but his status appears to be trending in the wrong direction with kickoff just four hours away. Beyond the injury, there's also a potential trade factor to consider here. Porter previously requested a trade due to unresolved extension negotiations, and given that the Steelers don't sign extensions in-season, Porter could be dealt within the next few weeks. In fact, Rapoport and Schefter report an "early-season trade is very possible," while noting that the Steelers have yet to receive a trade offer they feel comfortable accepting. In the short-term, his absence should lead to a bigger defensive role for veterans Jamel Dean, Jalen Ramsey, and Asante Samuel Jr. They'll be going up against a Falcons offense led by third-string quarterback Cooper Rush.
Source: Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter
Source: Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter
Za'Darius Smith Expected to Play in Week 1 Against the Steelers
Atlanta Falcons pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith (shoulder) is expected to play in Sunday's Week 1 contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He had been listed as questionable, but it sounds like he should be able to suit up, barring a setback. Smith appeared in five games for the Philadelphia Eagles last season, amassing 10 tackles, three quarterback hits, and 1.5 sacks. He missed a portion of 2026 training camp due to a personal situation, but he's now ready to get back on the field and make his presence felt. This week, he'll be tasked with creating chaos in the offensive backfield for Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. That could be easier said than done, especially if the Falcons' defense can't stay off the field with the team entering as a 6.5-point underdog.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Alvin Kamara Not Expected to Play in Week 1
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee) is expected to be inactive for Sunday's Week 1 contest against the Detroit Lions, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Kamara suffered an MCL sprain four weeks ago, and it sounds like he wasn't quite able to fully recover in time for today's season opener. His absence leaves Travis Etienne Jr. in the starter's role with perhaps a slightly larger workload than initially anticipated. Meanwhile, Kendre Miller will step up as the team's backup running back behind Etienne. Kamara, of course, should be benched in all fantasy leagues. His next chance to play will come next Sunday, when the Saints travel to take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Jeremiyah Love Expected to Suit Up for NFL Debut on Sunday
Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) is expected to be active for Sunday's Week 1 contest against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Love had been listed as questionable, but there was a growing sense in recent days that he would be able to play. The No. 3 pick will be making his NFL debut, so between his lingering injury and his lack of NFL experience, we wouldn't be surprised to see him operate as the No. 2 running back behind Tyler Allgeier. Once he shows that he's healthy and can handle a starter's workload, then he'll climb to the top spot on the depth chart. For Week 1, he ranks as RotoBaller's RB26 in PPR leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
