RADIO
Jelani Thurman Has Favorable Matchup Upcoming
After helping North Carolina upset TCU in an overseas matchup to begin the season, Tar Heels tight end Jelani Thurman looks to keep it rolling in Week 2. Thurman recorded four receptions for 94 yards during UNC's unexpected victory over the Horned Frogs, placing him as TE13 in RotoBaller's rankings with what should be a favorable matchup against East Tennessee State on Saturday. The Buccaneers have already played two games to kick off their FCS season, allowing an average of 226 yards passing per game, including a Week 1 matchup with Campbell in which ETSU allowed the Fighting Camels to throw for 343 yards. North Carolina quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. totaled 232 yards passing but was held out of the end zone this past week. Thurman is projected to score 8.2 fantasy points entering this game, and I could see him exceeding that total.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ilya Samsonov Joins Sharks on One-Year, Two-Way Deal
Goaltender Ilya Samsonov will attempt an NHL comeback in 2026-27, having signed a one-year, two-way contract with the San Jose Sharks. After six years in the NHL, Samsonov spent the 2025-26 campaign with HC Sochi in the KHL. This could be a smart pickup for the Sharks, given Samsonov's solid play throughout his NHL career. He has posted a 118-48-25 record, a 2.77 goals-against average, and a .902 save percentage. Last season, the Sharks ranked 25th in save percentage, with Yaroslav Askarov and Alex Nedeljkovic sharing starts in the crease.
Source: San Jose Sharks
Source: San Jose Sharks
Senators Expect Artem Zub to Be Ready for Training Camp
Ottawa Senators defenseman Artem Zub (lower body) is expected to be available for training camp, Bruce Garrioch of Postmedia reports. Senators general manager Steve Staios told Garrioch that Zub is still rehabbing from a lower-body injury he suffered during the playoffs, but he expects the Russian rearguard to be fine for training camp. Zub is a versatile defenseman who contributes in all areas. He finished last season with 30 points (five goals, 25 assists), 92 SOG, 120 blocks, and 66 hits in 81 games. The 30-year-old led his team with a plus-22 rating.
Source: Bruce Garrioch
Source: Bruce Garrioch
Chris Bell Has a Clear Path to Major Role in Miami
Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Chris Bell is a high-upside option to target late in drafts and on the waiver wire this season. In his senior season at Louisville, Bell had 72 receptions for 917 yards and six touchdowns in 11 games. Bell was drafted in the third round and would've gone much higher if not for a torn ACL in the 2025 season. The rookie receiver has recovered at a tremendous pace and played in the team's final preseason game, a positive sign for his Week 1 outlook. He was listed as a starter on the team's Week 1 depth chart alongside Malik Washington and fellow third-round rookie Caleb Douglas. While he shouldn't be a starting player in fantasy this week, he offers immense upside, as the climb to the top of the depth chart is not too crowded.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Caleb Odom Hoping to Build on Big Week 1
Ole Miss tight end Caleb Odom is coming off a productive effort during the Rebels' Week 1 win over Louisville and is poised to build on his hot start to the season in Week 2. Odom finished this past week's victory with three receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown, which earned him the position as TE12 in RotoBaller's positional rankings. Ole Miss takes on an inferior opponent in Charlotte this week, a team that was just upset by FCS foe The Citadel, which used its running game to power past the 49ers. Still, Bulldogs tight end Whit Hobgood recorded a couple of catches. If Ole Miss continues to ride quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, who exploded for 336 yards passing and three TDs last week, Odom will be one of the primary beneficiaries against a bottom-of-the-barrel adversary.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Wizards Promote Amber Nichols to Vice President of Basketball Operations
HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reports that the Washington Wizards are promoting Amber Nichols to vice president of basketball operations and personnel. The former Capital City Go-Go general manager most recently served as Washington's director of amateur evaluation, running point on the process that produced AJ Dybantsa at No. 1 and Felix Okpara at No. 46 in June. Her wider personnel remit matters for a roster with a real minutes crunch. Alexandre Sarr, Tre Johnson, Kyshawn George, and Will Riley are all fighting for touches behind Trae Young and Anthony Davis, and an evaluator being handed more say usually points to patience with drafted players rather than veteran fill-ins. Dybantsa's rookie usage is the piece to track.
Source: Michael Scotto
Source: Michael Scotto
Thatcher Demko Remains Without Timeline for Return
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (hip) doesn't have a timeline for his return, Rick Dhaliwal of CHEK reports. Recent reports indicated that Demko's availability for training camp is in doubt. Since he doesn't have a timeline for a return, the Canucks may also be without Demko at the start of the regular season. Demko had hip surgery in January. His absence leaves Kevin Lankinen as Vancouver's de facto starter. Last season, Lankinen struggled to fill Demko's shoes, posting a 11-27-5 record.
Source: Rick Dhaliwal
Source: Rick Dhaliwal
Rhamondre Stevenson Expected to be Workhorse in Week 1
New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson is expected to handle the bulk of the workload in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks. In 2025, Stevenson totaled 948 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 162 touches across 14 games. He split the workload with rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson, who totaled over 1,100 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie. Now, Henderson (ankle) has been ruled out for Week 1's matchup against the Seahawks, opening the door for Stevenson to get more work. The matchup is still tough, as Seattle allowed the fewest fantasy points to running backs and the fewest yards per carry last season. Still, with a great offense and as the clear workhorse, Stevenson is a mid-RB2 in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sasha Vezenkov Leaves Door Open to NBA Return
Olympiacos forward Sasha Vezenkov drew exploratory interest from the Minnesota Timberwolves this summer, according to Marc Stein, though a formal offer never followed. The inquiry came before Minnesota signed Jonathan Kuminga, with Vezenkov signaling early that he preferred to stay in Greece. "It's tough now because here is my family, my life," the 31-year-old said, while still leaving the door slightly open by adding, "never say never." Vezenkov's lone NBA season produced 5.4 points and 2.3 rebounds in 12.2 minutes across 42 games with Sacramento in 2023-24. Since returning to Olympiacos, he has won another EuroLeague MVP and led the competition at 19.4 points per game. With Julius Randle and Naz Reid gone, Minnesota had reason to search for frontcourt skill, but Kuminga's arrival and Vezenkov's decision leave Trey Lyles and the remaining bench pieces with a cleaner path to reserve minutes.
Source: Marc Stein
Source: Marc Stein
Jamari Johnson Could Feast in Week 2
Oregon's Jamari Johnson is the No. 2-ranked tight end, according to RotoBaller's rankings, and the Ducks' pass-catcher is set for another big week against a lowly Oklahoma State defense. The Cowboys fell to Tulsa in Week 1, allowing Golden Hurricanes quarterback Baylor Hayes to throw for 227 yards and a touchdown during the season-opening victory. Oregon quarterback Dante Moore exploded for 378 yards passing and three touchdowns during a win over Boise State this past Saturday, completing four passes to Johnson for 57 yards and a touchdown. Johnson has scored a touchdown in three of his past four games, dating back to the 2025 College Football Playoff, and is a strong candidate to find the end zone again in Week 2.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kaelon Black a Top Handcuff Option in 2026
San Francisco 49ers rookie running back Kaelon Black enters 2026 as the clear handcuff to star running back Christian McCaffrey. Black missed time throughout training camp with an adductor injury but played well in the final preseason game and reportedly earned the backup role in San Francisco. The third-round pick was the team's second-highest-ranked running back in the draft process and has earned praise throughout the organization, earning the label "fast and explosive." McCaffrey has missed time throughout training camp, and the team is expected to manage the 30-year-old's workload in practice. Black is a strong handcuff at the running back position and carries immense upside if McCaffrey misses time.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Simon Edvinsson Ready to Participate in Red Wings Camp Without Contract
Detroit Red Wings defenseman Simon Edvinsson plans to attend training camp even if he's still unsigned, TSN's Pierre LeBrun reports. The 23-year-old Swedish blue-liner is a restricted free agent after completing his entry-level contract. Edvinsson has enjoyed back-to-back strong campaigns. In 2025-26, he appeared in 72 regular-season contests, recording 25 points (nine goals, 16 assists), 88 SOG, 148 blocks, 94 hits, and a plus-12 rating. Edvinsson has formed a strong partnership with Moritz Seider in Detroit's defense and is expected to stay in Motown long-term. However, his contract situation remains unresolved as the Red Wings are still looking for a new general manager.
Source: Pierre LeBrun
Source: Pierre LeBrun
Max Strus Embraces Glue-Guy Role with Clippers
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Max Strus said on the Link with JB podcast that he is comfortable settling into a glue-guy role built around shooting, defense, rebounding, and moving the ball. "I used to have a bag back in college, but I don't anymore," Strus said, adding that he is not afraid to guard top scorers. The 30-year-old returned from a Jones fracture in his left foot last season and averaged 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.8 three-pointers in 12 regular-season games while shooting 40.2 percent from deep, then posted 9.6 points and 4.8 rebounds across 18 playoff outings. Darius Garland and Bradley Beal already give the Clippers perimeter creation, while Brandon Ingram is expected to arrive once the Kawhi Leonard deal is finalized. Strus should have a rotation spot in the final year of his deal, but threes and rebounds are the only reliable fantasy hooks.
Source: Link with JB podcast
Source: Link with JB podcast
Fraser Minten Signs Seven-Year Extension With Bruins
Boston Bruins center Fraser Minten has committed his long-term future to the franchise, signing a seven-year, $50.4 million contract extension. The contract will kick in with the 2027-28 season after Minten completes his entry-level deal. Minten earned a handsome payday thanks to a promising rookie campaign. The 22-year-old skated in all 82 regular-season games last season, recording 35 points (17 goals, 18 assists), 117 SOG, and 142 hits. Minten led all first-year players with a plus-21 rating. He has a bright future in Boston and will be expected to take another step forward in 2026-27.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tyler Allgeier Set for a Lead Role in Week 1
Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier is projected to be the backfield's leader in Week 1's matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. With the Atlanta Falcons in 2025, Allgeier totaled 610 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns on 157 attempts in 17 games. He signed a two-year deal with the Cardinals during the offseason, but the team spent the third-overall pick on rookie Jeremiyah Love. Both are expected to form a one-two punch in the backfield, but Love's ankle injury makes his Week 1 status unclear. The Cardinals listed Allgeier as the starting back with Love as the backup on their depth chart. The Chargers were the sixth-best defense against running backs last season, and a negative game script is expected against the Cardinals, making Allgeier and Love risky Week 1 starts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
