RADIO
Keenan Allen Set for Preseason Finale Reps
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen will play in Saturday's preseason finale against the Detroit Lions, according to Stephen Holder. Head coach Shane Steichen said Allen wants to get on the field after signing with Indianapolis on Aug. 19. The 34-year-old did not play against Atlanta last week, when the Colts rested most of their starters. Allen spent the 2025 season back with the Chargers and caught 81 passes for 777 yards and four touchdowns across 17 games. He is still getting settled into a Colts offense that also features Josh Downs and tight end Tyler Warren, so even a brief appearance gives him some live work before Week 1. Steichen had previously said most starters would play around eight to 12 plays in the finale, although he did not give Allen a specific workload Thursday. Allen's fantasy role still needs some sorting out, but his willingness to play after joining the team so late in camp is a positive sign.
Source: Stephen Holder
Source: Stephen Holder
Tommy Edman Remains a Worthy Deep-League Waiver Wire Target
Across 213 plate appearances in 2026, Los Angeles Dodgers utility man Tommy Edman is hitting .271/.351/.420 with five home runs, 27 RBI, 30 runs scored, and five stolen bases. The start of Edman's 2026 campaign was delayed by offseason ankle surgery, which delayed his season debut until mid-June. However, the versatile 31-year-old has been productive since his return and has settled in as the Dodgers' primary second baseman in recent weeks. Edman's production may not stand out in any one category, but he doesn't have any major weaknesses and should put up quality counting stats while playing a near-everyday role in the potent Dodgers lineup. He's also been more aggressive as a baserunner this season now that he's fully recovered from his ankle issues, as he's attempted seven stolen bases in 56 games in 2026 after logging just four attempts across 97 games in 2025. As a deep-league depth piece, Edman carries clear value on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Luis Rengifo Re-Emerging as a Viable Deep-League Waiver-Wire Target
San Diego Padres utility man Luis Rengifo got off to a terrible start to the 2026 season while playing for the Milwaukee Brewers, hitting .205/.280/.254 with zero home runs across 209 plate appearances with Milwaukee. However, since being released by the Brewers and catching on with the Padres, Rengifo has turned his season around. Across 138 plate appearances with San Diego, the 29-year-old is slashing .306/.387/.430 with four home runs, 17 RBI, 18 runs scored, and three stolen bases. Rengifo does not profile as much of a power source for fantasy managers, as he owns a career barrel and hard-hit rates of 5.2% and 32.8%, respectively. However, he's struck out in just 14.1% of his plate appearances this season while posting a 9.5% walk rate. Rengifo can also lineup at every infield position other than shortstop and as a corner outfielder, which helps keep him in the San Diego lineup every day. As a depth piece in deeper fantasy leagues, Rengifo has value on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isiah Pacheco Up in the Air for Week 1 With Back, Knee Injuries
When asked about Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco's (back, knee) status for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the New Orleans Saints, head coach Dan Campbell said, "I can't give you anything definitive." Campbell said that Pacheco picked up a back injury in training camp, in addition to his MCL sprain, according to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. Right now, Pacheco's knee is not the concern. If the 27-year-old Pacheco is unavailable to play in the season opener in early September, Sione Vaki is likely to step up into the RB2 role in Detroit behind starter Jahmyr Gibbs. Pacheco ran for 1,765 yards and 12 touchdowns on 375 carries while adding 57 catches for 374 yards and two more TDs as a receiver in his first two years with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022 and 2023, but he combined for just 201 carries, 772 rushing yards, and two touchdowns in 20 games in the last two years while dealing with various injuries. When healthy, he's expected to be the backup in a change-of-pace role for Gibbs, but he is not selling himself as a handcuff target for fantasy managers with more injury issues before the start of the 2026 season. Right now, Pacheco is ranked as the RB54 at RotoBaller.
Source: The Athletic - Colton Pouncy
Source: The Athletic - Colton Pouncy
Dylan Crews a Second-Half Riser to Target on the Waiver Wire
Across 335 plate appearances in 2026, Washington Nationals outfielder Dylan Crews is hitting .217/.290/.365 with 10 home runs, 30 RBI, 41 runs scored, and eight stolen bases. While the 24-year-old's top-line numbers for the year don't leap off the page, his 9.8% barrel rate and 44.2% hard-hit rate both support higher-level production. Crews has also been better in the second half of the season than he was in the first half, posting a .710 OPS with four home runs and three stolen bases across 146 plate appearances since the All-Star break after logging a .613 OPS with six home runs and five stolen bases across 189 plate appearances before the break. The 24-year-old has a tendency to hit the ball in the air the opposite way, which has led to his actual production lagging behind his expected output. However, if Crews can start to pull the ball more often and hit a few more line drives, he could quickly see improvements in both power and batting average. Fantasy managers should temper their expectations for the former top prospect, but Crews remains a viable waiver wire target with some five-category upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tucker Kraft Could Have Competition for Targets in 2026
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) tore his ACL in Week 9 last year against the Carolina Panthers, halting what was looking like a true breakout year for the former third-rounder from South Dakota State. Despite coming off a major knee injury, fantasy managers have not been shy about drafting him as a top-five player at his position for 2026, especially after he avoided landing on the Physically Unable to Perform list to begin training camp this summer. The 25-year-old caught 32 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight games a year ago, and he has 13 total touchdowns the last two seasons, making him a popular breakout candidate again this year. However, the argument for Kraft being a clear top-five TE might have taken a bit of a hit with Green Bay's signing of former Pro Bowler Jonnu Smith on Thursday. Kraft will be the Packers' unquestioned top pass-catching tight end if he is healthy, but Smith's presence could create target competition that could prevent him from reaching his true fantasy ceiling. Two years ago with the Miami Dolphins, Smith caught 88 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Samuel Basallo a Priority Waiver-Wire Target Following Return from Injury
After suffering a shoulder injury in mid-July, Baltimore Orioles catcher Samuel Basallo was sidelined for a month. However, the 22-year-old was reinstated from the injured list on August 19, and he immediately jumped back into an everyday role in the heart of the Baltimore lineup. Across 336 plate appearances in 2026, Basallo is hitting .236/.301/.439 with 17 home runs, 48 RBI, and 36 runs scored. While Basallo's 27.4% strikeout rate is a red flag in his profile, his high-end power upside for the catcher position is underscored by his 13.0% barrel rate and 45.1% hard-hit rate. The Orioles' trade of catcher Adley Rutschman to the Boston Red Sox at the trade deadline has also cleared the way for Basallo to be the team's primary backstop. Baltimore also remains willing to play Basallo at first base or designated hitter, which should allow him to stay in the lineup even when he needs a day off behind the plate. In leagues where he's available, Basallo should be viewed as a priority waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Bell Remains a Steady Source of Power and Run Production
Across 521 plate appearances in 2026, Minnesota Twins first baseman Josh Bell is hitting .253/.317/.423 with 17 home runs, 80 RBI, 67 runs scored, and one stolen base. Bell doesn't stand out in any one category, which may be why he often flies under the radar of fantasy managers. However, the 33-year-old remains a very reliable hitter in his 11th MLB season. Bell's steady power production is supported by his credible 9.8% barrel rate and 41.5% hard-hit rate. His 20.3% strikeout rate on the year is slightly higher than his career norm, but remains manageable. Bell has also been durable and is locked into an everyday role in the heart of the Twins lineup, which should allow him to continue to be an above-average run producer throughout the remainder of the season. For fantasy managers in need of some power and run production, Bell is an appealing waiver wire target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Packers Signing Tight End Jonnu Smith to One-Year Deal
The Green Bay Packers are signing former Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith to an undisclosed one-year deal on Thursday, sources told Jordan Schultz. Smith is one of the league's most respected veterans, and he has recorded 345 career catches and 30 touchdowns in his nine years in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans, New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, Miami Dolphins, and Pittsburgh Steelers. The Packers will be Smith's fourth different team in the last four years. The former third-rounder in 2017 by the Titans out of Florida International had a career year in Miami in 2024, catching 88 of 111 targets for 884 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games, but he cratered to a 38-222-2 line in 17 regular-season games last year in Pittsburgh while sharing work with Pat Freiermuth. With Luke Musgrave (neck) on the Physically Unable to Perform list, the 31-year-old should become Green Bay's TE2 behind Tucker Kraft (knee), who is coming off a torn ACL last year. Smith is unlikely to have standalone fantasy value with the Packers unless Kraft misses more time with an injury, but his presence is not great news for Kraft's potential breakout in 2026.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Cam Caminiti Should Be High-Priority Stash In Dynasty Formats
Atlanta Braves pitching prospect Cam Caminiti is having a nice month of August for Double-A Columbus with four starts, a 2.33 ERA, and 1.34 WHIP to go with 20 strikeouts in 19 1/3 innings pitched. He does not have a decision this month. This year, he is 3-4 overall with High-A Rome with a 3.89 ERA and 1.21 WHIP and 93 strikeouts in 83 1/3 innings pitched. At age 20, Caminiti has pitched for a month at Double-A since an early-August promotion and is doing very well in showing off his upside that he has at such a young age. He is the No. 2 prospect for the Braves and possesses a 60-grade fastball with a 55-grade slider and changeup. Caminiti is progressing quickly through the minors and looks like he could make 2027 an MLB debut season. He has all the tools to be successful and should be snatched up in dynasty leagues.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Brooks Lee is a Reliable Producer to Target on the Waiver Wire
Across 512 plate appearances in 2026, Minnesota Twins third baseman/shortstop Brooks Lee is hitting .247/.299/.437 with 21 home runs, 70 RBI, 59 runs scored, and seven stolen bases. The 25-year-old has outperformed his underlying batted-ball metrics, as he's posted subpar barrel (4.1%) and hard-hit (32.8%) rates. However, Lee consistently puts the ball in play. He's struck out in just 16.2% of his plate appearances and hits the ball in the air a ton, which gives him opportunities to put it over the fence. Perhaps most importantly for fantasy managers, Lee is locked into everyday playing time in Minnesota and has been both consistent and durable so far this season. With his balanced production profile, Lee can easily fly under the radar but should be a priority waiver wire target in any league where he is available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Gage Wood Offers High Upside For Dynasty Formats
Philadelphia Phillies pitching prospect Gage Wood is the top prospect in the Phillies system and has advanced to Double-A in his age-22 season this year. Wood has shown modest results at Double-A Reading with 14 starts and an 0-2 record with a 4.45 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 77 strikeouts in 54 2/3 innings pitched. The strikeout rate is very good, but the other numbers leave a bit to be desired. He started the season at A-ball pitching for Clearwater before his promotion to Reading on May 18. Wood has a dominant fastball, with the pitch graded out at 70. But he has work to do on his secondary pitches, with the top-graded one being his curveball at 55-grade, with a 50-grade slider, and a 45-grade changeup. Wood likely needs more time in the minors but is a good name for dynasty leagues, as he could debut for the Phillies next season.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Seahawks, Leonard Williams Agree to Three-Year Extension
The Seattle Seahawks and star defensive end Leonard Williams agreed to a three-year, $90 million contract extension on Thursday that will keep him in Seattle for the foreseeable future, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. The deal includes $56 million guaranteed. Williams has made the Pro Bowl in each of his two full seasons with the organization and helped the club win the Super Bowl last year after recording 62 tackles (33 solo), seven sacks, nine tackles for loss, 22 QB hits, and a pass breakup in 17 regular-season starts. The 32-year-old veteran had 11 sacks the year before in 16 regular-season games. Since being drafted sixth overall in 2015 out of USC by the New York Jets, Williams has a total of 61.5 sacks and 637 tackles (331 solo) in 11 seasons across 175 regular-season games (166 starts). He will continue to be a key piece of Seattle's defensive line in one of the top overall defenses in the league in 2026.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Steve Belichick Not Expected to Coach Against TCU
North Carolina defensive coordinator Steve Belichick is not expected to be with the team for the Week 0 matchup against TCU on Saturday, according to On3. The son of North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick has been on medical leave in recent weeks and won't travel to Dublin, Ireland. In his absence, the elder Belichick and defensive line coach Bob Diaco have worked on defensive game prep. Bill Belichick is expected to call defensive plays. TCU is breaking in transfer quarterback Jaden Craig after the departure of Josh Hoover, who left for Indiana. The Horned Frogs also have a new offensive coordinator, Gordon Sammis, after Kendall Briles left for South Carolina.
Source: On3
Source: On3
Jarlin Susana Full of Potential As He Continues His Return From Injury
Washington Nationals pitching prospect Jarlin Susana is fully recovered from a right lat tear and is back pitching with the Double-A Harrisburg Senators. Susana has made just four starts in 2026 with and 0-1 record to go with a 4.00 ERA and 17 strikeouts in nine innings. He's pitched three games for High-A Wilmington and recently made his Harrisburg debut. He pitched 2 2/3 innings in his outing for the Senators with one hit and one walk with no earned runs. He struck out four batters in his solid but shortened outing. Susana continues to work his way back and is the No. 3 overall prospect for Washington with a 70-grade fastball and slider combination that helps give him an excellent strikeout rate. Susana is a Dominican Republic product and is a name to monitor in dynasty leagues with great upside.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
