RADIO
Is Puka Nacua the Top Receiver in Fantasy?
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua led the NFL with 129 receptions in 2025, but it's what he's been able to do once the ball is in his hands that makes him such a dynamic player and one of the game's truly elite fantasy assets. His incredible contact balance and willingness to fight through every tackle helped him to accrue more yards after catch than any other receiver in the league, and he also ranked first in 20+ yard receptions and receiving first downs. A standout player in all the areas that translate to fantasy success and surrounded by one of the league's best offensive infrastructures, it's no surprise that he is again ranked at the top of draft boards. Despite his recent off-field concerns, which have included an offseason stint in rehab, Nacua shows no signs of slowing between the white lines and is RotoBaller's WR1, the third overall player in half-PPR formats, and one of the strongest picks at the start of 2026 drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Patrick Mahomes' Goal is to Play in Week 1
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) told Caroline Fenton on Yahoo Sports Daily on Wednesday that he's still aiming to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Monday Night Football against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sept. 14. "That's my goal," Mahomes said. "I've said that since the beginning is being ready to go Week 1. I can't predict the future, and I know that it's a long process. It's not just my decision, but at the same time I'm going to give the doctors and the coaches every single opportunity I can to let me be out there Week 1." The 30-year-old two-time MVP and six-time Pro Bowler tore his ACL in Week 15 of last year, but he remains on schedule to be ready for the start of the 2026 season and took part in the offseason program on a limited basis. We should get a better read on Mahomes' availability for the start of the regular season when training camp kicks off in a couple of weeks. Even if Mahomes is ready to roll for Week 1, fantasy managers should temper expectations for a signal-caller entering his age-31 season coming off a major knee injury. RotoBaller has Mahomes ranked as the QB13 as he heads into his 10th year in the league.
Source: Yahoo Sports Daily
Source: Yahoo Sports Daily
Brandon Aiyuk has Scared Teams Like Washington
ESPN's Adam Schefter "honestly believes" that San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) "has scared off teams" like the Washington Commanders. Aiyuk hasn't helped his case for finding a new team if the 49ers inevitably release him with social-media posts blasting the 49ers organization. It sounds like teams are concerned about the former first-rounder and whether he realistically wants to continue playing in the NFL after a season-ending knee injury in 2024 kept him sidelined for all of last year. Aiyuk has been repeatedly mentioned as a good fit for the Commanders this offseason because of his connection to quarterback Jayden Daniels from their college days at Arizona State, but even with questionable depth behind Terry McLaurin, the Commanders may not want Aiyuk's baggage, not to mention questions about how he'll bounce back from his knee injury. Schefter says that things can change quickly in training camp and other teams could become interested in Aiyuk, but as of right now, there doesn't seem to be much of a market for the 28-year-old. The longer Aiyuk remains without a team for the 2026 season, the less likely it will be that he emerges as a fantasy football asset in 2026.
Source: ESPN.com - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN.com - Adam Schefter
George Pickens Will Officially Play on Francise Tag in 2026
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens will officially play the 2026 season on his $27.3 million franchise tender after the deadline for tagged players to agree on long-term contracts passed on Wednesday, per ESPN. The Cowboys announced before the NFL draft in April that they didn't plan to engage Pickens in long-term extension talks, so this was the expected outcome. The last time Dallas signed a tagged player to an extension was receiver Dez Bryant in 2015. Pickens has signed his tender, which puts him under contract for 2026. Since reaching an extension with Bryant in 2015, quarterback Dak Prescott, defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, tight end Dalton Schultz, running back Tony Pollard, and now Pickens have played on the franchise tag. Pickens, 25, was a first-time Pro Bowler and broke out for a career year in 2025 in his first year in Dallas after they acquired him in a trade from the Pittsburgh Steelers, catching 93 of 137 targets for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns in 17 games. He'll be pricey in fantasy drafts going into his second year in Dallas, and RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 9 fantasy WR for 2026.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Isaiah Bond Needs a Big Camp to Keep Dynasty Appeal
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Isaiah Bond flashed enough as a rookie to stay on the dynasty radar, but the roster got a lot less forgiving this spring. He turned 44 targets into 18 catches for 338 yards, an 18.8-yard average, without finding the end zone. Cleveland then used the 24th and 39th picks on KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. Jerry Jeudy and Cedric Tillman are still here, too. Bond did help himself during offseason work. He added roughly 15 pounds, looked stronger through contact, and made plays at every level of the field. The Browns praised the progress, though none of it guarantees him a regular role once camp begins. Cleveland also has an unsettled quarterback competition, which does not help a receiver fighting for the back end of the rotation. RotoBaller has Bond 269th overall in its latest dynasty rankings. That is deep-league territory. He is worth tracking through August, not forcing onto ordinary dynasty rosters before the depth chart starts to clear.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jake Tonges has Short-Term Appeal to Begin 2026 Season
San Francisco 49ers tight end Jake Tonges gave fantasy managers a useful preview of what he can do when George Kittle is missing. In the six games Kittle sat last season, Tonges caught 29 passes for 269 yards and three touchdowns. The other 11 games produced five catches for 24 yards. That is about as clean as it gets. San Francisco brought Tonges back on a two-year deal, so he should again handle most of the receiving work if Kittle is not ready. Kittle is targeting Week 1 after tearing his right Achilles in the playoffs, but no return date is locked in. Tonges could have some early streaming value if the recovery stretches into September. Once Kittle is back, though, the role can vanish in a hurry. At 27 and TE38 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings, Tonges makes sense for contenders that need Kittle insurance or short-term depth. Rebuilders do not need to chase a player whose value depends almost entirely on someone else's rehab.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Trigg a Deep Dynasty Stash With Roster Risk
Dallas Cowboys tight end Michael Trigg has the receiving profile to draw dynasty interest, but he is still fighting just to make the roster. His final Baylor season was easily his best: 50 catches for 694 yards and six touchdowns in 11 games. At the combine, he measured 6-foot-3 3/4, 240 pounds, with 10 1/2-inch hands and an 84 3/8-inch wingspan, the longest among tight ends in the class. That length shows up on contested catches. The rest is less settled. Jake Ferguson is locked in at TE1, while Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford are already battling for the next job. Dallas has also made it clear that special teams and blocking will help decide whether Trigg survives final cuts. A practice-squad outcome remains very possible. RotoBaller ranks him TE43 in dynasty, which fits the uncertainty. He belongs on taxi squads only in deeper formats, not active redraft rosters. The upside is worth tracking, but camp has to come first.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Troy Franklin's Dynasty Value Takes a Hit After Offseason Addition
Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin finally gave fantasy managers something to work with in Year 2. Then Denver traded for Jaylen Waddle. Franklin caught 65 of 104 targets for 709 yards and six touchdowns last season, a big jump from his 28-catch rookie year. That growth should not be tossed aside because the depth chart got ugly. Waddle and Courtland Sutton now headline a room that still has Marvin Mims Jr. and Pat Bryant, and Denver has said it does not plan to trade another receiver. A steady weekly role is no longer a given. Franklin's two seasons with Bo Nix at Oregon help, but familiarity will only take him so far when the ball has to be spread around. RotoBaller has him at WR80 in its latest dynasty rankings. That is low enough to hold rather than sell after one rough offseason turn. Redraft is different. Franklin needs camp to break his way before he is more than a late bench flier, but dynasty managers can wait and see what survives from last year's breakout.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Alvin Kamara Staying With Saints After Contract Restructure
New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara will remain with the team after agreeing to a reworked contract, ending the uncertainty around his 2026 status. The exact terms were not included in the report, so there is no reason to assume his role has changed. New Orleans signed Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $52 million deal after Kamara managed 471 rushing yards and 186 receiving yards in 11 games last season. That investment points to a real committee, and Etienne has the stronger case for the larger share after producing 1,399 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns in 2025. Kamara still matters, especially on passing downs, but his 33 catches last year were a career low. Staying in New Orleans removes the risk of an awkward late move or release. It does not restore the old workload. Kamara remains a late PPR flier in redraft, while dynasty managers should use the added roster certainty to see what a contender will pay.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
DeVonta Smith Has Career-Year Upside as Eagles WR1
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith is getting the No. 1 role fantasy managers have wanted to see since A.J. Brown arrived. James Palmer reported that Smith has spent the offseason reaching out to former receivers as he prepares to lead the room, while Nick Sirianni believes Philadelphia has only scratched the surface with him. The production has never been the issue. Smith caught 77 passes for 1,008 yards and four touchdowns on 113 targets last season, his third 1,000-yard campaign in five years, and edged Brown by five yards for the team lead. Now Brown is in New England. Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, and Elijah Moore give the Eagles options, but Smith sits clearly at the front. Volume is the part that can hold the ceiling in check. Philadelphia attempted 497 passes in 2025, and the offense is still built around Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. RotoBaller ranks Smith WR11 in PPR, so this is not a sleeper price. A career year is still within reach if Sean Mannion gives him the extra work Nick Sirianni has discussed.
Source: NFL Insider James Palmer
Source: NFL Insider James Palmer
Michael Penix Jr. a Dynasty Hold Until Camp Brings Clarity
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is still difficult to price before training camp. He threw for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions in nine starts last season, then a partially torn left ACL ended his year in Week 11. This was his third ACL surgery. Penix made it back for individual and seven-on-seven work in the spring, but Atlanta kept him out of full-team periods while Tua Tagovailoa ran the offense. The expectation was that Penix would be ready for 11-on-11 work in camp, pending medical clearance. Until that happens, there is not much of a competition to judge. The fantasy profile has its own problem. Penix completed 60.1% of his passes and added only 70 rushing yards, so he needs the arm to carry the value. Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts Sr. give him enough help if he wins the job. RotoBaller has Penix at QB29 in dynasty, which is low enough to hold through camp but not cheap enough to ignore the knee and Tua. Superflex buyers should wait for clarity rather than paying for his previous upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Emeka Egbuka Put Together a Full Season in Year 2?
A combination of factors built a rookie wall for Tampa Bay Buccaneers former first-rounder Emeka Egbuka, and his production fell off drastically in the last eight games of 2025. The 19th overall selection out of Ohio State finished with a 63-938-6 line on 127 targets in his 17 games played. The 23-year-old will have 1,278 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns if he produces over a full season as he did in his first nine NFL games, according to Dan Pompei of The Athletic. Egbuka dealt with a hamstring injury and an undefined role as he was forced to learn and play every receiver position thanks to injuries to Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr., and Jalen McMillan. In Year 2, new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is set on making Egbuka a full-time Z receiver, and with the departure of Evans, there is clear breakout potential as quarterback Baker Mayfield looks to establish a new go-to target through the air. Egbuka won't come cheap for fantasy managers trying to buy low on him in dynasty/keeper formats after his second-half collapse, and in redraft leagues, the second-year pass-catcher should be targeted as a low-end WR2 with intriguing upside.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Pompei
Source: The Athletic - Dan Pompei
Rashid Shaheed Could be Ready to Hit his Ceiling in 2026
The Athletic's Saad Yousuf thinks that Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed could be ready to hit his potential as a wide receiver in his first full year in Seattle in 2026. Defenses will be gearing up to stop receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba after his breakout in 2025, which should allow Shaheed more room to roam deep down the field. Veteran Cooper Kupp is still around, but he's no spring chicken anymore and has missed at least five games in the three seasons before last year. Fantasy managers aren't going to be on the 27-year-old's scent since he has never had 60 catches or 1,000 yards in a season, and he caught just 15 of 26 targets for 188 yards and zero touchdowns in nine games (four starts) with Seattle last year after they acquired him from the New Orleans Saints. Yousuf thinks that new Seahawks offensive coordinator Brian Fleury will be able to maximize Shaheed's big-play abilities in 2026. Shaheed had 46 receptions for 719 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games with the Saints in his second year in the NFL, so it's not like he hasn't been a fantasy relevant WR before. Fantasy managers should consider Shaheed a nice late-round sleeper in upcoming drafts, especially in standard-scoring formats.
Source: The Athletic - Saad Yousuf
Source: The Athletic - Saad Yousuf
Does Adonai Mitchell Have True Breakout Potential as Locked-in Starter?
The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt lists New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell as a breakout candidate in 2026 in his first full season with the team. Mitchell has always had significant potential as an elite athlete with the size and athleticism to burn down the field and make contested catches, which is why the Indianapolis Colts selected him with the 52nd overall pick in the second round out of the University of Texas in 2024. It never came together for Mitchell in his one-plus season in Indy, though, as he caught 32 of 71 targets for 464 yards and zero touchdowns in 25 games (eight starts). He showed more flashes of his high-end upside in half a season with the Jets in 2025 with terrible QB play, catching 24 of 58 targets for 301 yards and his first two NFL touchdowns in eight games. Mitchell will enter the 2026 campaign as a locked-in starter for the first time in his career, and he was a standout in offseason practices while showing plenty of chemistry with QB Geno Smith. Receivers Garrett Wilson and rookie Omar Cooper Jr., running back Breece Hall, and rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq will all draw attention away from Mitchell, potentially leading to a big year. Fantasy managers could do worse than using a late-round flier on Mitchell's talent late in drafts this fall. RotoBaller has Mitchell ranked as the No. 70 fantasy WR for 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Isaiah Likely has Clear Breakout Potential Now That he's Out of Baltimore
The Athletic's Dan Duggan writes that New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely is a breakout candidate in 2026 after signing a three-year, $40 million contract in free agency, the richest contract the team handed out in new head coach John Harbaugh's first season in the Big Apple. The big contract (he's now the fourth-highest-paid TE in the NFL) wasn't considered an overpay, either, because Likely's receiving talent is evident. The 26-year-old former fourth-rounder in 2022 by Baltimore out of Coastal Carolina never exceeded 42 receptions or 477 receiving yards in his four seasons in Baltimore because of the presence of veteran Mark Andrews. With the Giants, Likely will operate as the G-Men's unquestioned No. 1 tight end after following Harbaugh from Baltimore, and "the team needs his production to match his compensation." Likely's case for a 2026 breakout will be even stronger if top wideout Malik Nabers (knee) isn't ready for the start of the regular season in September. Likely is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 14 fantasy TE, but he'll have top-10 upside at the position if he stays healthy in his first year in New York.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Duggan
Source: The Athletic - Dan Duggan
