RADIO
Jordan James a Prime Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate Entering 2026
A fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan James appeared in just three games and did not record a single carry as a rookie last season. However, James reportedly has a strong chance to enter 2026 as the 49ers' primary backup behind superstar running back Christian McCaffrey. Following the offseason departure of former 49ers back Brian Robinson Jr., James' primary competition for the RB2 role appears to be rookie third-rounder Kaelon Black and 2024 fourth-rounder Isaac Guerendo. While James is not guaranteed to win the job, he may have the well-rounded skill set of the group and has drawn praise from 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan this offseason. As long as McCaffrey stays healthy, James' path to fantasy-relevant playing time will remain blocked. Still, McCaffrey has a long injury track record and is entering his age-30 season after logging an NFL-leading 413 touches in 2025. Dynasty managers should prioritize buying low on James ahead of his potential emergence as a high-end handcuff running back.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is it Time for Dynasty Managers to Drop Mack Hollins?
Across 15 games (13 starts) in 2025, New England Patriots wide receiver Mack Hollins recorded 46 receptions for 550 yards and two touchdowns on 65 targets. While the veteran wideout has never been a high-volume target-earner, he's a valuable blocker in the running game and an underrated downfield threat on the outside. Hollins' skill set could keep him on the field consistently for the Patriots once again in 2026. However, his already questionable target outlook has taken a hit over the offseason thanks to New England's acquisitions of wide receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs. The Patriots may also be looking to expand the role of 2025 third-round pick Kyle Williams, and Kayshon Boutte remains in New England as well. As he enters his age-33 season, Hollins profiles as a low-upside fantasy wide receiver whom dynasty managers should feel comfortable moving on from.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ladd McConkey a Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate in Improved Offense
After a standout rookie campaign in 2024, Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey saw his numbers fall across the board in 2025. Across 16 games (12 starts), the 24-year-old recorded 66 receptions for 789 yards and six touchdowns on 106 targets for an average of just 11.3 PPR fantasy points per game. Despite the downturn in production, there's reason for fantasy managers to be optimistic about McConkey's outlook in 2026. For one, the Chargers brought in a new play-caller over the offseason in former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who should help maximize the team's offensive weapons. Additionally, veteran wideout Keenan Allen is currently a free agent after leading the team with 122 targets in 2025. If the Chargers do not bring back Allen, McConkey could see an uptick in both targets and playing time in the slot. In dynasty formats, managers may want to explore buying low on McConkey ahead of a possible re-emergence in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylin Noel Stands Out at Minicamp, Top Slot Option in Houston?
Houston Texans wide receiver Jaylin Noel stood out as a winner at the team's veteran minicamp, according to Jared Koch of Sports Illustrated. Per Koch, Noel "stood out as the clear top option in the slot for Houston's air attack." A third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Noel recorded 26 receptions for 292 yards and two touchdowns on 35 targets across 17 games as a rookie. The 23-year-old spent most of 2025 in a reserve role behind veteran wideout Christian Kirk, but Kirk has since departed Houston for the San Francisco 49ers. The return of Texans wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) from the knee injury that cost him the entire 2025 season could create a new barrier to playing time for Noel. However, it appears that Noel is a key piece of Houston's game plan on offense heading into training camp. His stock in both dynasty and redraft formats could continue to rise throughout the summer with a strong performance in training camp.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jared Koch
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jared Koch
Derrick Henry to Be Trusted in Dynasty Leagues Until Proven Otherwise
An outlier of the highest order, Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry has played 37 games since turning 30, averaging over 115 yards per game while scoring 38 touchdowns. While the coaching staff in Baltimore faces a major shakeup for 2026, the offensive philosophy of feeding one of the league's premier bell cow backs is unlikely to change. After serving as the team's primary change-of-pace back in 2025, Keaton Mitchell was not offered a restricted free agent tender and allowed to walk in free agency, and with 11 picks heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, the Ravens did not add a running back until owner Steve Bisciotti was given the opportunity to put his stamp on the draft with the selection of Adam Randall in the fifth round. Given his age and production, it's likely that Henry is already rostered by a contending manager in most dynasty leagues, but wherever that isn't already the case, the 11th-year veteran makes for an affordable trade target and is still a potential league-winner as RotoBaller's RB24.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ryan Flournoy a Dynasty Stash with Little Standalone Value
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy showed sporadic flashes in his second season but remains little more than an end-of-bench dynasty stash. Across 15 games in 2025, he accumulated 475 receiving yards, but almost half of that came in two games: the first with CeeDee Lamb sidelined with a high-ankle sprain and the other in a wild primetime affair with the Lions that saw 74 total points scored and Dak Prescott dropping back to throw more than 50 times. Across 13 other contests, Flournoy averaged less than 19 yards per game while adding three touchdowns. Should Lamb or George Pickens miss extended time moving forward, the most obvious benefactor will continue to be tight end Jake Ferguson, but even as a third option in such a scenario, Flournoy could see enough opportunity in a high-powered Cowboys offense to make him fantasy viable as the occasional injury replacement or bye week fill-in. At RotoBaller's dynasty WR121, the 26-year-old Flournoy is by no means a must-roster player, but in shallower leagues, he should be floated in trade conversations before being viewed as an outright drop candidate.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Nailor Undervalued as the Raiders' Potential WR1?
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor signed a three-year, $35 million contract in free agency, leaving behind one of the league's most top-heavy receiver rooms in Minnesota for a wide-open one in Vegas. In his final season with the Vikings, Nailor led the team with four touchdown grabs and 15.3 yards per reception, making the most of a bad situation and flashing big play ability in a limited role. While the Raiders offense is expected to run through tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty in 2026 and beyond, Nailor needs to beat out only Tre Tucker and 2025 second-round pick Jack Bech for an every-down role in Klint Kubiak's play-action-heavy system. With Bowers fighting through injury for much of the year and ultimately missing five games, Tucker led the team with 696 receiving yards in 2025. However, Jakobi Meyers opened the year as the Raiders' primary receiver, helping to suppress individual production across the team. With Meyers now gone, there's a realistic path for one of Vegas' wideouts to reach 1,000 yards for the first time in their career, and with the highest financial commitment of the lot, Nailor should see every opportunity to be that guy. At RotoBaller's dynasty WR86, he's an under-considered asset who could provide usable depth to contending rosters.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Audric Estime No Longer a Player Who Needs to Be Rostered
Spending time on the practice squads of the Eagles and New Orleans Saints after being released by the Broncos ahead of the 2025 season, second-year running back Audric Estime eventually worked his way onto the Saints' active roster and finished the year with 204 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown in the final two games of the season. However, any glimmer of hope heading into the 2026 season was dashed when the Saints made Travis Etienne Jr. the highest-paid free agent running back on the open market, relegating Estime to a rotational backup spot at best. With veteran Alvin Kamara still on the roster and 2025 sixth-round pick Devin Neal recovered from the hamstring injury that landed him on injured reserve, the running back room is deep, and Estime is by no means a lock to stick on the 53-man roster. It bears noting that Neal was unable to finish the final session of OTAs, so his attendance will need to be monitored when the team returns for minicamp practices on Tuesday. That said, barring injury or a trade that sees the depth chart dramatically thinned ahead of him, Estime is a dynasty cut candidate with no clear path to fantasy relevance.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Riley Leonard Competing for the Colts' No. 2 Role
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard started the final game of his 2025 rookie campaign, throwing for 270 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception, and he is now battling for the primary backup role behind Daniel Jones, according to Colts Insider Joel A. Erickson. With Jones still recovering from his December Achilles tear and unable to participate in full team drills, Leonard split minicamp reps with 2023 fourth overall pick Anthony Richardson Sr., and their competition for the number two job is expected to carry into training camp. Indianapolis declined Richardson's fifth-year option, putting him on the final season of his rookie contract, so if Leonard can win the job outright, it could be his to hold for the foreseeable future. With the mobility to provide fantasy viability in any spot-start duties, and potentially available on waivers in many leagues, the 2025 sixth-round pick is worthy of back-of-roster consideration in deep dynasty leagues.
Source: Joel A. Erickson
Source: Joel A. Erickson
Parker Washington Set to be Core Piece of Jaguars Passing Game
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington broke out in 2025 in his third year in the league with 58 receptions on 95 targets for 847 yards and five touchdowns in 16 regular-season games (seven starts). He played a backup role in the offense during the first two months of the year before being thrust into a starting role after rookie Travis Hunter's (knee) season-ending injury. According to Sports Illustrated's John Shipley, "all signs from three-day mandatory minicamp are that the Jaguars are set to trust him even more in 2026." The 24-year-old former sixth-rounder in 2023 out of Penn State combined for 48 catches, 522 yards, and five TDs in his first two years in the NFL. Even though Hunter will continue to be used on offense, and Jakobi Meyers and Brian Thomas Jr. are still involved, it is clear that Washington is "set to be a core piece" in the passing game. According to Next Gen Stats, Washington had a team-high 23.7% of the Jaguars' third-down targets last year and averaged 3.1 yards per route run on third down, the most among WRs with at least 75 routes run on third down. With a full season as a starter in 2026, Washington should be able to improve on his numbers from a year ago and potentially have a shot to be a 1,000-yard receiver.
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Ashton Dulin Competing for a Chance to Start in 2026
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin has "never had a bigger chance to start" going into the 2026 season after the Colts traded veteran wideout Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. Alec Pierce (ankle) and Josh Downs are set to slide into the Colts' top two receiver spots in 2026, leaving Dulin to compete with veterans Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Laquon Treadwell, as well as rookie seventh-rounder Deion Burks, for the third WR spot. Boyd suggests that Dulin could have the upper hand because he's entering his fourth year in head coach Shane Steichen's offense. The 29-year-old former undrafted free agent out of Malone College has already been impressing during offseason practices. In his six seasons in the NFL (all with the Colts, Dulin has just 40 receptions on 70 targets for 623 yards and four touchdowns in 82 games played (seven starts). The best thing going for Dulin is his versatility, as he's been a key special teams asset and has also played defensive back. Duliin will be a deep fantasy sleeper going into the 2026 campaign.
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Source: The Athletic - James Boyd
Tank Dell's Outlook "Becoming More Positive"
The Houston Texans are still easing wide receiver Tank Dell (knee) in during offseason workouts, but KPRC2 Sports' Aaron Wilson says that Dell's outlook is "becoming more positive," and he plans to increase his practice activity at training camp this summer. Dell has been running and cutting without any setbacks, although he isn't as dynamic as he was before he dislocated his knee and tore his ACL, MCL, and LCL two years ago. There is still a long way to go for the former University of Houston star, but he has already made significant progress. "Looking for him to be Tank," WRs coach and passing-game coordinator Ben McDaniels said. "He's been working really hard to get back to what he knows he is and can be. It's been a long process, and he's still at it." The 26-year-old broke his leg in his rookie season and was also shot in the leg that same offseason, so he has endured no shortage of adversity. The Texans are taking a patient, big-picture approach with the speedster, but they do plan on him being an asset in 2026. At least early on, Dell will probably be facing an uphill battle for consistent targets in a WR corps that already features WR1 Nico Collins and emerging second-year wideouts Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.
Source: KPRC Sports - Aaron Wilson
Source: KPRC Sports - Aaron Wilson
NFL Closes Investigation of Stegon Diggs
The NFL closed its review of the matter involving free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs and his former chef, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The league said there was insufficient evidence to support a finding of a personal-conduct policy violation. Diggs was found not guilty a month ago on charges that he assaulted his private chef during a dispute. The 32-year-old four-time Pro Bowler had his seventh 1,000-yard season in 2025 and led the New England Patriots in receiving as they marched to the Super Bowl. Despite his solid year in New England, the Pats released Diggs in the offseason for salary cap reasons, and he remains on the open market. With no potential suspension hanging over his head for the 2026 season, interest in Diggs on the free-agent market should increase as the start of training camps around the league approaches in late July. The Patriots are unlikely to re-sign him, leaving the Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Commanders, and Baltimore Ravens as the most likely landing spots for the 11-year veteran. In dynasty leagues, Diggs isn't a bad buy-low candidate for managers in win-now mode.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Brenton Strange Being Asked to Line Up in "a Lot More Positions"
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange said this week that he's being asked to line up in "a lot more positions," but despite the added responsibilities, he feels that his second year in head coach Liam Coen's offense is "a lot less chaotic," per Garry Smits of the Jacksonville Florida Times-Union. The 25-year-old is entering the final year of his rookie deal after catching 91 passes on 122 targets for 986 yards and six touchdowns in 43 games (26 starts) for the Jags over his first three years in the NFL. The former second-rounder (61st overall) out of Penn State in 2023 is the team's clear No. 1 pass-catching tight end going into the 2026 season, even though Jacksonville added rookies Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol in the NFL draft in April. Strange had career highs across the board in catches (46), targets (60), receiving yards (540), and touchdowns (three) in his 12 regular-season starts a year ago, and even though the offense is expected to feature plenty of two-TE sets this year, his production should improve because of his versatility. In a contract year, Strange could be an excellent value pick in fantasy as a TE2 with upside in 2026.
Source: Jacksonville Florida Times-Union - Garry Smits
Source: Jacksonville Florida Times-Union - Garry Smits
Isaiah Likely the Favorite Target of Young QB in Spring Practices
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely, who followed head coach John Harbaugh over from the Baltimore Ravens this offseason, was quarterback Jaxson Dart's "favorite target in open practices this spring," according to Dan Duggan of The Athletic. The athletic tight end was dangerous on crossing routes, and his needle is pointing firmly up in fantasy football as the 2026 season nears. The 26-year-old former fourth-round pick of the Ravens in 2022 out of Coastal Carolina never had more than 477 yards in his four seasons in Baltimore, but he should be a featured piece of the Giants' offense after he saw a career-low 36 targets in 2025. Duggan writes that the G-Men gave Likely a three-year, $40 million contract based on the projection that he "will thrive" after spending the last four years in Mark Andrews' shadow. We should expect the Giants to "manufacture touches for Likely on screens." RotoBaller has likely ranked as the No. 12 fantasy TE right now, and if receiver Malik Nabers (knee) isn't ready for the start of the season, Likely's role will be even bigger early on.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Duggan
Source: The Athletic - Dan Duggan
