RADIO
Caleb Douglas Could Be Miami's Top Receiver in His NFL Debut
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas had an impressive training camp and will likely step directly into a large role against the Raiders in his NFL debut in Week 1. The Dolphins drafted Douglas in the third round out of Texas Tech, and since he's a tall, perimeter receiver with big hands and long arms, he could become a favorite target for new QB Malik Willis. The Miami offense is expected to be very run-heavy, though, so it is unclear exactly how much receiving work will be available for any of the Dolphins' receiving corps. In RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings, Douglas is the highest-rated of all the Dolphins WRs, but he still checks in as the No. 66 WR, meaning he is well outside the starting tier in most standard-sized leagues. Douglas is an unproven option in an unknown offense, but his long-term upside still makes him worth watching closely as a potential emerging option as the season goes on. He's a solid stash going into the season even though he's only a desperation Week 1 starter.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ollie Gordon II Healthy for Week 1 But in an Uncertain Role
Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II (rib) was able to shed his non-contact jersey earlier this week and is not on the injury report for his team's Week 1 matchup against the Raiders. While the second-year running back will be available in that favorable matchup, the backfield rotation in Miami under new head coach Jeff Hafley is still a huge unknown. Star running back De'Von Achane will get plenty of work while Jaylen Wright is set to be the primary backup. Gordon brings a different, more physical running style than Wright or Achane, and the second-year back does have potential upside if he gets on the field. Hafley praised Gordon's all-around work early in training camp, and Gordon could mix in enough to be a FLEX play down the road. For Week 1, though, Gordon is only the No. 78 RB in RotoBaller's rankings, so he should be left on the bench or waiver wire until his role is more defined.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Wright Set for a Primary Backup Role in Week 1
Miami Dolphins running back Jaylen Wright will open the season as the second running back on the team's depth chart behind fantasy star De'Von Achane. Achane is expected to carry a heavy load in the team's new-look, run-heavy attack this season, and Wright could rotate in as a change-of-pace option or when Achane gets a breather. Wright has flashed upside in the past when he has gotten opportunities after the Dolphins drafted him in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Tennessee, but his workload in this new offense when Achane is healthy is very uncertain. Most of his value in dynasty leagues or deep leagues is as Achane's handcuff. Even in a favorable matchup against the Taiders, Wright is only the No. 58 RB in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
De'Von Achane Set to Star in a Run-Heavy Offense
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane is lined up for a massive workload as the Dolphins turn to Malik Willis as their starting quarterback and Bobby Slowik as offensive coordinator. The team is expected to lean heavily on the run game, with Achane and Willis both getting plenty of chances to run the ball. Achane agreed to a four-year extension this past offseason worth $68 million after running for 1,350 rushing yards last season. He averaged an NFL-high 5.7 yards per carry and scored 12 touchdowns, and as the focus of the team's offense, he has both a high floor and a high ceiling since he should get so much volume. Achane is the No. 6 RB in RotoBaller's Week 1 rankings, and this favorable matchup against the Raiders should give us a better idea of what to expect from the Dolphins' new-look offense. With Achane featured in the middle of the action, he is a strong RB1 out of the gate this year.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Malik Willis Is a Solid Start in Two-QB Leagues
Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis is ready to make his first start for his new team as the Dolphins kick off their first season under head coach Jeff Hafley with a road game in Las Vegas. Willis signed a three-year, $67.5 million contract this offseason and will replace Tua Tagovailoa as the team's starter this season. Willis played with the Packers, where Hafley was Defensive Coordinator, for the last two seasons, and the offense is expected to rely heavily on his rushing ability in a ground-focused attack. Willis does have upside since he brings so much rushing potential, and he brings a very high ceiling in a favorable matchup against the Raiders' defense. In Week 1, Willis is the No. 19 QB in RotoBaller's rankings, making him a solid second QB in dual-quarterback leagues but a reach to start in most single-QB formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Dolphins D/ST Can Be a Streaming Option vs. the Raiders
The Miami Dolphins' defense and special teams unit will have real streaming upside as a top-10 unit in Week 1, when they visit the Raiders in Las Vegas. Last season, the Dolphins ranked in the middle of the pack with 39 sacks and 20 takeaways. They added cornerback Chris Johnson in the first round of the NFL Draft and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez in the second round, giving them some good young talent alongside pass rushers Chop Robinson, Zach Sieler, and Josh Uche. The Raiders were the best matchup in the NFL for D/ST last season, and even with Kirk Cousins now leading the offense, the Dolphins should be in a favorable spot to make some plays. They aren't a week-to-week starting option, but for this matchup, they check in as the No. 9 DST in RotoBaller's rankings, meaning they can be a solid plug-and-play option from the waiver wire because of the matchup in Vegas.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tetairoa McMillan in a Smash Spot Against the Bears in Week 1
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan is set up for a strong Week 1 against a banged-up Chicago Bears secondary in Week 1. The Bears will be without safety Coby Bryant and cornerback Kyle Gordon for the regular-season opener and allowed the third most fantasy points to wideouts last season. Coming off an impressive rookie campaign where McMillan caught 70 passes for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 games, the 23-year-old took home the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. According to ESPN's Mike Kaye, McMillan will be used more in the slot in 2026, and Carolina wants to use the second-year wideout's size and strength to get the ball to him more in the middle of the field. McMillan is ranked as RotoBaller's WR23 in PPR formats, and fantasy managers should roll with him in all leagues as a borderline WR2 against the Bears in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Coker Becomes a Strong FLEX Option in Week 1 Vs. the Bears
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker will look to keep things going in Week 1 against the Chicago Bears after an impressive Wild Card round performance against the Rams last season. Coker caught nine passes for 134 yards and a touchdown in the Panthers' lone playoff game. Overall, he caught 33 passes for 394 yards and three touchdowns in 11 games. The 24-year-old signed a three-year, $35 million extension this offseason and is expected to be a big part of Carolina's offense this season. Coker will look to stay hot and has a great matchup against a banged-up Chicago defense that allowed the third most fantasy points to wideouts last season. The Bears defense will also be down two starters in the secondary with safety Coby Bryant and cornerback Kyle Gordon ruled out. He enters as RotoBaller's WR47 and ranks 93rd in our top 200 FLEX rankings. With the positive matchup and his strong connection with quarterback Bryce Young, Coker is a strong FLEX option heading into Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jonathan Taylor is a Top-Tier Start in Week 1
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is a high-end RB1 to start the 2026 season against the Baltimore Ravens at home in Week 1. Interestingly, the Week 1 matchup featuring Taylor (1,585 rushing yards in 2025) and Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (1,595) 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. Last year, the Ravens' defense ranked 18th against the run, and they will again be without defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) this Sunday, which bodes well for Taylor if he runs between the tackles. In 2025, Taylor had a 56% inside-the-tackles rushing rate, his lowest since 2021, and he faced a stacked box only 17.6% of the time, one of the lowest of all qualified rushers in 2025. Taylor, who led all running backs last year in rushing attempts (323), should dominate opportunities in the Colts' backfield, while also seeing some looks in the passing game. Last year, Taylor had a 15.9% target share and ran an average of 20 routes per game, which is a bonus for managers in PPR formats. Fantasy managers in nearly every format probably drafted Taylor in the first or early second round to be their RB1, and he is a must-start against the Ravens in Week 1.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jalen Hurts Looks to Thrive in Philadelphia's New Offense in Week 1
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts enters his seventh season in the NFL in 2026, and his first under new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion - whom Hurts recently referred to as a "North Star." Hurts and the Eagles take on the NFC East rival Washington Commanders in Week 1. Hurts finished the 2025 season as the No. 9 quarterback in total fantasy points, and the No. 7 quarterback in fantasy points-per-game. He saw an increase in his passing production in 2025, as he threw for 3,224 yards and 25 touchdowns in 16 games last year (compared to 2,903 yards and 18 touchdowns in 15 games in 2024), but his rushing production decreased significantly. In 2024, Hurts amassed 631 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground, but those numbers dipped to 421 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in 2025. He only threw six interceptions last season, but he also lost four fumbles. Hurts also lost his No. 1 target from the 2025 season after the Eagles traded A.J. Brown (121 targets in 2025) to the New England Patriots in June. Hurts will rely on DeVonta Smith (who had similar production to Brown in 2025), Dontayvion Wicks, Makai Lemon, Dallas Goedert, Saquon Barkley, and others in 2026. The Commanders ranked near the bottom of the NFL in passing yards allowed per game in 2025 (242.5), checking in at 28th. Hurts ranks as RotoBaller's No. 5 quarterback heading into the 2026 campaign. He is a must-start player for Week 1 and a strong DFS option as well.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Spencer Shrader is an Overlooked Start in Week 1 with Potential Long-Term Value
Indianapolis Colts Kicker Spencer Shrader won the preseason kicking competition against Blake Grupe and will face the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1. During the preseason, Shrader went five-for-five in field goals, including two from at least 60 yards, which makes him incredibly valuable for fantasy managers. Shrader had his 2025 season cut short with an ACL and MCL tear in Week 5 and was replaced by Grupe for the rest of the season, but he was 13-for-14 in field goals and 14-for-14 in extra points before going down. Because of this injury, many managers drafting in 2026 may have forgotten how dominant he was in early 2025, averaging 13 points per game in the first four weeks. Lastly, this week's game against the Ravens has one of the week's highest over/under totals at 47.5, which should translate to plenty of kicking opportunities for Shrader. More importantly, the match is at home in the controlled environment of Lucas Oil Stadium, which gives Shrader a slight edge over kickers playing outdoors. Shrader appears fully recovered and is a viable starter for the Colts and for managers in 12-person or larger leagues with kickers.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Josh Downs is an Intriguing Option for Deep Leagues in Week 1
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (calf) practiced in full all week and looks to put his minor training camp injury behind him as he goes into Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. Admittedly, Downs is coming off a rough 2025 season, setting career lows in receiving yards (566), targets (88), and receptions (58). Even though Michael Pittman Jr. moved on during the offseason, Downs will still share targets with freshly acquired veteran Keenan Allen and Alec Pierce (heel), with the latter possibly being on a snap count in Week 1. Downs showed promise last year between Weeks 6 and 9 with quarterback Daniel Jones, finishing as a WR2 in each week except for Week 7 when he was ruled out due to a concussion. Looking to this Sunday, Downs has a decent matchup against the Ravens defense, which ranked in the bottom five against wide receivers last year. However, the Ravens defense got a massive overhaul in the offseason and will almost certainly show different schemes this year under new head coach Jesse Minter. This week, Downs is Rotoballer's WR33, placing him firmly in WR3/low-end flex territory, but with high upside.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mark Andrews is Quietly a Solid Start in Week 1
Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews looks to bounce back this season, and his campaign starts in Indianapolis against the Colts in Week 1. Andrews is entering the first year of his three-year, $39.3 million contract extension signed in December and is leading a rebuilt tight end room. Veteran Durham Smythe joined in the offseason, and rookies Matt Hibner and Josh Cuevas each made strong showings during the preseason. Smythe is expected to handle much of the blocking work, while the younger tight ends will develop over the course of the season. Andrews is coming off one of his worst career years, in terms of efficiency, but he had a promising camp and looks healthy heading into his ninth season with the Ravens. Last year, Andrews had a career-low 422 total yards, despite playing all 17 games, and averaged just 24.8 receiving yards per game. He also had career lows in several advanced metrics, including yards per reception (8.8), receiving EPA (-9.2), air yards per target (7.8), and yards after catch over expected (-23). However, the Colts defense was in the bottom 10 against tight ends in 2025, allowing an average of 12.6 points to the position. Andrews should fall right behind wide receiver Zay Flowers in targets on Sunday. Most importantly, the veteran tight end has established trust with quarterback Lamar Jackson, especially in the red zone, which probably makes him a low-end TE1 going into Week 1.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Zay Flowers Set to Lead Ravens Receiving Corps in Week 1
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (hamstring) is off the injury report after logging a limited practice on Wednesday and is ready to take on the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1. Flowers led the Ravens in targets, receptions, and yards, and is clearly quarterback Lamar Jackson's preferred pass catcher, as he enjoyed a 25% target share in 2025. Moreover, Zay Flowers averaged 2.5 yards per route run last season, the third-most among 76 wide receivers who ran at least 300 routes, according to Next Gen Stats; only Puka Nacua (3.8) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (3.7) averaged more. However, the Colts secondary has gotten healthier over the off-season, and they boast two All-Pro cornerbacks in Sauce Gardner and Charvarius Ward Sr., which may hinder Flowers' ability to separate downfield. Nonetheless, fantasy managers probably drafted Flowers as their WR2, and he lands within Rotoballer's top 12, making him a borderline WR1 heading into Week 1.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Roman Wilson Has a Tough Path to Week 1 Role Despite Solid Camp
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Roman Wilson reportedly put together an impressive training camp, and we saw him catch three passes for 23 yards throughout the preseason. However, the current state of the Steelers' receiver room will make it very challenging for him to carve out any sort of fantasy relevance this year. Through two seasons in the NFL, Wilson has just 12 catches, 166 yards, and two touchdowns. He was buried on the depth chart last year, and even if he opens this season as the No. 3 receiver on the depth chart, he'll still be stuck behind DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. in an offense that doesn't have an absurd amount of passing volume available for its depth targets. Plus, there's a chance that Wilson could slip further down the depth chart as rookie Germie Bernard, who had five catches for 64 yards and a touchdown in the preseason, continues to acclimate to the NFL. Fantasy managers can leave Wilson on waivers in all redraft and most dynasty leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
