RADIO
More Opportunities Coming for Michael Mayer?
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer has been a solid backup to Brock Bowers, but The Athletic's Sam Warren writes that "there have been hints that more opportunities could be coming" for Mayer in 2026 under new head coach Klint Kubiak. The team's new head coach has an "affinity for bigger formations," which means the Raiders could feature more two-tight-end sets this year, and Mayer could be more of a pass-catching threat. The 24-year-old former second-rounder (35th overall) in 2023 out of Notre Dame was a TE1 streaming option when Bowers missed time with injury last year, and he finished with career highs in catches (35), targets (50), and receiving yards (328) in 13 games (12 starts) while scoring one time. Vegas added receiver Jalen Nailor in the offseason, but nobody in their WR room has a ton of experience, and veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins could lean on both Bowers and Mayer early on in 2026. In redraft leagues, Mayer will be a low-upside, low-end TE2, at best. And in dynasty formats, RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 43 TE.
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Is Carnell Tate Poised for Immediate Stardom in Tennessee?
After recording 875 receiving yards and nine touchdowns as a junior at Ohio State in 2025, wide receiver Carnell Tate was selected fourth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans. The Titans also brought in wideout Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency and roster capable pass-catchers in wide receivers Calvin Ridley, Chimere Dike, and Elic Ayomanor. However, Tate carries the highest upside of anyone in Tennessee's wide receiver room by far and could emerge as the team's clear WR1 immediately. Additionally, the Titans' offense should offer more stability in 2026 with Brian Daboll taking over as the play-caller and with quarterback Cameron Ward entering his second NFL season. Tate may have some growing pains early in his NFL career, but Tennessee could end up being the best possible landing spot for his long-term dynasty outlook.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Will Jeremiyah Love See a Limited Role in Arizona as a Rookie?
After a standout career at the University of Notre Dame, running back Jeremiyah Love was selected with the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona's significant draft investment in Love signals that the team views him as its future at the running back position. However, Love may not be in a position to dominate backfield touches in Arizona immediately. The Cardinals signed running back Tyler Allgeier to a two-year, $12.25 million contract in free agency. The team also has a pair of capable incumbents at the position in James Conner (foot) and Trey Benson. While Love will certainly get his chances to contribute in 2026, he may not have the same immediate impact in Arizona that he might have in a different landing spot. Love remains a high-end dynasty asset, but his short-term value is a bit less certain following the NFL Draft.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Wan'Dale Robinson's Dynasty Stock Fading Following NFL Draft
Wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson was one of the big winners of 2026 free agency, signing a four-year, $70 million contract with the Tennessee Titans in March. The 25-year-old put together his best season in 2025 with the New York Giants, recording 92 catches for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns on 140 targets across 16 games. At the time of his signing in Tennessee, Robinson profiled as the clear number one target for the Titans. However, Tennessee used the number four overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate, likely knocking Robinson down a peg on the team's target pecking order. Robinson should still see plenty of opportunities as a short and medium-area security blanket for Titans quarterback Cameron Ward. However, his upside in Tennessee is likely limited by Tate's presence. In dynasty formats, managers should downgrade their valuation on Robinson following the NFL Draft.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bucky Irving Not Yet Cleared to Participate in OTAs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) has not yet been cleared to participate in OTAs and may not see the practice field until training camp as he recovers from shoulder surgery, according to Pewter Report. Irving battled both shoulder and foot injuries during the 2025 season, which caused him to miss seven games. While the 23-year-old finished the year on the field for Tampa Bay, he underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason that is now apparently delaying his availability for the team's offseason program. While it does not appear that Irving is in danger of missing time to begin 2026, it's still a slight cause for concern for fantasy managers that his injury issues from 2025 are not fully behind him. After averaging 5.4 yards per carry as a rookie in 2024, Irving managed just 3.4 yards per carry while battling injuries in 2025. Tampa Bay also signed running back Kenneth Gainwell to a sizable two-year deal in free agency, which could be an indication that the team is not fully confident in Irving's health status. Fantasy managers should closely monitor updates on Irving between now and the start of training camp.
Source: Pewter Report
Source: Pewter Report
Tyler Shough's Dynasty Stock Rising with Improved Supporting Cast in New Orleans
A second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough flashed high-end upside down the stretch of his rookie year. Over his last five games of the season, Shough threw for 1,316 yards and five touchdowns while adding 133 yards and three scores as a rusher. The 26-year-old now enters his second NFL season as the unquestioned starter in New Orleans and should be working with a significantly upgraded supporting cast. The Saints used the number eight overall pick in the 2026 draft on wide receiver Jordyn Tyson and signed free agent running back Travis Etienne to a big-money contract in free agency. Shough will have to prove he can produce over the course of a full season, but he appears to be well-positioned for a breakout in year two. In dynasty formats, Shough could emerge as a borderline QB1 as early as the 2026 season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Garrett Wilson's Dynasty Upside Limited by Quarterback Questions
New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (knee) was limited to just seven games played in 2025 by a knee injury that landed him on Injured Reserve in November. Before getting hurt, the 25-year-old recorded 36 receptions for 395 yards and four touchdowns on 59 targets and appeared to be on his way to his fourth consecutive season with at least 1,000 receiving yards. While Wilson has been a productive player to this point in his career, his fantasy ceiling has been limited by consistently substandard supporting casts around him in New York. Wilson is expected to be fully healthy for the start of 2026 and remains the clear number one target in the Jets' passing game. However, New York is entering yet another season with an uncertain situation at quarterback, with veteran Geno Smith set to open the year as the team's starter after a brutal year with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025. The Jets also added a pair of first-round pass-catchers in the 2026 NFL Draft in tight end Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr., both of whom could steal a few targets from Wilson. In dynasty formats, Wilson's production upside remains limited until the Jets find a long-term answer at quarterback.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ted Hurst Viewed as "True X" Receiver Going into Rookie Campaign
New Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said that rookie third-round wide receiver Ted Hurst is a "true X" receiver, according to Scott Smith of the team's official website. Robinson also said there are "so many things" that he likes about Hurst, who has an exciting skill set and great instincts. The 21-year-old product of Georgia State only played two seasons in college, but he has the size (6-foot-4, 206 pounds) and speed (4.42-second 40-yard dash) to make noise at the next level in an offense that lost future Hall of Famer Mike Evans in free agency. In his two seasons at Georgia State, Hurst caught 127 passes for 1,965 yards and 15 touchdowns. He will primarily be competing with Jalen McMillan for the WR3 role in 2026 behind Chris Godwin Jr. and Emeka Egbuka, but his physical attributes make him a bit more intriguing long-term than McMillan. RotoBaller has Hurst ranked as the No. 73 dynasty pass-catcher, two spots below McMillan.
Source: Buccaneers.com - Scott Smith
Source: Buccaneers.com - Scott Smith
Zac Robinson Thinks Bucky Irving, Kenneth Gainwell Have Similar Skill Sets
New Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said that running backs Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell "can match each other" in terms of their similar skill sets out of the backfield, according to FOX Sports' Greg Auman. The Bucs let Rachaad White walk in free agency this offseason, but they added Gainwell to their RB room after the 27-year-old broke out with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 with 114 carries for 537 yards and five touchdowns, adding 73 receptions (85 targets) for 486 yards and three more TDs as a pass-catcher in 17 regular-season games. Irving only played in 10 games in his second NFL season due to injuries, but the 23-year-old was efficient as a pass-catcher as well, recording 277 yards and three TDs on his 30 receptions. As long as he stays on the field, Irving is expected to be utilized as Tampa's lead back in 2026, with Gainwell serving in the third-down, pass-catching role. Both will be fantasy relevant, with Irving ranking as RotoBaller's No. 16 dynasty RB, and Gainwell checking in as the No. 45 RB. In PPR leagues, Gainwell will be much more expensive after ranking fifth among RBs in catches.
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Emeka Egbuka to Settle into "Z" Role in Year 2
New Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said that second-year wide receiver Emeka Egbuka will settle into the "Z" role primarily on the outside in 2026 after playing multiple spots as a rookie in 2025, according to Scott Smith of Buccaneers.com. Egbuka, the 19th overall pick in 2025 out of Ohio State, bounced around inside and outside in his first year in the NFL due to injuries to Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr., and Jalen McMillan. The 23-year-old now figures to mostly play outside this year, though, with Evans now in San Francisco. Third-round rookie Ted Hurst is more of a "true X" wideout, which will allow the Bucs to use Egbuka on the outside more, with Godwin in the slot. The 23-year-old Egbuka was a best in his first five NFL games, catching 25 passes for 445 yards and five touchdowns, but he caught just one more TD the rest of the way and dealt with a hamstring injury to finish his rookie campaign with a 63-938-6 line in 17 games (13 starts). With Evans now gone, Egbuka will have an opportunity to rise as Tampa's WR1 in 2026 and beyond, making him a top-12 dynasty receiver.
Source: Buccaneers.com - Scott Smith
Source: Buccaneers.com - Scott Smith
Trey Benson Droppable in Some Dynasty Leagues?
Arizona Cardinals running back Trey Benson's dynasty value has plummeted over the last few months. Benson was once seen as the potential successor to James Conner in Arizona -- and, at the very least, an extremely valuable handcuff. However, the Cardinals' new coaching staff brought in two new running backs this season, bumping Benson to fourth on the depth chart. Rookie Jeremiyah Love should take over the lead-back role right away, and Conner and Tyler Allgeier will both carve out significant workloads, too. That leaves Benson on the outside looking in, and we can't rule out the possibility of him being a healthy scratch on gamedays. If that happens, managers in shallower dynasty leagues could justify dropping him. At this point, the ideal outcome for fantasy managers would be Benson getting traded to a team that uses him as a true backup. That way, he would maintain his appeal as a handcuff while offering occasional standalone RB3/flex value. For now, though, he remains on the Cardinals' roster, and his outlook is bleak. He has fallen to #59 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty running back rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cameron Ward Looking to Make a Year 2 Leap
Tennessee Titans quarterback Cameron Ward showed flashes of upside as a rookie last season, but fantasy managers will look for him to take a significant Year 2 leap in 2026. Ward didn't miss a snap until Week 18 last year, finishing the season with a 59.8% completion rate, 3,169 passing yards, and 159 rushing yards. Between throwing and running, he had 17 touchdowns and 14 turnovers. Cleaning up the turnovers will be a key area of focus for Ward, and he should benefit from being coached by offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, who helped Jaxson Dart turn in a fantastic rookie season. The former No. 1 pick will also hit the field with a drastically upgraded wide receiver room that now features Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson, in addition to returners Calvin Ridley, Elic Ayomanor, and Chimere Dike. With improved coaching and weapons at his disposal, Ward seems like a prime candidate to break out in his second season. He's a very appealing "buy" in dynasty leagues this offseason, given that he still has top-12 quarterback upside long-term.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Omar Cooper Jr. to Require Some Patience in Dynasty Leagues?
New York Jets wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. has long-term upside in dynasty fantasy football, but managers should prepare for the possibility that he doesn't break out right away as a rookie. The Jets are expected to experience some growing pains this season with Geno Smith at quarterback. Smith had a miserable season in Las Vegas last year, and we question whether he'll be able to support a fantasy-relevant season from Omar Cooper Jr. when he already has Garrett Wilson as his WR1. With that being said, Cooper has proven himself as a winning receiver since he played for the national champion Indiana Hoosiers. He also has long-term appeal in dynasty leagues, because it seems like a foregone conclusion that the Jets will spend a top pick on a quarterback next year. A talented, young quarterback could be exactly what Cooper needs to emerge as a reliable fantasy option, even if Wilson remains the top target. As a result, Cooper is the WR5 in RotoBaller's rookie rankings and the WR37 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Jordyn Tyson the Best Rookie Receiver in Dynasty Leagues?
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Jordyn Tyson was a top prospect in this year's NFL Draft, and his landing spot could be conducive to a top-12 finish in fantasy football. Tyson ended up with the Saints, where he should start every game opposite Chris Olave. New Orleans' offense is trending in the right direction under offensive-minded head coach Kellen Moore. Quarterback Tyler Shough had a fantastic rookie season, Travis Etienne Jr. was added to the backfield, and Tyson and Olave could end up being the best wide receiver duo in the NFC South. We're not too worried about target share, either, as Shough averaged 35 pass attempts per game following the bye week last year, and that number could increase in 2026. Tyson may initially produce slightly less than Olave, but we wouldn't be surprised to see an even split (or even see Tyson win the top role) by season's end, especially given Olave's concussion history. All in all, Tyson will push to be the top-scoring receiver in the 2026 rookie class, both short-term and long-term. His biggest competition is presumably Carnell Tate, the Titans' first-round pick, who may initially face some growing pains as Cameron Ward continues to develop.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Nico Collins Still in the WR1 Tier for Dynasty Fantasy Football
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins wasn't the flashiest name last season, but he still managed to finish as the WR8 in PPR leagues. That was the best mark of his career, and it was the second time that he finished among the top 12 receivers in the last three years. He had 71 catches, 1,117 yards, and six touchdowns, and he presumably would have ranked even higher if he hadn't missed two games due to injury. Collins managed to produce at a high level despite the inconsistent quarterback play of C.J. Stroud, who had a shaky third season. If Stroud doesn't bounce back in 2026 and beyond, it's encouraging to know that Collins can still be a top-12 receiver with iffy quarterback play. However, if Stroud does have a big year, then Collins has legitimate top-five upside in both redraft and dynasty leagues. He's a firm "hold" for now, and he ranks as RotoBaller's dynasty WR11 at the moment.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
