RADIO
Jaylen Warren Still a Safe Bet to Produce from His Latest Ambiguous Situation
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren has developed into one of the league's most well-rounded backs, topping 300 receiving yards in three straight seasons and 1,100 yards from scrimmage in two of three. Whether paired with a bruiser like Najee Harris or a pass-catching specialist like Kenny Gainwell, Warren has shown a knack for filling in wherever needed and often excelling while doing so. Now slated to share a backfield with a similar jack-of-all-trades in Rico Dowdle, there is an opportunity for both backs to produce in Mike McCarthy's up-tempo offense. Dowdle has rushed for 1,000 yards at each of his last two stops with the Panthers and Cowboys and has familiarity with McCarthy's system. Still, with Warren having already earned the trust of quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the incumbent could have an early advantage in any workload split, and his reliability to always do the right thing will make snaps difficult to take away. Both players represent excellent value in the middle rounds of 2026 drafts, and as the current RB27 by ADP, Warren has the opportunity to greatly outperform expectations after his RB16 finish a year ago in a not dissimilar situation.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyle Williams' Stock Rising with His Upside on Display
With the benefit of time and film study to reflect on the New England Patriots' preseason opening tie with the Colts, ESPN's Mike Reiss has labeled second-year wide receiver Kyle Williams as one of his three offensive risers, along with third-string quarterback Behren Morton and potential third running back Jam Miller. Williams got into his deep bag of releases, showcasing a slick crossover move on his 12-yard touchdown grab and offering a glimpse of the upside he can provide when pairing the full package with his impressive straight-line speed. While Reiss points out that it wasn't all perfect for the 2025 third-round pick, Williams will have the opportunity to further hone his skills against one of the league's best secondaries when the Patriots meet up with the Eagles for joint practices later in the week. Quietly putting together an impressive camp of late, Williams is making a case for an expanded role in a receiver room not lacking talent.
Source: Mike Reiss
Source: Mike Reiss
Chris Godwin Jr. Offers Roster Flexibility as Potential Fourth Fantasy WR
After what was an electric start to his eighth season, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. suffered a severe ankle dislocation in October of 2024 and has played in only nine games since, battling through injury complications for most of his 2025 campaign. At 30 years old, further injury risk and a potential age-related decline are inescapable pieces of Godwin's overall profile, but with those elements thoroughly baked into his 2026 draft cost, he has the potential to be one of the most valuable picks in the later rounds of drafts. While the departure of six-time Pro Bowler Mike Evans has created an opportunity for 2025 first-round pick Emeka Egbuka to find more work on the outside, Godwin could still see heavy volume from the slot, and it should come as no surprise if their target totals wind up in a similar spot at the end of the year. At RotoBaller's WR44, if Godwin can manage anything close to a full-season slate, he should provide one of the safest floors from his range of the draft, and he provides tremendous roster construction value as a reliable fourth receiver.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
George Holani Leads Seattle's Backfield in Carries on Saturday
Seattle Seahawks running back George Holani played with the No. 2 offense in Saturday's preseason opener against the Dallas Cowboys. He recorded 12 carries for 42 yards. While Holani's performance was not indicative of much, his presence on the field suggested that rookie running back Jadarian Price may have already usurped him on the depth chart. Price did not play on Saturday, along with all of the first-team skill players. The Seahawks have made it clear all offseason that Holani is part of their plan for 2026. However, this game suggests that he may be little more than an insurance back for fantasy this season. If Price opens the year as the lead back, and Zach Charbonnet eventually returns from injury, Holani could become a bit of an afterthought.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Brashard Smith Outshined in Preseason Opener
Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith drew the start in Saturday's preseason opener against the Rams, but in his battle to earn the primary backup role behind Kenneth Walker, the points in his favor end right about there. Smith carried the ball eight times for 21 yards and brought in both of his targets for an additional 12 yards, but he was outshined by rookie Emmett Johnson, who looked explosive in gaining 59 yards on his 12 carries. Johnson also added three catches for 10 yards and ran in a four-yard touchdown that was nullified by a holding penalty. As a rookie in 2025, Smith was unable to carve out a meaningful role in a backfield led by Kareem Hunt and Isiah Pacheco, finishing the year with 323 yards and one touchdown on 79 total opportunities. With a significantly higher talent level in the room for 2026, he could struggle to find regular work and is not likely to make any fantasy impact without a notable injury ahead of him.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Drew Lock Efficient in Preseason Week 1
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock drew the start in Saturday's preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. He went 9/13 for 40 yards and an opening drive touchdown pass. Lock looked comfortable in an offense run by new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury. While Lock is clearly the backup to Sam Darnold, the opening drive provided a nice look at what Fleury may bring to the table. He is a first-time play caller, and the biggest variable for the Seahawks' offensive success considering the departure of Klint Kubiak. If Lock can be this efficient and effective in an opening game script under Fleury, hopefully that will also translate to Darnold and the rest of the offense.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Montorie Foster Jr. Catches Seahawks' Lone Touchdown in Preseason Week 1
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. caught five passes for 36 yards and a touchdown in Seattle's preseason loss to the Cowboys. Foster earned seven targets in this game as the 2025 undrafted free agent looks to earn a spot on the active roster this season. Foster's path to the roster will be difficult. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, Tory Horton, and Rashid Shaheed are all locks to make the team. Jake Bobo is a favorite in the locker room and seems likely to make the team as well. That leaves Foster to compete with rookie Emmanuel Henderson Jr. and Ricky White III for a potential sixth wide receiver spot. Although his odds are long for Foster, it was nice to see that Seattle possesses solid depth at the position behind the household names.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Elijah Arroyo Plays With No. 2 Offense in Preseason Opener
Seattle Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo played in Seattle's preseason opener against the Cowboys on Saturday. He recorded one reception for 12 yards. Given that Seattle did not play its first-team offense, Arroyo's playing time suggests that the 2025 second-round pick is squarely behind AJ Barner at the top of the depth chart. Barner broke out in 2025 while Arroyo struggled through injuries. The team will likely employ two-tight end sets relatively often, which means Arroyo should see the field quite a bit. However, it is clear that the tight end of value for fantasy will be Barner. Arroyo is a talented player who could eventually emerge in this offense, but for now he is best left on waivers until he proves himself on the field.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Dallas Goedert a Late-Round Value in 2026 Drafts
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert was the fantasy TE3 in 2025, but even after an offseason of change left him in a potentially better spot heading into his ninth season, the veteran is regularly falling outside the top 12 of the position and sometimes going undrafted altogether in shallower leagues. The Eagles said goodbye to three-time Pro Bowler A.J. Brown, and while they spent a first-round pick on slot receiver Makai Lemon (hamstring) as part of the plan to replace his production, the rookie has been sidelined by a hamstring injury for much of his first training camp. Goedert could be hard-pressed to repeat his career-high 11 touchdowns from a season ago, but he remains one of the team's most valuable red zone weapons, keeping his ceiling high, while a potentially increased target share would serve to raise his floor. At RotoBaller's TE13, he's one of the more underrated players going at the tail end of 2026 drafts and is particularly attractive in two-tight-end builds.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zamir White Gets Plenty of Work in First Practice with 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers signed veteran running back Zamir White on Wednesday, and in his first practice with the team on Saturday, he saw plenty of involvement, according to team reporter Brooke Evans. With Christian McCaffrey (soreness), Jordan James (ribs), and Kaelon Black (adductor) all missing practice, White is already a necessary presence, and he received a heavy workload throughout the team's competitive sessions. While the former Raider faces an uphill climb to earn a roster spot this late into camp, he could see work in San Francisco's next preseason game on Thursday, and he provides critical backfield depth for a team already stretched thin by injuries.
Source: Brooke Evans
Source: Brooke Evans
The Game is Slowing Down for Keandre Lambert-Smith
As a rookie in 2025, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keandre Lambert-Smith was one of the buzzier names throughout training camp and the preseason. While he's had a quieter second camp amid significant offensive changes in Los Angeles, he once more shined in the team's first game of the preseason, racking up 58 yards on a team-leading four catches in Thursday's win over the Texans. On Saturday, he spoke with the media about how things have changed in his second season. "Mentally, things the outside can't see. Me and my mind, slowing the game down, understanding the offense better," Lambert-Smith said. "It's a new offense for everybody, but being in the playbook, understanding it, understanding defense more. Just slowing everything down." With his separation standing out in film review, head coach Jim Harbaugh praised Lambert-Smith as the team's most productive receiver, and if the 24-year-old can carve out a role in what projects to be a high-powered offense, he could eventually work his way into the streaming conversation as fantasy options inevitably thin later in the season.
Source: Omar Navarro
Source: Omar Navarro
A.J. Brown Has Been "Nearly Unstoppable" at Patriots Practice
The New England Patriots sent a first- and fifth-round pick to acquire three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver A.J. Brown from the Philadelphia Eagles in early May, and as he continues to acclimate to his new surroundings, he has gotten better and better throughout the summer, impressing team reporter Paul Perillo with the suddenness of his routes. During Saturday's practice, he separated quickly during goal-line work for what looked to be an easy score, and Perillo noted that he has "been nearly unstoppable running slants from various positions on the field." With free agent acquisition Romeo Doubs also coming on of late, expectations continue to rise for the Patriots' passing offense, but as the regular season edges closer, there's been little doubt about who Drake Maye's go-to receiver will be in 2026, and Brown is RotoBaller's WR9.
Source: Paul Perillo
Source: Paul Perillo
Matt Hibner Turns Heads in Preseason Opener
Baltimore Ravens rookie tight end Matt Hibner hauled in all five of his targets for 61 yards in the Ravens' 24-7 preseason victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. Hibner ran a variety of routes and demonstrated robust rapport with veteran quarterback Tyler Huntley and rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano alike, indicating Hibner's hard work during camp is making its way onto the field. Notably, Hibner caught a 29-yard pass from Huntley on the Ravens' second offensive play, setting the tone for first-time play caller Declan Doyle's new offense. The Ravens traded up during the draft to grab the SMU tight end in the fourth round even after extending veteran tight end Mark Andrews at the tail end of the 2025 season and signing blocking tight end Durham Smythe in March. Dynasty managers, particularly those in tight end premium leagues, should keep Hibner on their radar with eyes towards the latter half of the season when rookie production tends to surge.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jarquez Hunter Leads Backfield in Touches on Saturday
Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter rushed for 35 yards on nine carries during Saturday's preseason contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. On the one hand, it was encouraging to see Hunter lead the Rams in touches. On the other hand, a running back on the roster bubble probably needs to average more than 3.9 yards per carry in the first week of the preseason, especially if they're not going to contribute as a receiver. The 2025 fourth-round pick did not register an offensive snap as a rookie last year, and now he's already at risk of losing his roster spot to someone like Ronnie Rivers or Dean Connors. As it stands, Hunter has fallen to RB87 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings. Even if he doesn't get cut by the Rams at the end of training camp, Hunter can be dumped to waivers in most fantasy leagues.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Dean Connors Shines as Receiver in Pro Debut
Los Angeles Rams running back Dean Connors rushed for 22 yards on six carries during Saturday's preseason contest against the Kansas City Chiefs. He also caught all four of his targets for an additional 29 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. Throughout his collegiate career at Rice and Houston, Connors' top trait was his ability to catch passes and produce as a receiver. Over his last three NCAA seasons, he had a whopping 139 catches, 1,142 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. He had at least 1,000 scrimmage yards in each of those three seasons, and he totaled 30 touchdowns during that span. While Connors may not be the most efficient runner, the undrafted free agent may be able to sneak onto the back end of the Rams' roster because of his pass-catching skills. Ronnie Rivers and Jarquez Hunter represent his biggest competition for the No. 3 running back role behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
