April 15, 2026

Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland finished his rookie season as the TE12 after taking over as a full-time starter midway through the year. From Week 9 through the end of the season, he trailed only Trey McBride in total fantasy points at the position, but it was his performance in the playoffs that has many calling for a superstar turn. After earning an already obscene 22 targets across his final two regular-season games, Loveland saw 25 looks in the Bears' two playoff games, accounting for nearly a 30% postseason target share on a team with three highly regarded wide receivers. DJ Moore has since been traded to the Bills, leaving Loveland to battle for opportunities with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III in what should be a pass-heavy Chicago offense. While McBride and Brock Bowers each face considerably less competition, neither is attached to a quarterback with the upside of Caleb Williams, and as an early-declare in 2025, Loveland enters his second season at only 22 years old and has the most room for improvement.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 15, 2026

Buffalo wide receiver Khalil Shakir has finished each of the past two seasons as a low-end WR3 in PPR formats, but following the Bills' acquisition of DJ Moore via trade, he has fallen to WR56 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings. While Shakir is likely to see a decline in volume, the drawn converge and space created by Moore could further open up one of the strongest elements of his game. Shakir's 7.7 yards after catch per reception since entering the league in 2022 is an elite number, aided by his connection with Josh Allen in off-schedule moments. That chemistry could still make him a trusted target when plays break down, allowing Shakir to supplement some of his volume-based production with big plays. While his overall profile could shift from a high-floor, low-ceiling safety net to more of a boom-or-bust option, the 26-year-old Shakir should still find his way to fantasy relevance in 2026 and beyond, and is likely undervalued in dynasty circles.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 15, 2026

Injuries have forced Packers wide receiver Christian Watson to miss 21 games across his first four seasons, but when healthy, he's shown continued flashes of game-breaking ability, and with Green Bay recently thinning its receiver ranks, he could have a path to fantasy greatness. After tearing his ACL in the final week of the 2024 season, Watson missed the first seven games of 2025, but upon his return, it didn't take long for him to endear himself to his fantasy managers. From Weeks 8 through 17, Watson was the WR9 in Half-PPR formats, finding the end zone six times across his final seven outings and once more in a Wild Card playoff loss to the Bears. Green Bay has since allowed Romeo Doubs to leave in free agency and has traded away Dontayvion Wicks, opening up a combined 127 targets from 2025. Health and a competing cluster of talent at wide receiver have been the biggest obstacles to Watson's sustained fantasy success, but with at least one hurdle seemingly cleared, he will enter the season 20 months removed from his ACL tear and atop the depth chart. Tight end Tucker Kraft, who was the team's best pass-catcher through the first half of the 2025 season is rehabbing his own ACL injury and could be limited to start the year, leaving Matthew Golden and Jayden Reed as Watson's greatest target competition one year after combining for 539 receiving yards and one touchdown, numbers exceeded by Watson in fewer than half the games played.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 15, 2026

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth finished his second season as the TE8 and was widely viewed as a top five dynasty player at the position. In the years since, injuries and inconsistent play from both him and his quarterbacks have led him to finish as the TE24 or lower in two of his last three seasons. His 5.7 Half-PPR points per game in 2025 marked a career-low on a Steelers team with scarcely any target competition. Only two wide receivers on the team saw more than 25 targets, creating an environment for tight ends and running backs to thrive in the passing game, but most of the heavy lifting was done by Kenneth Gainwell, while the distribution of looks among tight ends was split nearly evenly between Freiermuth, Jonnu Smith, and Darnell Washington. Neither Gainwell nor Smith are back with the team in 2026, but the Steelers did acquire Michael Pittman Jr. via trade, and he has not earned fewer than 106 targets since 2020. The quarterback situation remains unsettled, with Pittsburgh backed into a corner: either running things back with a now-42-year-old Aaron Rodgers or turning the huddle over to Mason Rudolph, Will Howard, or an as-yet-unknown rookie. Pittsburgh's offense could ultimately go in any number of directions under new head coach Mike McCarthy, but it seems unlikely that Freiermuth will suddenly emerge as a focal point after averaging 6.5 fantasy points per game over the past three seasons.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 15, 2026

Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa signed a one-year deal with Atlanta after being released by the Miami Dolphins, and he is now in a position to compete with 2024 first-round pick Michael Penix Jr. for the team's starting job. Penix, whose professional and collegiate career has largely been defined by injury, suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 11, but there are exceptions that he could return by the start of training camp. Tagovailoa, no stranger to injury himself, has missed a total of 17 games since taking over as a starter in 2020, and in the wake of a number of career-threatening concussion scares, his fantasy production has seen a significant decline over the past two seasons. Since posting 16.7 points per game in a career-best QB9 finish in 2023, he's fallen to an 11.8-point pace across his last 25 starts. New head coach Kevin Stefanski has not seen a quarterback finish higher than QB25 in his run-heavy West Coast offense since Baker Mayfield in 2020, so even if Tagovailoa should win the job cleanly out of camp, his ceiling remains low, and with two years of guaranteed money remaining on Penix's rookie contract, the team could look for the first opportunity to work him back into the starting lineup. Tagovailoa is RotoBaller's dynasty QB34, though after six seasons as a starter, anything hinting toward a backup path would see that ranking tumble precipitously.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

April 15, 2026

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is coming off the best individual fantasy season of his young career. He was the overall WR7 last year, catching 86 passes for 1,211 yards and five touchdowns. He had not previously ranked higher than WR25 in a single season, so jumping to the seventh spot was a major leap. It certainly helped that he set new career-highs in targets, receptions, and yards. While Flowers is a major offseason riser in dynasty fantasy football rankings, there are a couple of factors for fantasy managers to consider. First of all, the Ravens could have a different-looking offense next season after replacing head coach John Harbaugh with Jesse Minter and replacing offensive coordinator Todd Monken with Declan Doyle. Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, it has been rumored that the Ravens are considering selecting a receiver in the first round of this month's NFL Draft. On one hand, that's good news, because it means that the Ravens want to place more emphasis on the passing game after being run-heavy in the past. On the other hand, adding a rookie receiver could lead to a reduction in targets for Flowers. Lamar Jackson averaged a modest 23.2 pass attempts per game last season, so Flowers needs all the volume that he can get. The Ravens' wide receiver room is certainly worth monitoring as the 2026 NFL Draft gets underway on April 23.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 14, 2026

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes said that the team would be willing to trade up in the 2026 NFL Draft if they feel strongly about a player on the board. "If we have that kind of conviction for a player, absolutely, we're going to go and get him," Holmes told members of the media, including ESPN.com's Eric Woodyard. Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised. Holmes traded up 20 spots in the 2022 draft to select Jameson Williams, and he traded up five spots for Terrion Arnold in 2024. He doesn't just trade up, though. Holmes pulled off a masterful trade backward in the 2023 NFL Draft, moving back from No. 6 to select both Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell. We don't know exactly which position the Lions would target if trading up, but it's worth noting that Holmes said he won't reach for an offensive tackle or defensive end, as he believes free agent additions Larry Borom and D.J. Wonnum can be starters at those two positions, respectively.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Eric Woodyard

April 14, 2026

The New York Giants and defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence have been discussing an extension, but negotiations have reached an impasse, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. Lawrence requested a trade earlier this month, and while the Giants previously seemed motivated to sign him to an extension, it appears their stance has changed. Rapoport notes that the Giants "have engaged with teams on a potential trade" for Lawrence, and talks will continue in the coming days. Additionally, while manager Joe Schoen previously insisted the NFL Draft was not a deadline for a trade or extension, Rapoport now reports that this saga should be resolved before the draft begins on April 23. By that point, the Giants are expected to have a thorough understanding of how the league views Lawrence, which will allow them to make a decision on whether to trade or extend him. Lawrence has been a key contributor on defense for the Giants, and he'd make a similar impact on his new team if traded. The three-time Pro Bowler started all 17 games in 2025, amassing 31 tackles, four tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, and his first career interception. He recorded just half a sack last year, but he's not far removed from a nine-sack campaign in 2024.--Andersen Pickard
Source: Ian Rapoport

April 14, 2026

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason is an intriguing target in dynasty leagues this offseason. The Vikings did bring back Aaron Jones on a restructured deal, indicating that the veteran will remain a part of their backfield in 2026. However, he won't be any more involved than last year, and we wouldn't be surprised if he takes a backseat to Mason early in the season. Mason certainly has the ability to handle lead-back duties. In the five weeks that Jones missed last year, Mason averaged 14.8 carries, 75.2 rushing yards, 1.2 catches, 3.8 receiving yards, and 0.8 touchdowns per game. That comes out to an average of 13.9 fantasy points per game in PPR leagues. Extrapolated over a 17-game season, that would have ranked 18th-highest among running backs. Sure, we don't think he'll have an every-down role for 17 games, especially with Jones healthy. Still, he has high-end RB3 appeal with legitimate RB2 upside in 2026 and beyond. At a modest age of 26 years old, and with Jones presumably retiring in the next couple of years, Mason is a worthwhile dynasty target in offseason trades. He ranks as the RB54 in dynasty rankings at the moment, which means the market is still allowing managers to acquire him at a discounted price.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 14, 2026

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had a terrific 2026 season, ranking as the overall QB6 in fantasy football. Despite lacking rushing upside, Prescott was a top fantasy option with his 67.3% completion rate, 4,552 passing yards, 32 total touchdowns, and 12 turnovers. The 32-year-old bounced back in a huge way after his injury-shortened 2024 season. In each of his last four seasons with 13+ games played, Prescott has ranked as a top-eight fantasy quarterback. Staying healthy is easier said than done, but if he can remain upright and on the field, the Mississippi State product has tremendous fantasy upside. There's also a lot to love about the passing volume in Dallas; last season, Prescott led the NFL in completions (404) and had the second-most pass attempts (600). With CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson all returning to this passing game for the 2026 campaign, the veteran quarterback should remain quite busy throwing the ball to a talented group of receivers. His current evaluation as the QB15 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty rankings reflects his age (32), but dynasty contenders looking to win now should absolutely pursue a trade for Prescott this offseason since he has top-five upside at an affordable price tag.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 14, 2026

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is listed as a player trending down in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings. The 27-year-old is coming off the worst fantasy season of his career, catching 75 passes for 1,077 yards and three touchdowns while ranking as the overall WR22 in PPR leagues. Part of the reason for Lamb's step backward is that he missed three games due to injury. If you extrapolate his stats over a full 17-game season, he still would have ranked as the overall WR7. However, that's easier said than done, as Lamb hasn't been healthy for all 17 games since 2023. The presence of George Pickens is another factor to consider. While Lamb and Pickens were able to coexist last year, the former saw his volume share drop to 8.4 targets per game, which was his lowest mark since 2021. That's not to say that managers should panic about Lamb or trade him away in dynasty leagues, but it's time to acknowledge that he faces an uphill battle to get into the very top tier of dynasty receivers. As it stands, he finds himself in the second tier, ranking as RotoBaller's WR7 for dynasty fantasy football.--Andersen Pickard
Source: RotoBaller

April 14, 2026

ESPN's Jamison Hensley writes that "there is a strong possibility" that the Baltimore Ravens will add a wide receiver to pair with Zay Flowers at No. 14 overall in the first round of the upcoming NFL draft. Interior offensive line is a big need after Baltimore lost center Tyler Linderbaum in free agency, but they have never taken a guard or center in the top half of the first round. In the last seven drafts, the Ravens have selected three receivers in the first round. Hensley suggests that Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq would be very intriguing for the Ravens, with veteran Mark Andrews turning 31 at the start of the 2026 season. Flowers had career-highs in catches (86) and receiving yards (1,211) in 2025, with all the other team's receivers combining for just 51 catches and 735 yards. Behind Flowers, the Ravens have Rashod Bateman and Devontez Walker at the position. A high-end WR addition in the draft would be a firm commitment to getting Jackson back on track after a frustrating, injury-plagued 2025 season.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley

April 14, 2026

ESPN's Kris Rhim writes that Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr., who is coming off back-to-back All-Pro seasons, will "almost certainly want a new deal before training camp starts." A deal will likely get done for a player who turns 30 in August and is heading into the final season of a four-year contract extension that made him the highest-paid safety in league history in 2022. James was a hold-in during training camp the last time he was eligible for an extension. The Chargers might have to make him the highest-paid safety in history again, or at least close, after Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton set the new mark with a four-year, $100.4 million deal in 2025. It remains to be seen if general manager Joe Hortiz is willing to give Hames that kind of money. The 29-year-old finished as the No. 20 fantasy defensive back in IDP leagues last year with 94 tackles (50 solo), two sacks, six tackles for loss, eight QB hits, a career-high three interceptions, seven pass breakups, and a forced fumble in 16 regular-season starts.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Kris Rhim

April 14, 2026

Georgia tight end Oscar Delp will finish a long list of pre-draft visits by having a top-30 visit with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Chargers this week, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Delp visited with the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, and Minnesota Vikings last week. The 22-year-old's statistics from college in four seasons with the Bulldogs don't really stand out. He had 70 total catches for 854 yards and nine touchdowns in his 55 games played. Delp never had more than 284 receiving yards in a single season, and he reportedly played all of last year with a hairline fracture in his foot. He would be behind Cade Otton and Oronde Gadsden with the Bucs and Chargers, respectively, if he were to be drafted by either of those clubs. Delp won't have a ton of appeal in single-year fantasy leagues in 2026 as a likely rotational tight end with a limited role in his first year in the NFL.--Keith Hernandez
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport

April 14, 2026

The Los Angeles Chargers officially re-signed exclusive-rights free-agent running back Kimani Vidal to an undisclosed one-year deal, according to Howard Balzer of Cardinals Wire. Vidal saw a lot more work in 2025 than probably anyone was expecting, even Vidal. Early-season injuries to Najee Harris (Achilles) and Omarion Hampton (ankle) forced the 24-year-old into the RB1 role in L.A. last year, and it led to 155 carries for 643 yards and three touchdowns in 13 regular-season games. Vidal also had 16 receptions on 22 targets for 136 yards and another touchdown as a receiver. Harris won't return to the Chargers, but the Chargers added Keaton Mitchell to the running back room alongside Hampton, who will be in his second season in the NFL. Vidal figures to be the favorite to win the RB2 role to begin next season, but Mitchell will probably take a lot of valuable pass-catching opportunities. At best, Vidal will probably be a handcuff option for managers who select Hampton.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Cardinals Wire - Howard Balzer