RADIO
Split Backfield Limits Week 1 Potential For Aaron Jones Sr.
Managers should view Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. as an RB4 when his team plays Green Bay in Week 1. The veteran occupies a defined role as the team's preferred pass-catching option out of the backfield, which should give him some appeal in PPR leagues, but managers will have to wait to see how Minnesota splits carries this season. Backfield mate Jordan Mason certainly will take away touches, particularly valuable goal-line carries that often lead to touchdowns. Jones, however, could stealthily be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Minnesota's switch to quarterback Kyler Murray. Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner drew 3.4 targets per game playing a full season with Murray in 2024, and the Vikings' obvious strengths at wide receiver should give Jones regularly favorable matchups. Against the solid Green Bay defense, however, Jones' output likely will depend on how he fares as a receiver. He's RotoBaller's No. 39 running back to open the season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Mason In Flex Consideration For Week 1
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason is a possible flex option as his team begins the season by playing host to the rival Green Bay Packers. The Georgia Tech product quietly averaged 4.8 yards per carry and finished as half-PPR RB35 last season, which was impressive considering Minnesota's offense spent most of the year in the doldrums due to poor quarterback play and significant injuries on the offensive line. Mason drew rave reviews during the summer, and he could be his team's No. 1 rushing option for the first time in his career. His value will be at least partially limited by his lack of receiving ability, especially with backfield mate Aaron Jones Sr. still on the roster for that exact purpose. But with the Vikings hiring former Miami offensive coordinator Frank Smith to revamp their running game and bringing in Kyler Murray as a quarterback upgrade, Mason has 1,000-yard potential if given good health. As the favorite to also earn goal-line work, he's RotoBaller's No. 33 running back going into Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Eli Stowers Questionable to Make his NFL Debut in Week 1
Philadelphia Eagles rookie second-round tight end Eli Stowers (hamstring) is listed as questionable to play in the Week 1 season opener on Sunday versus the division-rival Washington Commanders due to a hamstring injury, per the team. Stowers is up in the air for his NFL regular-season debut, but the fact that he was limited in all three practices this week should have him on the right side of questionable for Sunday's clash. Even if the former Vanderbilt tight end is active this weekend to take on Washington, fantasy managers should have him riding the bench in deeper leagues as the backup to Dallas Goedert to open his first NFL season. Right now, Stowers is rostered in only 1% of Yahoo leagues, and he will not become attractive on the waiver wire unless Goedert misses time with an injury in 2026.
Source: Philadelphia Eagles
Source: Philadelphia Eagles
Justin Jefferson Back To Previous Production In Week 1?
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings is a clear WR1, as usual, when his team takes on the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 of the NFL season. The former All-Pro's 2025 season was a major letdown, albeit one that still included 1,000 yards receiving despite the Vikings bungling their quarterback room. Jefferson's fantasy value slipped as a result -- many managers saw him drop to the end of the first round or even into the second -- but he's in the prime of his career and playing on a revamped offense that now includes Kyler Murray at quarterback. Coming off a career-low two touchdowns, the former LSU standout looks primed for a bounceback season. His past four meetings against Green Bay have averaged 6.5 catches and 82 yards, presenting a decent matchup to start 2026 on the right foot. Jefferson is RotoBaller's No. 9 wide receiver in Week 1, making him a must-start in all formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Malik Davis Ruled Out With "Pretty Serious" Hip Injury
Dallas Cowboys backup running back Malik Davis (hip) suffered a hip injury in Friday's practice and has been ruled out for the Week 1 season opener on Sunday night against the division-rival New York Giants, according to Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News. Co-owner Stephen Jones said on 105.3 The Fan that Davis suffered a "pretty serious injury" on Friday that "could take him out for some period of time." It is an extremely tough break for Davis, who was going to get his shot as the primary RB2 in Dallas in 2026 after the team surprisingly cut both Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah in training camp. Now that Davis looks headed for an extended absence, fantasy managers who have Javonte Williams rostered may want to handcuff Emari Demercado to him to begin the regular season. Israel Abanikanda is the only other RB on the Cowboys' practice squad at the moment.
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Calvin Watkins
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Calvin Watkins
Jordan Addison A Possible Flex Play Against Packers
Wide receiver Jordan Addison should be considered a possible flex option in deeper formats for the Minnesota Vikings' season opener against Green Bay. The fourth-year receiver is coming off career lows in catches, yards, and touchdowns in 2025, but his low output was largely the byproduct of a season during which Minnesota started nine different offensive linemen and three quarterbacks, one of whom was an undrafted rookie. With Minnesota once again healthy up front and Kyler Murray now entrenched as the starter, Addison's fantasy output could soon look like it did earlier in his career. Addison's excellent 14.5 yards per catch mark last season still showed home run potential, so an increase in volume could bring him back to 2024, when he was the No. 20 PPR wide receiver. Addison is a classic high-risk flex play, but he has a decent matchup to begin the season. He's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 40 wide receiver in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
New Role Makes Jauan Jennings Difficult To Start In Week 1
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings' unknown volume should keep him in the background in most formats when he makes his Minnesota Vikings debut against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1. The veteran's fit with the Vikings is an interesting one. Jennings is coming off back-to-back solid fantasy years in which he was PPR WR24 and WR33, respectively, despite playing in the run-heavy system of the San Francisco 49ers. He's now in a Minnesota offense that has been very friendly to receivers, although he'll be sharing targets with All-Pro Justin Jefferson and another capable receiver in Jordan Addison. At the same time, the 6-foot-3 Jennings is an excellent complement to both Jefferson and Addison, and he gives Minnesota a dangerous third option, another red-zone weapon, and a dynamic run blocker. From a fantasy perspective, however, Jennings' secondary pass-catching role will be hard to rely upon from week to week. He starts the season as RotoBaller's WR68.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chase McLaughlin Offers Strong Streaming Value in Week 1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin is attempting to kick his way into an extension this season. The 30-year-old is entering a contract year after spending each of the last three seasons in Tampa Bay. The past two seasons, McLaughlin has finished as a top-10 player at his position. Last year, McLaughlin struggled a bit more than in past seasons, connecting on 32-of-38 field goal attempts. He only missed one extra point attempt in 2025. McLaughlin has been a mostly reliable kicker, and the Bucs have a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals defense in Week 1. The expectation is that this will be a high-scoring game, which should result in plenty of work for McLaughlin. Fantasy managers who are seeking a streaming option for Week 1 should consider adding McLaughlin.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Cade Otton Has High-End TE2 Potential for Week 1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton might be a sneaky option for fantasy managers this weekend. Otton heads into a favorable road matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, who were one of the worst defenses this past season. Otton might be asked to do more offensively than fantasy managers might think. The Bucs lost top wide receiver Mike Evans in free agency, and fellow wideout Jalen McMillan (knee) is doubtful for the season opener. Otton is entering his fifth season in Tampa Bay and has built good chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield. The 27-year-old has seen 80 or more targets over each of the last two seasons. Given the injuries and the matchup, Otton should offer high-end TE2 value for Week 1.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Tez Johnson Could See Expanded Role
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson could be asked to step into a starting role in the season opener. Fellow wideout Jalen McMillan (knee) is considered doubtful for Sunday's opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. If he's out, Johnson figures to be next in line with rookie Ted Hurst III possibly seeing an expanded role as well. Johnson is coming off a decent rookie campaign where he secured five touchdowns across 16 games. Due to his lack of size, Johnson is normally used in a situational role, but he might be asked to start on Sunday. If he starts, Johnson could be viewed as a dart throw in deep leagues. The 24-year-old has excellent speed and is known for making some big plays for the Bucs last season. Fantasy managers in deep leagues should keep Johnson in mind if McMillan is unable to go this weekend.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
LeQuint Allen Jr. Questionable to Play in Season Opener
Jacksonville Jaguars running back LeQuint Allen Jr. (hip) is listed as questionable to play in the Week 1 season opener on Sunday at home against the visiting Cleveland Browns, according to team reporter Mia O'Brien. Allen did not practice on Wednesday before being limited on the field on both Thursday and Friday. While the third-string, pass-catching RB has a shot to suit up this weekend, the belief is that he will be sidelined for the start of the 2026 season. Even if the 22-year-old can suit up, he will not be a realistic starting option for fantasy managers after missing practice for three weeks before finally returning on Thursday. If Allen is inactive on Sunday, Ameer Abdullah would step into the RB3 role while looking for scraps behind co-starters Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. Allen should only be stashed in much deeper point-per-reception leagues for RB depth.
Source: Mia O'Brien
Source: Mia O'Brien
Chris Godwin Jr. Draws WR3 Value for Season Opener
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. is hopeful to play his first full season since 2023. The injuries have held Godwin back the past few years, but the 30-year-old is hopeful to bounce back this season. The departure of Mike Evans this offseason could mean that Godwin takes on a bigger role offensively. He'll get a plus matchup to begin the season against a Cincinnati Bengals defense that finished in the bottom 10 last year. Godwin has built excellent chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield throughout the years. The injuries have kept Godwin out of mind recently, but he should be a viable WR3 against the Bengals on Sunday.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Jakobi Meyers In the Clear to Play in Week 1
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (thumb) did not have an injury designation on Friday and has been cleared to play in the Week 1 season opener this Sunday against the visiting Cleveland Browns. Meyers was limited in practice all week, but he will play this weekend and should be considered a WR4/flex option in fantasy football lineups. The 29-year-old saw his fantasy stock fall this summer with both Parker Washington and Brian Thomas Jr. getting all the buzz in training camp practices. The 29-year-old was a midseason acquisition in 2025 and came over from the Las Vegas Raiders to help take head coach Liam Coen's offense to the next level. The former undrafted free agent from North Carolina State caught 42 of 61 targets for 483 yards and three touchdowns in his nine regular-season games with the Jags and had a 75-835-3 line overall. Meyers is still an important part of Jacksonville's offense, but he is flying under the radar right now as he enters his first full year in Duvall.
Source: Mia O'Brien
Source: Mia O'Brien
Kenny Gainwell Sneaks into Flex Conversation
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenny Gainwell is set to make his team debut against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. Gainwell will get a plus matchup to start against a Bengals defense that ranked in the bottom 10 this past season. The expectation is that Gainwell will play a similar role to what Rachaad White has done in Tampa Bay in the past. He'll likely be the favorite back in passing situations, but unlike White, Gainwell can be a trusted runner as well. Gainwell saw a career-high 114 rushing attempts this past season and averaged 4.71 YPC. He'll operate as the primary backup to Bucky Irving, but Gainwell should be one of the more trusted backups around the league. For fantasy managers in PPR leagues, Gainwell can be a legit flex option for the season opener against the Bengals.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Bucky Irving Holds Viable RB2 Value for Season Opener
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving is expected to bounce back after battling some injuries last season. Irving only played 10 games last season, but he rushed for nearly 600 yards in that span. During his rookie campaign, Irving finished as the RB13, so the Bucs are hopeful to get similar results to that in 2026. It remains to be seen how much the addition of Kenny Gainwell will impact Irving's value in the backfield. The expectation is that Gainwell will play a similar role to what Rachaad White did in years past. Irving might see a reduction in carries, but he remains a solid RB2 against a shaky Cincinnati Bengals defense in Week 1. Fantasy managers should get a better idea of how the Bucs plan to use this backfield as the season goes on.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
