RADIO
Mark Andrews a Solid Mid-to-Late Round Tight End Option in 2026
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews is in line for a solid 2026 season. Andrews had a down 2025 season, with 48 receptions for 470 yards and six touchdowns, finishing as the TE16 in half-PPR formats. That was with Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar still firmly in the mix, and star quarterback Lamar Jackson missing several games. Now, the Ravens hired Declan Doyle as the new offensive coordinator in 2026. Doyle came from the Chicago Bears in 2025 and has been under Broncos head coach Sean Payton for most of his coaching career. Both Payton's and Ben Johnson's offenses favor tight ends, with players like Sam LaPorta, Colston Loveland, and Saints tight end Jimmy Graham when Payton coached in New Orleans. There's a strong chance Andrews is the second option in the receiving game behind Zay Flowers, with a great quarterback supplying him as well. Ranked TE9 and 104 in RotoBaller's rankings, Andrews could be a great value this season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chimere Dike Starting to Stand Out At Training Camp
After a quiet start to training camp for Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike, the second-year receiver has begun to stand out. Dike has shown solid zone reading and has been strong after the catch in both the return game and as a receiver. As a rookie, Dike hauled in 48 of 74 targets for 423 yards and four touchdowns in 17 games last season. The team added two new receivers, first-round rookie Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson, who operated mostly in the slot with the New York Giants, and should have veteran Calvin Ridley back as well. Despite Dike practicing well, his role in 2026 will mostly be as a backup slot receiver and a returner, where he shined in 2025. Dike should be undrafted in most fantasy leagues this season unless Robinson is injured.
Source: Easton Freeze - AZ Sports
Source: Easton Freeze - AZ Sports
Coaches and Teammates Expect Jayden Higgins to Dominate in Year 2
Houston Texans wide receiver Jayden Higgins is primed for a breakout season in 2026, according to coaches and teammates in the Texans organization. Head coach DeMeco Ryans praised the second-year receiver, saying, "Jayden Higgins came back ready this camp ... he's excelling at every level. Third down, he's winning, making plays for us. The sky is the limit for Jayden Higgins." Star cornerback Devin Stingley, who has had success against Higgins in practice, said, "He's more in sync with C.J. [Stroud]. C.J. knows more about how he's going to play or run a route. I feel like their timing is better." As a rookie, Higgins caught 41 passes for 525 yards and six touchdowns in 17 games. While he'll face strong competition for targets, with Nico Collins and Tank Dell in the picture, Higgins could still be a fantasy contributor in 2026.
Source: Jonathan Alexander - Houston Chronicle
Source: Jonathan Alexander - Houston Chronicle
Aaron Donald Could Play 30-40 Snaps in Week 1 if He Returns to the Rams
Future Hall of Fame defensive lineman Aaron Donald could see a heavy workload in Week 1 if he returns from retirement. According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, Donald could get between 30 and 40 snaps if he returns in Week 1 against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia. Donald has been retired since the 2023 season, but rumors have fueled speculation that he could unretire and play for the Rams this year. Donald had a workout with the team on Wednesday, and head coach Sean McVay said it was the best he's ever seen. With the team's acquisitions of reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and star cornerback Trent McDuffie, the Rams defense could be an unbreakable unit if Donald returns and looks like even half the player he was in his prime.
Source: Mike Florio - Pro Football Talk
Source: Mike Florio - Pro Football Talk
Jelani Woods Receives Praise from Geno Smith
New York Jets tight end Jelani Woods was singled out as a standout by starting quarterback Geno Smith during training camp. When asked which player has impressed him most, Smith's first answer was Woods. "I like the way [Woods] has been out there. He's making plays." The 2022 third-round pick had a solid rookie season with the Indianapolis Colts, hauling in 25 of 40 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games. Since then, he has played in just four games, dealing with hamstring injuries and a significant turf toe surgery that caused him to miss the entire 2024 season. With rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq (hernia) questionable for Week 1, Woods, along with Mason Taylor and Jeremy Ruckert, should each see a boost in production if Sadiq misses time in the regular season.
Source: Connor J Hughes - SNY
Source: Connor J Hughes - SNY
Kendre Miller Missed Practice on Thursday
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller (back) did not participate in Thursday's practice and is considered "day-to-day," according to head coach Kellen Moore. After being a limited participant in the previous few sessions, Miller was downgraded due to a back issue. The former third-round pick has dealt with injuries throughout his NFL career, including an ACL tear he suffered in Week 7 of last season. Miller is currently behind running backs Travis Etienne and Alvin Kamara and is competing for the RB3 role with second-year back Devin Neal. This back issue, along with recovery from a major knee injury, should keep him off the fantasy radar for the 2026 season unless he is traded to a better situation or injuries occur to the other Saints' backs.
Source: Katherine Terrell - ESPN
Source: Katherine Terrell - ESPN
Malik Nabers Takes Part in Team Drills for First Time
New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (knee) took part in team drills at training camp for the first time this summer, given the "walkthrough" nature of the practice on Thursday, according to Patricia Traina of Sports Illustrated. "That depends. We'll see," head coach John Harbaugh said when asked when Nabers will be back. "But he's preparing himself to have a great season, so I'm excited about that." It wasn't a full-on practice, but it's still positive news for the 23-year-old first-rounder, who is rehabbing from ACL and meniscus tears that he suffered to his right knee in Week 4 of 2025. The former sixth overall pick from LSU proved in his rookie season that he has WR1 upside by catching 109 passes for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. However, because the Giants should have a more run-based offense under Harbaugh and because we don't know for sure if Nabers will be a full-go for Week 1 against the division-rival Dallas Cowboys, Nabers is being treated as more of a risk/reward low-end WR2 in redraft fantasy leagues in 2026.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Patricia Traina
Source: Sports Illustrated - Patricia Traina
Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions Agree on Three-Year, $67.5 Million Deal
Three-time Pro Bowl running back Jahmyr Gibbs and the Detroit Lions agreed on Thursday on a three-year, $67.5 million deal that could be worth up to $75.75 million and includes $51.5 million guaranteed, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The deal makes Gibbs the league's highest-paid running back after the Atlanta Falcons just signed star RB Bijan Robinson to a three-year extension worth $66.75 million on Tuesday. The 24-year-old former 12th overall pick in 2023 from the University of Alabama is well-deserving of the massive contract, having produced a whopping 3,580 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns on 675 carries for the Lions in his first three years in the NFL. Gibbs has also lit up box scores as a receiver, catching 181 of 228 targets for 1,449 receiving yards and another 10 touchdowns as a pass-catcher. In an offense in Detroit that hasn't changed all that much under head coach Dan Campbell, Gibbs will continue to be the focal point on the ground and through the air, which makes him the most obvious choice as the No. 1 overall fantasy football pick in 2026.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Commanders Pushing Jacory Croskey-Merritt to Take the Lead Role
Commanders.com's Zach Selby believes that the Washington Commanders "have been pushing" second-year running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt to show that he's the team's true lead back. Croskey-Merritt definitely has the burst and ability to make explosive plays out of the backfield, and there's definitely a chance for him to seize the true RB1 job in D.C. if he continues to show improvement this summer. Early on in camp, JCM has looked the part, but Washington has a strong pass-catching back in newcomer Rachaad White and a physical battering ram in rookie Kaytron Allen. Veteran Jeremy McNichols can do a little bit of everything. At least for now, Selby doesn't think that the Commanders are ready to anoint Croskey-Merritt as any kind of bell-cow back right now, but if he "shows he can handle more in the passing game with blocking and catching, he could be the guy moving forward." The 25-year-old former seventh-rounder from Arizona had 805 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 175 carries as a rookie, adding just nine catches for 68 yards as a receiver in 17 games. White is going before JCM in some fantasy drafts, which makes the second-year back a potential amazing value pick if he can prove himself in third-down situations over the next month or so.
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
Source: Commanders.com - Zach Selby
Blake Corum's Intense Offseason Workouts Go Viral
Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum pushed his body "in ways he never had before" this offseason, according to Nate Atkins of The Athletic. The third-year back will still be sharing the backfield with Kyren Williams, but the Rams are pretty excited about how he can continue to help their offense in 2026. "I did see a couple of those videos," head coach Sean McVay said, "and they look cool as s--. It's impressive. I want to see him make people miss like that in the hole." Williams has already noticed that Corum looks "a lot leaner" and "a lot more explosive." The 25-year-old former third-rounder from Michigan is looking to take the next step after breaking out for 746 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 5.1 yards per carry in 2025 for the league's top-scoring offense. With added explosion in addition to his elite straight-line speed and sharp vision, Corum could become one of the best No. 2 backs in the NFL. Even with Williams seeing most of the early-down work in L.A., Corum will continue to have a key role in an explosive offense, which will make him a weekly RB3/flex with upside if anything were to happen to Williams.
Source: The Athletic - Nate Atkins
Source: The Athletic - Nate Atkins
Phil Mafah Gaining Steam in Cowboys Backfield
Dallas Cowboys running back Phil Mafah had another good run in training camp practice on Thursday, according to The Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins, and he appears to be gaining some steam in the backfield this summer for a depth role behind starter Javonte Williams. The 23-year-old entered camp this summer competing with second-year RB Jaydon Blue and Malik Davis for the No. 2 role in the Cowboys' backfield after he saw only five rushing attempts for 18 yards and a touchdown while catching both of his targets for 11 yards in one game as a rookie in 2025 after Dallas took him in the seventh round (239th overall) out of Clemson. Although Mafah has reportedly looked good so far in camp, so has Blue, a fifth-rounder out of the University of Texas last year. Blue is also the much more complete back with more explosiveness, so he figures to be given the first shot at RB2 duties over Mafah in 2026, at least early on. At best, Mafah will most likely serve as a short-yardage weapon for Dallas because of his battering-ram style out of the backfield. Until further notice, he can be ignored in redraft fantasy leagues.
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Calvin Watkins
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Calvin Watkins
George Pickens Seen Practicing on Thursday
Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver George Pickens was seen practicing at training camp on Thursday and made a nice catch in close coverage down the sideline, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic. Although the Cowboys didn't really make much of an attempt to sign Pickens to a long-term extension this offseason, he showed up to training camp and has been on the field after signing his one-year, $23.7 million franchise tag for the 2026 campaign. The 25-year-old former second-rounder by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2022 from the University of Georgia hit a new level in his first year in Dallas in the Cowboys' pass-happy offense, even while sharing targets with CeeDee Lamb. Pickens led the Cowboys with 93 receptions on 137 targets for 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in a career year to become a Pro Bowler for the first time in his fourth NFL season. He and Lamb will continue to torment defenses in 2026, with Pickens coming at a high price in fantasy drafts as a surefire WR1 after his breakout 2025 campaign.
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Source: The Athletic - Jon Machota
Tyrone Tracy Jr. Can Still Matter in Giants Backfield
New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. is no longer the favorite to lead the backfield, but he should not disappear behind Cam Skattebo. Tracy topped 1,000 scrimmage yards for the second straight season in 2025, rushing 176 times for 740 yards and adding 36 catches for 288 yards and two touchdowns. The receiving work is what keeps the door open. He has 74 catches through two NFL seasons and spent spring practices showing the new staff what he can do while Skattebo continued working back from his ankle injury. Skattebo is now back in camp and fits the physical identity John Harbaugh wants to build with Patrick Ricard and Greg Roman involved in the offense. He still looks like the stronger bet for early-down and goal-line work. That leaves room for Tracy, especially on passing downs and in a Giants offense that ranked among the league's top five in rushing last year. RotoBaller ranks Tracy RB43 in PPR, RB46 in half-PPR, and RB45 in dynasty. He is not a weekly starter while Skattebo is healthy, but he offers more than injury-only value in PPR leagues and becomes a much stronger play if the backfield opens up.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Allen Is Still the First Quarterback Worth Drafting
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen spent the start of the offseason in a walking boot after having a procedure on the broken fifth metatarsal in his right foot. By April, Buffalo expected him to be full go, and Allen was back for the offseason program before training camp. There has been no reported setback. The injury matters because so much of his fantasy value comes from his legs. Allen ran for 579 yards and 14 touchdowns last season, making up for a passing line that fell to 3,668 yards and 25 scores. He still finished as fantasy's QB1. Buffalo also upgraded the receiver room with DJ Moore, who joins Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, Keon Coleman, and James Cook. Joe Brady's promotion to head coach should keep the offense familiar, with Pete Carmichael taking over as coordinator. RotoBaller ranks Allen QB1 in redraft and dynasty. There is always some risk in paying an early-round price for a quarterback, especially one who absorbs as much contact as Allen. His foot recovery has not given managers a reason to move him off the top line. He remains the first quarterback worth drafting.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Nico Collins Is Still Worth a WR1 Price
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins has more help around him now. He is still the receiver this passing game runs through. Collins caught 71 of 120 targets for 1,117 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games last season, giving him three straight 1,000-yard campaigns. Jayden Higgins is pushing for more after a 41-catch, 525-yard rookie year, and Tank Dell took part in padded practice this week for the first time since his major knee injury. That makes Houston deeper. It does not erase what Collins has already done with C.J. Stroud. He set a career high in targets last season and averaged 15.7 yards per catch. The bigger concern is whether he can stay on the field. Collins has never played more than 15 games, missed one regular-season contest after a concussion last year, then suffered another head injury in the playoffs and sat out the Divisional Round. RotoBaller ranks him WR9 in PPR. The price is not cheap, but it is supported by three years of WR1 production. Higgins and Dell may take some work, but Collins remains the clear first option and should be drafted as a low-end WR1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
