RADIO
Brashard Smith Losing Ground to Rookie on Depth Chart
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith could be falling down the depth chart due to the emergence of rookie Emmett Johnson. Throughout training camp and the preseason, Johnson earned plenty of praise for his contributions, especially in pass protection. With fifth-round draft capital, it initially seemed like Johnson was headed for the No. 3 running back role, but his impressive summer has bumped him up to second on the depth chart. As a result, Smith has fallen into that No. 3 spot. Smith had a relatively quiet rookie season last year, tallying 151 rushing yards, 172 receiving yards, and one touchdown. Given that the Chiefs likely wouldn't trust Johnson as an every-down back quite yet, we could see Smith getting onto the fantasy radar if Kenneth Walker III were to miss time. However, his status as the third-string back makes it tough to justify using a roster spot on him in redraft leagues. The second-year SMU product should only be rostered in deeper dynasty formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Brock Purdy to Benefit From Increased Mobility, Strong Supporting Cast
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was a very strong fantasy option when healthy last year, and he is expected to raise his ceiling even higher in 2026. First of all, Purdy reportedly has increased mobility this year. It was previously reported that he's going to run more, building on his last year's average of 16.3 rushing yards per game. We're not expecting this major transformation into a run-first quarterback, but any sort of increased mobility should help his fantasy stock. Second, Purdy continues to play in a 49ers offense full of talent. Even after losing Jauan Jennings to free agency and Ricky Pearsall (knee) to injury, San Francisco's receiver room still features Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel Sr., and De'Zhaun Stribling. Plus, he has one of the league's best tight ends in George Kittle and one of the best running backs in Christian McCaffrey. Purdy has so many talented options to target on any given play, giving him a high ceiling in fantasy football. The 26-year-old ranks as the QB11 in RotoBaller's latest redraft rankings. He has an ADP of 110.4, which corresponds to the 10th round of fantasy drafts and makes him the 13th quarterback off the board.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Samaje Perine a Handcuff Sleeper in Fantasy Football
Cincinnati Bengals running back Samaje Perine is an under-the-radar handcuff to target in 2026 fantasy football drafts. Chase Brown has essentially cemented himself as the Bengals' workhorse running back role, but Perine would be the next man up if he misses any time due to injury. Brown averaged 17.7 touches per game last season, including 4.1 catches per game, and a large portion of those would belong to Perine if Brown ends up sidelined. Perine's receiving volume dipped last year, but we saw him rush for 382 yards, which was his highest total since 2022. Additionally, he scored three touchdowns, which was another thing he hadn't done since 2022. It'll be hard to get any standalone value out of Perine during a given week, but at such a low ADP (242), he's a great late-round handcuff for managers who already drafted Brown.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jacoby Brissett a Sleeper with Talented Supporting Cast
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett maintained QB1 value in fantasy football after taking over for Kyler Murray last season, and he could remain on the fantasy radar this season despite his price tag falling. From Weeks 6- 18 last year, Brissett was the overall QB6 in fantasy football and averaged 19.6 fantasy points per game. He ranked as a top-14 fantasy quarterback in 11 of his 12 starts, as well as a top-12 fantasy quarterback in nine of those starts. Simply put, the veteran quarterback displayed league-winning results for managers who snagged him off the waiver wire after Murray went down. Brissett enters this year with a similar supporting cast, if not better. Trey McBride, Michael Wilson, and Marvin Harrison Jr. are all at his disposal once again, and he'll also be able to rely on new faces out of the backfield like Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier. While we're not saying Brissett will replicate that QB6 stretch from last season, the fact that he gets the same talented supporting cast this year (in an offense that will likely need to throw the ball a lot) makes him a very appealing fantasy quarterback with legitimate top-12 upside. And yet, he's being drafted at an ADP of 229.2, which means he'll end up going undrafted in most fantasy leagues. There's a huge discrepancy between his ceiling and his price tag, making him a very appealing sleeper to target for your QB2 spot in 2026 fantasy football drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rachaad White the Subject of Positive Reports During Camp
Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White drew positive reviews for his performance throughout training camp this summer. A minor hamstring injury sidelined White for the final two preseason games, but even though he didn't touch the ball in a game, he still flashed upside as a ball-carrier and receiver during camp. White is gearing up for his first season in Washington after four years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was the RB4 in PPR leagues in 2023 before falling to RB22 and RB32 over the last two years, respectively. White's exact fantasy outlook depends on how the Commanders distribute the volume. Right now, we'd assume Jacory Croskey-Merritt and White both get involved on early downs, with Croskey-Merritt seeing a slightly larger carry share. However, White is the far more productive back on receiving downs, so he should get on the field in passing situations and carve out a decent target share. White has logged 40+ receptions in all four NFL seasons and 50+ receptions in three of the four. As a result, managers in PPR leagues should consider snagging him as their RB3/flex this year. As it stands, he ranks as RotoBaller's RB40 in redraft leagues. He has an ADP of 116.1, which corresponds to the 10th round of fantasy drafts and makes him the 40th running back off the board.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Evan Engram Trending Up After Solid Camp
Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram generated plenty of buzz this summer after having a solid training camp. He caught just one pass for 24 yards in limited preseason action, but he had an all-around encouraging camp, which should allow him to boost his fantasy stock. Engram is certainly looking to bounce back after finishing as the TE29 in PPR leagues last year, despite missing just one game. Although Denver's receiver room only got more crowded following the acquisition of Jaylen Waddle, we're still excited about Engram's ability to get more involved during Year 2 in Denver. It's too early to pull the trigger on him as a top-18 fantasy tight end, but we think he could return to the level of production he displayed in New York or his first two years in Jacksonville. As it stands, Engram ranks as the TE36 in RotoBaller's latest redraft rankings. He has an ADP of 261.9, which means he's going undrafted in most fantasy leagues, but we wouldn't question any fantasy manager who takes him with one of their final draft picks in deeper formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jauan Jennings a Late-Round Pick with Limited Upside in Crowded Receiver Room
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings has a solid track record in the NFL, but his fantasy upside will be limited this upcoming season. Jennings left the 49ers and signed with the Vikings in free agency. He went from being the No. 1 receiver in San Francisco to the No. 3 receiver in Minnesota, where he ranks behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison on the depth chart. Not only is his position on the depth chart worse this season, but he's also dealing with a quarterback downgrade after leaving Brock Purdy for Kyler Murray (or J.J. McCarthy). Because of the crowded receiver room and subpar quarterback situation, Jennings is falling down draft boards. He ranks as the WR73 in RotoBaller's latest redraft rankings for 2026. He currently has an ADP of 181, which corresponds to the 16th round of fantasy drafts and makes him the 71st receiver off the board.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ray Davis a Handcuff with Low Standalone Value
Buffalo Bills running back Ray Davis lacks standalone value as long as teammate James Cook is healthy. However, Davis remains a very appealing handcuff option, especially in deeper fantasy leagues. Cook, who has been a top-12 running back in each of the last three seasons, has missed just one game since entering the NFL. However, if he were to miss time this year, Davis would step into the lead-back role as a strong RB2 in a high-powered offense that loves to run the ball. Because Cook hasn't really dealt with injuries in the past, Davis isn't a must-roster player in every single league. Instead, he's more of a low-end stash in fantasy leagues with 12+ teams. Managers in shallower leagues will have a tough time justifying keeping Davis on their bench if Cook stays healthy for most of the year. As it stands, Davis has an ADP of 188.4. He projects as a last-round pick in 12-team fantasy leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mike Gesicki Falling Down Draft Boards
Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki is falling down draft boards and falling out of favor in fantasy football leagues. The Bengals currently list Drew Sample as the starting tight end on the depth chart. While it is certainly possible that Gesicki plays alongside Sample in two-tight end sets, it doesn't seem that Gesicki has an obvious path to fantasy relevance in 2026. Gesicki missed four games in 2025 due to a pectoral strain and recorded 28 receptions for 307 yards and two touchdowns. Sample recorded 15 catches for 106 yards and a touchdown last year. Gesicki is currently going undrafted in redraft leagues and is rostered in just 1% of Yahoo leagues. He ranks as RotoBaller's No. 30 tight end in half-PPR formats. It is best to leave Gesicki on the waiver wire and monitor his situation throughout the season.
Source: Cincinnati Bengals
Source: Cincinnati Bengals
Is Malachi Fields Set for Large Role with Giants?
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields could potentially earn a large role for the Giants in 2026. The Giants' depth chart currently lists Malik Nabers andDarius Slayton as the starting wide receiver duo, with Calvin Austin III and Darnell Mooney also listed ahead of Fields. Fields is also competing with veteran Odell Beckham Jr. for snaps. However, recent reports indicate that Fields may actually operate as the No. 2 wide receiver for New York. According to SNY, the 6-foot-4, 222-pound Fields has worked his way up the depth chart and will work in tandem with Nabers. Fields recorded three receptions for 34 yards and a touchdown in his preseason debut against the Minnesota Vikings. The third-round pick out of Notre Dame is currently a promising dynasty prospect, while he is rostered in just 6% of dynasty leagues. He is a name to watch in standard leagues moving forward.
Source: SNY
Source: SNY
Germie Bernard Impresses During Preseason, Looks to Earn Role in Pittsburgh's Offense
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard impressed throughout the preseason, recording five catches (on eight targets) for 64 yards (12.8 yards per catch) and a touchdown during the preseason. Two of his five receptions went for first downs. Pittsburgh's depth chart currently lists DK Metcalf, Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson as its starting wide receiver trio. Still, Bernard is expected to be involved in the passing game alongside quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers recently spoke about the process, including the mental aspects, that Bernard and the young receivers will need to learn as the 2026 season quickly approaches. Pittsburgh selected the 6-foot-1, 206-pound Bernard out of Alabama in the second round (47th overall pick) of the 2026 NFL Draft. Bernard is a strong dynasty league play, but he is currently rostered in just 2% of Yahoo leagues. Bernard ranks as RotoBaller's No. 80 receiver (Half-PPR).
Source: https://www.steelers.com/news/rodgers-reviews-progress-for-pass-catchers-and-fellow-passers
Source: https://www.steelers.com/news/rodgers-reviews-progress-for-pass-catchers-and-fellow-passers
Tyjae Spears Could Lose Touches
Tennessee Titans running back Tyjae Spears could see a reduced role in the backfield this upcoming season. The Titans added more competition in the backfield by selecting Nicholas Singleton in the fifth-round of this year's draft. The expectation is that Tony Pollard will lead the charge, while Spears is the second string, and Singleton begins the season behind them. It might not take too long before Singleton jumps Spears on the depth chart. Spears produced a solid rookie campaign in 2023, but he hasn't been anything special on the field since then. For now, Spears is the No. 2 option in Tennessee, but fantasy managers can't confidently play Spears as an RB3 every week.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Braelon Allen Could be Interesting Handcuff Option
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen is expected to have a larger role in the offense this upcoming season. Allen was forced to miss 13 games last year due to an MCL injury. The 22-year-old is healthy now and is expected to be the primary backup to Breece Hall (groin) in the backfield. Allen is viewed as a dual-threat back who can contribute as a runner and a pass-catcher in the backfield. Sadly, fantasy managers weren't able to see what he could do last season. Hall is already banged up coming into the season, so it wouldn't be shocking to see the Jets wanting to slightly lower his workload. If he plays well, Allen could carve out a legitimate role for himself in the Jets' backfield this upcoming season.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Hunter Henry is Likely to Play a Key Part in the Offense
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry quietly put together a top-10 season at his position in 2025. The Patriots made some offensive upgrades this offseason, but Henry is expected to remain a focal point. Over the offseason, the Pats added wide receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs. The assumption is that Henry will take a backseat to them, but that might not be the case. Henry has finished with 60 or more receptions during his first two seasons with Drake Maye under center. The two of them clearly have good chemistry, which is something you don't mess with. According to Mark Daniels of MassLive.com, Henry is expected to be a key part of the Patriots' offense next season. It's unclear if he'll post another top-10 season, but he should be a viable option.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Chimere Dike Could Get Lost in the Shuffle
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike is hopeful to build off a decent rookie campaign. Last season, Dike hauled in 48 receptions with 423 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 17 games. Those stats were good enough to finish as the WR50, but Dike could be trending downward now. The Titans made significant upgrades to their offense this past offseason with Wan'Dale Robinson and drafting Carnell Tate in the first round. Dike might end up as the fourth or fifth wideout on this roster, which doesn't bode well for his fantasy value. The 24-year-old could be worth holding in dynasty leagues, but Dike isn't someone who must be selected in redraft formats.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
