RADIO
Kyrie Irving's Recovery Shapes Mavericks' Outlook
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving remains the team's biggest question entering 2026-27, with ESPN's Tim MacMahon noting that Dallas needs him to return to form to become a real postseason threat. The nine-time All-Star has been sidelined since tearing his left ACL in March 2025, when he was averaging 24.7 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists across 50 games. Dallas is intrigued by Irving's fit next to Cooper Flagg, as his off-ball shooting and creation should ease the burden on the young franchise centerpiece. Until Irving is fully cleared, Max Christie has the clearest path to extra backcourt minutes, while the rest of Dallas' depth guards remain low-usage options. Irving remains a draft-and-stash target once his return timeline sharpens.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Max Christie Eyes Bigger Role with Dallas
Dallas Mavericks guard/forward Max Christie was named the team's biggest X factor for 2026-27 by ESPN. Christie set career highs last season with 12.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists across 77 games while shooting 40.4 percent from three, and ESPN noted that Dallas needs him to grow into a more reliable perimeter stopper next to Kyrie Irving. The 23-year-old is also arguably the Mavericks' only traditional shooting guard on a frontcourt-heavy roster. With Irving working back from left ACL surgery and Cooper Flagg leading the next phase of the franchise, Christie's minutes, spacing, and defensive role give him some points-and-threes appeal if the starting job holds.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Ja'Marr Chase Catches One Pass In Preseason Win
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase caught his only target on a crossing route for 16 yards in the 16-14 win against the Detroit Lions in the team's preseason opener on Friday night. Chase saw a huge dip in production last season with fewer than 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns, but he should easily surpass those numbers with his quarterback Joe Burrow back throwing the rock. Chase had a historic season the last time the duo was healthy, racking up over 1,700 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in 2024. The 26-year-old has let it be known that his personal goal for the season is to score 23 touchdowns, so fantasy managers could be in for another monster season as the star receiver is firmly in his prime. Chase may get more reps next week against the Chicago Bears, but he certainly does not need them to be a dominant fantasy star. Chase should be viewed as one of the best options to finish as the overall WR1 this season.
Source: UnderdogNFL - Twitter
Source: UnderdogNFL - Twitter
Chase Brown Locked In As Bengals' RB1 In Preseason Opener
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown handled five carries for 16 yards in the 16-14 victory over the Detroit Lions in the preseason opener on Friday night. Brown didn't catch a pass in this game, but it's well established that his pass-catching ability is a key part of the Bengals' offense. Backup running back Samaje Perine mixed in for one carry and two catches, but he only played about 30.8% of the snaps compared to Brown's 69.2%. The 26-year-old back is fresh off a season with over 1,000 rushing yards and six touchdowns, along with 69 receptions and five receiving scores. Brown is one of the most dynamic running backs in one of the league's most friendly offensive environments and should be considered a strong RB1 for the 2026 season. Brown will look to keep his momentum going in next week's preseason game against the Chicago Bears.
Source: Yahoo Fantasy Sports - Twitter
Source: Yahoo Fantasy Sports - Twitter
Joe Burrow Efficient In First Preseason Appearance
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow completed five of six passes (83.3%) for 39 yards and took one sack in the 16-14 win against the Detroit Lions in the team's preseason opener on Friday night. Burrow only played the first two drives of the game, then handed over the reins to backup quarterback Joe Flacco. The 29-year-old QB is coming off a season in which he was limited to just eight games due to injury, but he was once again a top-end fantasy contributor when healthy. Burrow's modest stat line is expected for a preseason game. The most important takeaway from this contest was that Burrow came away from it without any injuries. It remains to be seen how much he will play in next week's contest against the Chicago Bears, but whether he plays or not, he will be a locked-in fantasy QB1 for the 2026 season.
Source: James Rapien - Twitter
Source: James Rapien - Twitter
Dak Prescott Has Been the Offensive Star in Training Camp
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott looks like he's in midseason form and has been sharp in training camp. He's throwing accurately, placing the ball beautifully, and has been on point with the Cowboys' three top receivers: CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson. The Cowboys' franchise quarterback is coming off one of the most productive seasons of his NFL career in 2025, totaling 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns, with 10 interceptions, averaging 19.6 fantasy points per game. With Prescott looking great and Lamb and Pickens healthy, he could be a solid option at quarterback, especially in six-point touchdown leagues.
Source: Matthew Lenix - Blogging With the Boys
Source: Matthew Lenix - Blogging With the Boys
Ollie Gordon II Outplays Backfield Mate in Preseason Opener
Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II had seven carries for 39 yards in the 20-7 preseason loss to the Washington Commanders. Gordon split carries and snaps with Jaylen Wright, while starter De'Von Achane handled every snap for the first-team offense. The second-year back outperformed Wright in their first preseason action, averaging 5.6 yards per carry to Wright's 3.7. While Achane is expected to be the Dolphins' workhorse back in 2026, Gordon has a chance to win the backup running back job if he can string together solid production over the rest of the preseason. Currently ranked RB83 in RotoBaller's position rankings, Gordon could be a player to snatch late in deeper leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jalen Tolbert Doesn't Play With First Team in Preseason Opener
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jalen Tolbert caught just one pass on three targets for 27 yards in the team's 20-7 preseason loss to the Washington Commanders. Tolbert's 27-yard reception came on the second drive, and backup Quinn Ewers targeted him three times on Friday. On the team's 14-play opening drive, Tolbert played zero snaps, while rookie Caleb Douglas and Malik Washington spent most of their time with the first team. Jalen Reagor served as the third receiver in 11 personnel, while Tolbert and Tutu Atwell did not play on that opening drive. With rookie Chris Bell (knee) expected to be a factor this season as well, Tolbert's fantasy value is too low to consider drafting at this time.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Geno Smith Day-to-Day With Sore Ankle
New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (ankle) did not play in the team's preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After the game, head coach Aaron Glenn said Smith was dealing with ankle soreness that developed after their joint practice and that he didn't want to risk his starting quarterback while injured. In his place, rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik looked good, completing five of seven passes for 56 yards on the team's opening drive, which ended in a field goal. While Smith is expected to start this season, if the team struggles with him under center, they could turn to the rookie to finish the year. With reassurance that Smith should be okay moving forward, he will look to change the trajectory of the Jets' franchise in 2026.
Source: Zack Rosenblatt - The Athletic
Source: Zack Rosenblatt - The Athletic
Jacob Wilson Leaves Early on Friday With Hand Injury
Athletics shortstop Jacob Wilson (hand) was pulled after just one inning on Friday night against the division-rival Texas Rangers after being hit by a pitch on the hand, according to Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. Alika Williams entered as a pinch-hitter to replace Wilson at the 6. Wilson scored a run after being hit in his only plate appearance of the night in Sacramento. The A's are saying that he's dealing with a hand contusion, which suggests that tests came back negative for any broken bones in his hand. For now, fantasy managers should consider Wilson to be day-to-day and check back on Saturday to see if he's active as the series continues at Sutter Health Park. The 24-year-old former sixth overall pick from Grand Canyon University in 2023 has had an injury-plagued and frustrating second full season in the majors in 2026, as he came into Friday's tilt with a .269/.299/.392 slash line with seven homers, 37 RBI, 36 runs scored, and four steals in 78 games played. Wilson is tough to strike out, but for fantasy purposes, he doesn't do enough in the power and speed categories to make much of a difference. He's barely rostered in just over half of Yahoo leagues. UPDATE: Wilson is considered day-to-day after X-rays on his left hand came back negative. He had some swelling in his pinky.
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Source: MLB.com - Martin Gallegos
Steelers and Keeanu Benton Agree to Four-Year, $72 Million Contract
The Pittsburgh Steelers and defensive tackle Keeanu Benton have agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract. The deal keeps Benton in Pittsburgh through the 2030 season and makes him the highest-paid Steelers defensive tackle in franchise history. In his third season, Benton recorded 5.5 sacks, 51 tackles, and six tackles for loss in 17 games. Benton is currently listed as a backup behind veteran Cameron Heyward and Derrick Harmon, who is expected to take a leap in his second season. While the massive contract extension is somewhat surprising given his current role, Benton will aim to have a strong 2026 season to prove the team right.
Source: Ian Rapoport - ESPN/NFL Network
Source: Ian Rapoport - ESPN/NFL Network
Gunnar Helm Sees Just One Target in Preseason Opener
Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm hauled in his only target for 16 yards in the team's 19-13 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Helm caught a screen pass on third-and-long and took it for a first down. The bad news was that a split was evident between him and former New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger. Helm played 14 of 21 first-team snaps, while Bellinger played 13 of 21. His past relationship with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll is likely to make him a factor in this offense, and we should continue to see a split between the two. The second-year tight end was hoping for an expanded role after Chig Okonkwo joined the Washington Commanders, but that appears not to be the case entering 2026. While some lists have Helm as a strong late-round fantasy draft pick, it may be best to pass on him and look for other options this season.
Source: Jim Wyatt
Source: Jim Wyatt
Termarr Johnson Suffers Torn ACL and LCL
According to Colin Beazley, Pittsburgh Pirates infield prospect Termarr Johnson (knee) has suffered a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee. Johnson suffered a knee injury on August 8 when he landed awkwardly after stumbling over first base. He's scheduled to be examined by Dr. Dan Cooper next week, but it sounds like bad news for Johnson. This season, Johnson was slashing .199/.336/.319 with eight home runs, 37 RBI, and 24 stolen bases across 96 games with Triple-A Indianapolis. The former first-round pick is going to miss the rest of this season, and it's unclear when he'll be ready to play again.
Source: Colin Beazley
Source: Colin Beazley
Caleb Douglas Runs with First Team in Preseason Opener
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas ran with the first-team offense during Friday's preseason contest against the Washington Commanders. He finished the game with two targets, one catch, and 28 receiving yards. The final box score doesn't nearly tell the full story. Not only did Douglas run his routes with the first-team offense (including quarterback Malik Willis), but he also made a spectacular one-handed catch while being covered. This natural playmaking ability should allow Douglas to climb up the depth chart rather quickly. Ever since being drafted in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Texas Tech, the 22-year-old has been pushing for a larger role. As it stands, he's in the mix to fetch high-value targets in a relatively depleted receiver room that also features Malik Washington, Jalen Tolbert, and Tutu Atwell, as well as rookies Douglas, Kevin Coleman, and Chris Bell (knee). Douglas is a solid bench option for 2026 fantasy football, and he could emerge as a deep-league flex if the Dolphins offense can put together sustained drives.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Jonah Coleman Flashes Upside in NFL Debut
Denver Broncos running back Jonah Coleman rushed for 24 yards on four carries during Friday's preseason contest against the Atlanta Falcons. However, he was not targeted in the passing game. A 2026 fourth-round pick out of Washington, Coleman projects as the Broncos' No. 3 running back, but he has remarkable upside. Between his size, athleticism, and college production, Coleman has the makings of someone who can someday be relevant in both redraft and dynasty leagues. His efficiency on Friday was a step in the right direction, as he averaged six yards per carry and broke free for 13 yards on his biggest play of the day. The biggest obstacle for Coleman right now is the depth chart. Both JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey are ahead of Coleman, and that won't change anytime soon. Nevertheless, he's a low-cost running back worth stashing in most dynasty leagues.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
