Starting Potential For Will Reichard In Week 1
Coming off a season in which he was named a first-team All-Pro selection, Will Reichard is a starting candidate when the Minnesota Vikings open the season against Green Bay in Week 1. The Alabama product was outstanding in 2025, when he made all 31 of his extra points and 33 of 35 field goal attempts, including all 22 attempts from inside 50 yards. Even better for managers, the Vikings' offense should be more competent in 2026 with the addition of quarterback Kyler Murray. The third-year kicker will also play 11 of his 17 games this season indoors, starting with Sunday's contest at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Reichard is RotoBaller's 12th-ranked kicker in Week 1, but if he continues his form from last year, he'll certainly be in the mix to be a plug-and-play starter this season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ashton Jeanty Off the Injury Report, Good to Go for Week 1
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (ankle) is officially off the injury report and will play in his team's season opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Jeanty suffered an ankle injury in training camp that has limited his practice availability leading up to the regular season, but it appears he will be on the field for Week 1. Across 17 games as a rookie in 2025, Jeanty recorded 1,321 scrimmage yards and 10 touchdowns on 321 touches. While the 22-year-old averaged just 3.7 yards per carry last season, he should have a significantly improved offensive line in front of him in 2026. The Raiders may take a touch or two off of Jeanty's plate in Week 1, but he still profiles as a three-down workhorse who should see plenty of volume against Miami. Now that he's officially cleared to play, Jeanty profiles as a low-end RB1/high-end RB2 option for fantasy managers against Miami.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Keaton Mitchell Off the Injury Report, Cleared for Week 1
Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell (hamstring) is off the injury report and will play in his team's season opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, per Kris Rhim of ESPN. Mitchell was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to a hamstring injury, but he practiced in full on Friday and appears to be good to go for Week 1. The 24-year-old signed a two-year deal with the Chargers in free agency after recording 404 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on 68 touches across 13 games with the Baltimore Ravens in 2025. Entering 2026, Mitchell is expected to be the RB2 in Los Angeles behind second-year back Omarion Hampton. While Mitchell has been a highly efficient rusher when given the opportunity to this point in his career, he is unlikely to see a fantasy-relevant workload in the Chargers offense as long as Hampton remains healthy.
Source: ESPN - Kris Rhim
Source: ESPN - Kris Rhim
Malik Nabers Officially Listed as Questionable for Week 1
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) is officially listed as questionable for his team's Week 1 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Nabers is still working his way back to full strength from the devastating knee injury that ended his 2025 season in Week 4. The 23-year-old has practiced in full this week and deflected questions about a possible workload restriction on Thursday, but it appears his status for the season opener is still up in the air. When healthy, Nabers profiles as the clear number one option in the Giants' passing game. Across 15 games as a rookie in 2024, the 23-year-old recorded 109 catches for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns on 170 targets. If he's active on Sunday, Nabers profiles as a high-risk, high-reward WR2 option for fantasy managers. If Nabers is out, Giants wide receivers Malachi Fields, Darnell Mooney, and Odell Beckham Jr. could all be in line for increased workloads.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Ravens Defense is a Solid Start for Week 1 and Beyond
Baltimore Ravens defense will unveil its new scheme under head coach Jesse Minter Sunday afternoon in the season opener against the Colts in Indianapolis. Last season, Jesse Minter's Chargers defense finished in the top five in yards allowed per game with a 285-yard average and within the top 10 for points allowed per game at 20. This is good news, especially for managers in leagues that penalize for yards and points allowed. However, sensational defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) was ruled out Friday afternoon, which is likely to dampen the Ravens' pass rush and limit some DST upside with sacks. However, the Ravens acquired four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Trey Hendrickson during the off-season, who led the NFL in sacks in 2024 and ranks fourth among NFL defenders in quarterback pressures. Hendrickson and the rest of the Ravens' defense should be able to generate sufficient pressure on Indianapolis quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles), who may not be as mobile as he was pre-injury, which may offset the loss of Madubuike. Moreover, the Ravens' star-studded secondary, led by safety Kyle Hamilton, will look to take advantage of a Colts wide receiving corps on the mend from training camp and off-season injuries to generate fantasy points from interceptions. The Ravens DST profiles as a top-ten play in Week 1. They are also a potential hold candidate for fantasy managers streaming defenses, as they play the New Orleans Saints in Week 2, should have Madubuike back by then, and have a generally favorable season-long schedule.
Source: Baltimore Ravens - Ryan Mink
Source: Baltimore Ravens - Ryan Mink
Tyler Loop is a Top-Tier Kicking Option for Week 1
Baltimore Ravens kicker Tyler Loop is looking to start fresh in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts after his devastating missed 44-yard field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18, which ended the Ravens' playoff hopes and 2025 season. He ended his rookie year connecting on 30-of-34 field goal attempts (88.2%) and 44-of-46 (95.7%) point-after tries, but only made one of four field goals beyond 50 yards. During the preseason, Loop made five of his eight field goal attempts and drilled all nine of his extra points, but again struggled beyond 50 yards, going just one for three. Therefore, Loop is far from automatic or a set-it-and-forget-it starter. Still, he will be kicking in a controlled environment at Lucas Oil Stadium, which gives him a slight edge over other kickers subject to winds and weather this weekend. Most importantly, Loop is kicking for a high-powered offense, which gives him enough opportunities through extra points and mid-range field goals to have sufficient upside to make fantasy starting lineups in Week 1.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kenyon Sadiq "Good to Go" in Week 1
New York Jets rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq (groin) is "good to go" for his team's season opener against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Sadiq missed significant time throughout the summer due to complications from an offseason hernia surgery. However, he was reportedly heavily involved in the Jets' offense when healthy during training camp, and he was able to log full practices throughout this week leading into Week 1. The 16th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Sadiq recorded 51 catches for 560 yards and eight touchdowns across 14 games with the University of Oregon in 2025. The 21-year-old graded out at the Draft Combine as an elite athlete for the tight end position, which should allow the Jets to get him the ball in a variety of ways this season. Given his injury issues this summer, Sadiq may not hit the ground running immediately as a rookie. Still, he's a worthy stash candidate in deeper fantasy leagues for his season-long upside.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Breece Hall Cleared to Play in Week 1
New York Jets running back Breece Hall (groin) is "good to go" for his team's season opener against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Hall was battling a groin injury towards the end of the preseason, but he logged full practices from Wednesday through Friday this week and appears to be a full-go in Week 1. Across 16 games in 2025, Hall recorded 1,415 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns on 279 touches. The 25-year-old figures to once again be one of the focal points of the Jets offense in 2026 and should see plenty of work as both a rusher and a receiver on Sunday against Tennessee. Now that he's been officially cleared to play, Hall should be viewed as a solid RB2 option by fantasy managers in Week 1.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Rome Odunze Feeling "Ready to Go" Ahead of Week 1
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (calf) said he is "feeling like I'm ready to go" for the team's Week 1 matchup against the Carolina Panthers, per Kevin Fishbain of The Athletic. Odunze was limited in practice throughout this week due to a calf injury and is officially listed as questionable to play on Sunday. However, it appears as though Odunze is trending toward being active against Carolina. Across 12 games in 2025, the 24-year-old recorded 44 catches for 661 yards and six touchdowns on 90 targets. Odunze missed time down the stretch of the season due to a foot injury, and his production trailed off in the second half before he was sidelined by the injury. When fully healthy, the former first-round pick remains a high-upside pass-catcher. However, Chicago may be cautious with Odunze early in the year as he deals with his current calf issue. All in all, fantasy managers should view Odunze as a risky WR3/flex option in Week 1.
Source: The Athletic - Kevin Fishbain
Source: The Athletic - Kevin Fishbain
Fernando Mendoza Confirmed as Raiders' QB2
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza will officially back up Kirk Cousins in Sunday's opener against Miami, head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed Friday, according to Sam Gordon. The Raiders' depth chart had already pointed in that direction, listing Mendoza second and Aidan O'Connell third, but Kubiak had stopped short of confirming the order earlier this week. Now there is no question who gets the call if Cousins has to leave the game. Mendoza had an uneven preseason, completing 25 of 45 passes for 240 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions across three appearances. That was enough for the No. 1 overall pick to secure the backup spot while Las Vegas continues bringing him along behind its veteran starter. Nothing changes for Mendoza in standard redraft leagues, where he belongs on the waiver wire for now. He is much more interesting in dynasty and deeper Superflex formats, particularly with a clear path to the field if Cousins struggles or misses time.
Source: Sam Gordon
Source: Sam Gordon
D'Andre Swift Lands Three-Year Extension
Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift is sticking around for a while. Swift and the Bears have agreed to a three-year, $33.75 million extension with $27.5 million guaranteed, according to Adam Schefter. He was entering the final season of the three-year deal he signed with Chicago in 2024, so there had been some uncertainty about what came next. Not anymore. Swift is coming off his best rushing season, finishing 2025 with 1,087 yards and nine touchdowns on 223 carries while adding 34 catches for 299 yards and another score. Kyle Monangai earned plenty of work himself as a rookie, and that part of the backfield isn't suddenly going away because of this deal. Still, giving Swift this much guaranteed money is a pretty clear sign that Chicago wants him around beyond 2026. His immediate redraft outlook remains in the RB2 range, but the extension gives dynasty managers considerably more security than they had entering the week.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Alec Pierce Set to Play in Week 1
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) will play Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, according to Stephen Holder. The question now is how much Indianapolis wants to put on his plate right away. Pierce spent all of training camp on the PUP list after undergoing ankle surgery in March and only returned to practice on Aug. 27. He was limited Wednesday and Thursday this week, and Holder noted that a snap count is still possible. Pierce is coming off his first 1,000-yard season after catching 47 passes for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games. His 21.3 yards per catch led the NFL for the second straight year. Indianapolis also lists him as a starting receiver alongside Josh Downs and Keenan Allen, so the role is still there once he is fully ramped up. For Week 1, though, the possible snap restriction keeps Pierce in the boom-or-bust WR4/flex range rather than making him an automatic start.
Source: Stephen Holder
Source: Stephen Holder
Lamar Jackson to Show Off New Look in Week 1
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson heads to Indianapolis to take on the Colts Sunday afternoon and will debut a revamped Ravens' offense. According to Baltimore Ravens staff writer Clifton Brown, offense coordinator Declan Doyle and the Ravens' coaching staff have changed how Jackson will operate from the pocket, and Jackson will take more snaps under center to use play-action elements. This is a marked departure from Jackson's over 80% drop-back pass rate from pistol or shotgun formations last season, and Jackson will also be taking snaps from a new center, Jovaughn Gwyn, making his first NFL start. Sunday will also be the first time that fantasy managers will see Jackson play for a head coach not named John Harbaugh since the veteran quarterback sat out each of the three preseason games led by new head coach Jesse Minter. Each of these factors adds uncertainty about how Lamar and the broader offense will operate; however, players, coaches, and fans alike remain optimistic the changes will lead to a more dynamic and efficient offense. Despite disappointing fantasy managers last year, Jackson managed to generate +50 rushing yards over expectation (RYOE) across 67 total carries in 2025, including +20 RYOE gained across a career-low 24 designed runs. Last season, the Colts defense faced a season-low three designed QB runs and never faced more than one designed QB run in any game, which should give Lamar managers more confidence in trusting the multiple-time NFL MVP this Sunday to earn points with his legs. Fantasy managers almost certainly invested high draft capital in Lamar, and he is a must-start QB1 option in every fantasy football format in Week 1.
Source: Baltimore Ravens - Clifton Brown
Source: Baltimore Ravens - Clifton Brown
Raiders Won't Commit to Brock Bowers' Return Timeline
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) still does not have a return date from the team after undergoing a meniscus trim Tuesday. Head coach Klint Kubiak told Ryan McFadden that the situation developed quickly and said the Raiders "got it cleaned up," but he declined to say whether Bowers is expected to miss one or two games. That is worth noting after outside reports suggested he could be sidelined for the first two weeks. Bowers is already out for Sunday's opener against Miami, and Las Vegas visits the Chargers in Week 2. He caught 64 passes for 680 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games last season, so there is no replacing his role outright. Michael Mayer should get the first crack at more work after posting 35 catches for 328 yards and one score in 2025, with Ian Thomas also available. Fantasy managers should continue to plan without Bowers for Week 1 and treat Week 2 as uncertain until the Raiders give a clearer indication of his progress.
Source: Ryan McFadden
Source: Ryan McFadden
Derrick Henry Primed to Reprise Bellcow Role in Week 1
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry is the NFL's active leader in rushing yards (13,018), and he looks to expand his lead in the Ravens' season opener against the Indianapolis Colts Sunday afternoon. Interestingly, the Week 1 matchup featuring Henry (1,595 rushing yards in 2025) and Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (1,585) marks just the fourth game in NFL history to open the season with opposing rushers who each surpassed 1,500 yards the prior season, according to Next Gen stats. Admittedly, Henry does not see much action in the receiving game, tallying just 15 receptions for 150 yards last year. However, the veteran running back averaged over 20 rushing attempts per game with a 5.2 yards-per-carry average in 2025. Last season, Henry had eight games with over 100 yards, scored a touchdown in nine games, and reached the end zone multiple times in four games while enjoying ample goal-line and red-zone opportunities throughout the season. Even with the Ravens' offense going through significant off-season changes, Henry remains integral, and his running game is key to unlocking a new play-action style from quarterback Lamar Jackson. Derrick Henry is the unquestioned bell cow for the Ravens and is a locked-in RB1 starter for fantasy managers in every format this weekend.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
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