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Chuba Hubbard Listed as RB1 on Unofficial Depth Chart
On the Carolina Panthers' Week 1 unofficial 53-man depth chart, running back Chuba Hubbard is listed as the RB1 over Jonathon Brooks, according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. As always, fantasy managers should not be reading too much into an unofficial depth chart before the start of the regular season. The 27-year-old Hubbard is the more experienced, longer-tenured RB on the Panthers' roster after rushing for 3,686 yards and 23 touchdowns in his five seasons in the NFL with the Panthers. The former fourth-rounder in 2021 from Oklahoma State broke out with 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns on 250 carries in 15 games in 2024, adding 43 catches for 171 yards and another score as a receiver, but Rico Dowdle took over the team's backfield last year, leaving Hubbard as a disappointment with only 511 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground in 15 regular-season games. Going into 2026, Hubbard's stock has fallen to that of an RB3/flex option, with Brooks having an opportunity to take over the backfield if he can finally stay healthy (he has already suffered two torn ACLs since being drafted in 2024). Behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league, Hubbard and Brooks may find running lanes hard to come by in 2026.
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye
Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers Reach Agreement on Three-Year Extension
Two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $165 million on Tuesday that will prevent him from becoming a free agent after the 2026 season, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Mayfield broke off contract talks with the team as training camp opened at the end of July, but with the regular season kicking off this week, a deal was revisited and agreed upon. The 31-year-old veteran was a Pro Bowler in each of his first two seasons in Tampa in 2023 and 2024, but he played through injuries in 2025 and dropped down to 3,693 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 17 games and failed to make the postseason. Mayfield's fantasy football stock is down overall heading into the 2026 campaign with top wideout Mike Evans now in San Francisco and Emeka Egbuka (toe) and Jalen McMillan (knee) banged up going into the season opener this Sunday. However, he should still be considered a midrange QB2 in superflex leagues, and he has some QB1 upside in Week 1 in a matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
MarShawn Lloyd Listed as RB1 on First Depth Chart
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd was listed as the team's RB1 on their unofficial depth chart going into Week 1 of the regular season this Sunday against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. However, offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said on Tuesday that the Packers' backfield will be a committee approach, with Josh Jacobs unavailable early on due to legal issues. With Jacobs out for the foreseeable future while on the commissioner's exempt list, expect Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson, and Chris Brooks to all be involved at the position. Although Lloyd has played in just one NFL game since being drafted in the third round in 2024 from USC, he is the most enticing fantasy back for the Packers as long as Jacobs is away from the team. Between his speed and athleticism, Lloyd has the skills to become an RB2 for fantasy managers if he stands out over both Johnson and Brooks early on. Going into the team's Week 1 matchup against Minnesota, Lloyd should be viewed as an RB3/flex play in just his second NFL game this weekend.
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
LSU Defense Salivating Ahead Of Week 2
LSU's defense has its opponents shaking in their boots after a dominant Week 1 win over Clemson 51-10. The new-look Tigers' defense sacked Clemson quarterbacks four times, forced one interception, and held Clemson's starting quarterback to a 13.9 QBR. Senior transfer edge rusher Princewill Unamielen recorded the 11th-highest pass rush grade per PFF in his Week 1 debut, recording two sacks on three pressures. The entire LSU defense was flying around all game, totaling four sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 15 hurries. The secondary was equally impressive as they graded out as PFF's sixth-best coverage defense in Week 1 with a grade of 87. LSU faces Louisiana Tech in Week 2, and they are currently favored by 32.5. LSU D/ST is currently ranked as RotoBaller's D/ST5, and they are a must-start in Week 2.
Source: Tina Howell Of Yahoo Sports
Source: Tina Howell Of Yahoo Sports
TreVeyon Henderson Ruled Out for Season Opener on Thursday
New England Patriots second-year running back TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) has officially been ruled out for the Week 1 season opener on Thursday and a rematch of last year's Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks after he did not practice all week, according to the team. Henderson's ankle injury is not considered long-term, but it remains to be seen if he will be ready for his 2026 season debut in Week 2 next Sunday, Sept. 20, versus the Pittsburgh Steelers in the team's home opener. With Henderson sidelined this Thursday in a tough matchup against a strong Seahawks defense, Rhamondre Stevenson should see the lion's share of touches out of the backfield while being spelled by Corey Kiner. With New England's backfield a little thin out of the gate, expect to see the Patriots bring up Lan Larison from the practice squad to serve as the RB3 against Seattle. The 23-year-old Henderson had a solid rookie season in 2025 with over 900 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns in the regular season, but he remains in a timeshare with Stevenson when he is healthy, and his early-season fantasy stock is down because of his ankle injury.
Source: New England Patriots
Source: New England Patriots
Devin Williams to Throw Off a Mound, Could Return This Year
New York Mets right-handed closer Devin Williams (shoulder) is scheduled to throw off a mound for the first time since he landed on the 15-day injured list with a right-shoulder strain, according to the New York Post's Mike Puma. Williams is still optimistic that he can pitch again this season. The veteran reliever has been out nearly a month with his injury, and although the Mets have nothing left to play for, he is hoping to return before the end of the regular season at the end of September. In Williams' absence, former starter Kodai Senga has taken to the team's closing job rather nicely after a brutal start to his 2026 season. Fantasy managers should not feel the need to hang onto Williams just because he thinks he has a chance to return this month. Even if he is reinstated from the IL within the next few weeks, he will not be guaranteed to pitch in the ninth inning. The two-time All-Star has been inconsistent again in his first year with the Mets in 2026, going 3-2 with a 4.66 ERA (3.10 FIP) and 1.65 WHIP with 16 saves, 51 strikeouts, and 21 walks in his 38 2/3 relief innings.
Source: New York Post - Mike Puma
Source: New York Post - Mike Puma
Travis Etienne Jr. Listed as Co-Starter With Alvin Kamara
New Orleans Saints running backs Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara (knee) are listed as co-starters on the team's unofficial depth chart as they get ready for their Week 1 contest this Sunday, Sept. 13, against the Detroit Lions, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN. Etienne should lead the Saints in overall touches by a wide margin when all is said and done in 2026 after they signed him to a four-year, $52 million deal in free agency in March, but when healthy, Kamara will be involved in head coach Kellen Moore's offense as a pass-catcher. Kamara is looking unlikely to play in Week 1 against the Lions, but when he makes his 2026 debut, he will no doubt take away valuable passing-game targets from the 27-year-old Etienne, lowering his overall fantasy ceiling in his first year in the Big Easy. The former 25th overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 from Clemson had his third 1,000-yard rushing campaign and added seven rushing touchdowns in 17 regular-season games in 2025, tacking on 36 catches for 292 yards and another six TDs through the air. With Kamara unlikely to play this weekend, Etienne should have plenty of fantasy upside as a low-end RB1/high-end RB2 in his debut with the Saints.
Source: ESPN.com - Katherine Terrell
Source: ESPN.com - Katherine Terrell
Kenny Gainwell Could Feature Prominently in Red-Zone, Goal-Line Situations
FOX Sports' Greg Auman believes that Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenny Gainwell could feature prominently in red-zone and goal-to-go situations under new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson in 2026. Gainwell is essentially replacing pass-catching RB Rachaad White in a new offense this year, but unlike White, the 27-year-old could be featured more in the red zone, which is bad news for fantasy managers who are hoping for a bounce-back year from Bucky Irving. Gainwell, a former fifth-rounder by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021 from Memphis, broke out last year in his lone season with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a receiver, catching 73 of 85 targets for 486 yards and three touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. He added a career-high 114 carries for 537 yards and another four scores on the ground. Gainwell is expected to be used often alongside Irving in his first year in Tampa, giving him weekly RB3/flex upside, especially in point-per-reception leagues. He could come out of the gate strong in a Week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, in which the Bucs may be forced to throw early and often.
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Myles Garrett "Ready to Go" for Week 1
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett (knee) will be "ready to go" against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday for the Week 1 season opener, according to Benjamin Royer of The Orange County Register. The Rams will have Garrett ready to make his debut with the team, but defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who came out of retirement this year to rejoin the Rams, will have to wait at least another week for his much-anticipated return. The Rams held Garrett out for the majority of training camp this summer due to swelling in his knee, but it was never considered serious, and he will be active this week. It means that fantasy managers should have him locked into their starting lineups in IDP formats, even if his workload is a little limited in Week 1. The 30-year-old former first overall pick in 2017 is coming off a historic season in 2025 in which he set the record for most sacks (23) in a single season in 17 starts for the Cleveland Browns.
Source: The Orange County Register - Benjamin Royer
Source: The Orange County Register - Benjamin Royer
Miami Defense Poised for Stout Showing in Week 2
The Miami defense opened the season with a statement and is primed for an even better showing against Florida A&M in Week 2. The Hurricanes dismantled Stanford in Week 1 by a 45-6 final. Miami only allowed 299 total yards of offense, giving up 5.3 yards per pass and 3.4 yards per rush. Florida A&M isn't as talented as Stanford, so Miami's defense is expected to fare better this coming week. Look for the Hurricanes to get after the quarterback and try to improve upon their one-sack performance from last week. Miami also didn't force a turnover in Week 1, so that's another area where the Hurricanes could deliver more from a fantasy perspective. Fantasy owners should feel very confident in the Miami defense in Week 2.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Chris Bell Listed as Starting Receiver for Dolphins
On the Miami Dolphins' updated unofficial depth chart after final 53-man roster cuts, rookie wide receiver Chris Bell is listed as a starter alongside Malik Washington and Jalen Tolbert, according to David Furones of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Fantasy managers should always take depth-chart information with a grain of salt, but Bell will enter the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday with a key role in Miami's new-look offense led by quarterback Malik Willis. Bell had an eventful training camp this summer after initially opening on the Physically Unable to Perform list due to the ACL tear that he suffered in his final college season at Louisville in 2025. He looked good in his lone preseason performance and will have an opportunity to produce right away in his first year in the NFL in the shallowest WR corps in the NFL. Bell is still a better bench stash in dynasty/keeper leagues for his long-term upside, but if he has a bigger role than expected on offense early in the season, he could quickly become a priority waiver-wire target in deeper single-year leagues. He is currently rostered in only 5% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel - David Furones
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel - David Furones
Aaron Donald Not Quite Ready, Will Not Travel to Australia for Week 1
Los Angeles Rams All-Pro defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who came out of retirement this year to join forces with star defensive end Myles Garrett, is not quite ready and will not travel to Melbourne, Australia, for the team's Week 1 contest on Thursday against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Donald is back on the field and continues to work himself back into football shape, but he is doing it with the long term in mind and not just Week 1. When the 35-year-old future Hall of Famer and 10-time Pro Bowler does make his season debut, potentially in Week 2 versus the New York Giants, he is expected to be in a rotational role on the interior of L.A.'s defensive line, which will make him much more boom/bust as a fantasy asset in IDP formats. Donald is in phenomenal shape, though, and will certainly be a force to be reckoned with on the interior after amassing 111 career sacks in 10 seasons with the Rams, and his presence in 2026 will only make an already strong Rams defense even more attractive in fantasy.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Ryan Coleman-Williams Eyes Big Showing in SEC Opener
Alabama wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams will look to deliver big again in the team's SEC opener against Kentucky in Week 2. Coleman-Williams didn't find the end zone in the team's 48-10 win over East Carolina in Week 1, but he did catch five passes for 130 yards, while also getting a rushing attempt that went for an additional nine yards. He was the top pass catcher for Bama by a wide margin, with the next-best player only going for 44 receiving yards. Despite a tougher challenge, Coleman-Williams' outlook for the week is still high. Kentucky beat Youngstown State 45-13 in Week 1, allowing 305 total yards. Alabama is a much better offense, and will be heavily favored over Kentucky, so fantasy owners should be confident in Coleman-Williams and several other Crimson Tide fantasy players.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
MAC Appeals Western Michigan's Loss
The Mid-American Conference is appealing Western Michigan's 13-12 loss against Michigan on Saturday night. The final decision is clouded by controversy after Michigan was awarded one more play, even though the broadcast game clock showed no time remaining. The MAC claims that "replay protocol was not properly followed," and that if it had been, Western Michigan would be declared the winner. The appeal is confusing, since it came after the MAC had already accepted the ruling early Sunday morning. It's unclear exactly what would happen if the MAC won their appeal.
Source: Ross Dellenger Of On3
Source: Ross Dellenger Of On3
Keon Coleman Listed as a Starter on Bills' Depth Chart
The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia reports that wide receiver Keon Coleman is ahead of Joshua Palmer on the Buffalo Bills' unofficial depth chart ahead of their Week 1 game this Sunday against the Houston Texans. Coleman, the team's former second-round pick in 2024 from Florida State, has been a disappointment in his first two years in the league, catching 67 of 116 targets for 960 yards and eight touchdowns in 26 games played (18 starts). The 23-year-old battled drops and was benched for showing up late to a team meeting, further hurting his dynasty/keeper stock. But heading into Year 3, the Bills' brass continues to say that Coleman is in their long-term plans, and they are hoping to see more maturity from him in 2026. The offseason acquisition of DJ Moore did not help Coleman's cause, but he is expected to start alongside Moore and Khalil Shakir in three-wide sets to kick off the regular season. Coleman has buy-low appeal in dynasty leagues and should be considered a deep-league sleeper. Right now, he is only rostered in 2% of Yahoo leagues and can be left on the waiver wire in 12-team formats.
Source: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
Source: The Athletic - Joe Buscaglia
