RADIO
Rashod Bateman's Starting Job Does Not Make Him a Redraft Sleeper
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman remains in line to start opposite Zay Flowers, but that job has not produced enough volume to make him an appealing redraft pick. He played 69% of the offensive snaps in 2025 and still finished with only 19 catches for 224 yards and two touchdowns in 13 games. A high ankle sprain cost him time and Lamar Jackson also battled injuries, so last season was not a clean evaluation. It was still a major step backward from Bateman's 45-catch, 756-yard, nine-touchdown campaign in 2024. That season now carries even less weight with Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt joining Devontez Walker as younger options behind Flowers. Baltimore expects Bateman to remain a significant part of Declan Doyle's new offense, but opportunity needs to show up in the target column before fantasy managers buy back in. RotoBaller ranks him WR90 in PPR, half-PPR, and standard formats, with no current ADP listed. That is low enough to make him a watch-list name, not a draft priority. Dynasty managers in deep leagues can hold through camp, but Bateman is expendable when a better upside stash becomes available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rebuilders Should Test the Market on Javonte Williams
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams finally gave dynasty managers the season they had been waiting for, and Dallas made sure it was not a one-year stop. He rushed 252 times for 1,201 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2025, then added 35 catches for 137 yards and two more scores. The Cowboys followed that breakout with a three-year, $24 million extension that includes $16 million guaranteed. Just as important, Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, and Malik Davis are still sorting out the backup job. None of them is pushing Williams for the lead role. A contender should be happy to keep him. For a rebuilding team, this is probably the time to ask around. Williams is 26, last season was his first 1,000-yard campaign, and his 13 total touchdowns set a career high. RotoBaller has him at RB21 in its July dynasty rankings, which reflects both the strong setup and the risk of buying after a career year. The path to another heavy workload is clear, but running back value can turn quickly. Rebuilders do not need to force a deal. Still, a younger receiver or a strong package of picks would be worth considering while Williams' contract, role, and market value are all working in their favor.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cam Ward Could be Ready for Year 2 Jump
Multiple front-office executives have expressed optimism that Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's arrival "could spark a major uptick" in second-year quarterback Cam Ward's development, according to Matt Lombardo of Between the Hashmarks. "The Titans have added a lot of really good pieces who fit what they do," an AFC East personnel executive said. "I think Robert Saleh has hired an excellent staff, and I believe in the quarterback. Cam Ward is going to take a jump, and I expect them to be solid enough on defense to win some games." Daboll was with the Buffalo Bills when Josh Allen became a perennial MVP front-runner, and the Titans added receiving weapons in rookie first-rounder Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson. On top of it, Ward already has strong chemistry with second-year tight end Gunnar Helm. The 24-year-old former first overall pick from the University of Miami mostly struggled as a rookie, completing 59.8% of his 540 pass attempts for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 17 starts in 2025. All signs are pointing to Ward growing in Year 2, making him an intriguing low-end QB2 in superflex leagues with high-end upside.
Source: Between the Hashmarks - Matt Lombardo
Source: Between the Hashmarks - Matt Lombardo
Pat Freiermuth Worth a Look Late in Redraft Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth is coming off a disappointing season, but there is at least a path back to usable fantasy production. He caught 41 passes for 486 yards and four touchdowns in 2025, well below the 65 catches, 653 yards, and seven scores he posted the year before. Jonnu Smith is gone after drawing 38 receptions last season, and Freiermuth said during the spring that he expects his role to grow in Mike McCarthy's offense. Aaron Rodgers is also back, and the two connected for a 25-yard touchdown during the fourth practice of training camp. None of that makes Freiermuth a breakout pick. Darnell Washington earned a new five-year contract after setting career highs with 31 catches and 364 yards, while Michael Pittman Jr. joins DK Metcalf as another established target. RotoBaller ranks Freiermuth as the TE23 in redraft and TE36 in dynasty. That makes sense. He is worth a late look for managers who wait at tight end, but the volume is too uncertain to treat him as more than a TE2. In dynasty, he is closer to a hold or modest sell than a player worth aggressively buying.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Blake Corum Looking Leaner This Year
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams noticed that backfield mate Blake Corum is looking fit in training camp this summer, according to Zach Edwards and Stu Jackson of the team's official website. "I would say he's a lot leaner for sure, he looks a lot more explosive," Williams said. The 25-year-old has shown plenty of explosiveness early in practices, and he's primed for a key role in the Rams' backfield alongside Williams yet again in 2026. The former third-rounder in 2024 from the University of Michigan saw his role increase significantly last year in L.A., carrying the ball 145 times for 746 yards (5.1 yards per carry) and six touchdowns while adding eight receptions for 36 yards in 17 regular-season games. Corum had only 58 carries for 207 yards and zero touchdowns as a rookie. Corum's lack of receiving upside hurts his overall ceiling in fantasy, but he should at least be considered a nice RB3/flex as he heads into his third year in the league. And if Williams were to go down with an injury, Corum would become a weekly must-start in fantasy lineups.
Source: TheRams.com - Zach Edwards and Stu Jackson
Source: TheRams.com - Zach Edwards and Stu Jackson
Tyler Shough Is a Better Redraft Swing Than a Dynasty Buy
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough enters 2026 in a much cleaner spot than he did as a rookie. He is the unquestioned starter, Chris Olave is still in place, and New Orleans added first-round receiver Jordyn Tyson and running back Travis Etienne Jr. Shough also gave fantasy managers something to work with last year. In nine starts, he went 5-4, and he finished the season with 2,384 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, six interceptions, plus 186 yards and three scores on the ground. There is upside here. There is also a reason to separate his redraft and dynasty prices. Shough turns 27 in September, was only a second-round pick, and has nine NFL starts behind him. RotoBaller lists him at QB21 in both redraft and dynasty, while its overall dynasty board has him 140th. At a QB21 redraft ADP, he is a reasonable late target because the job is secure and the offense improved. Dynasty managers should be more careful. A strong 2026 could push his value higher, but a slow start would raise questions quickly. He is worth drafting as a QB2 in redraft, though he looks more like a hold or selective sell than an aggressive dynasty buy.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tucker Kraft Could Participate in Joint Practice Later This Month
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that it's realistic for tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) to take part in the team's joint practice with the Arizona Cardinals later in the month, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. LaFleur said that Kraft will have to hit all of his benchmarks to be cleared to do so. The 25-year-old started training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list while recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in Week 9 of last year, but the Packers have already activated him, and he took part in his first practice on Friday. Barring a setback as he continues to ramp up, Kraft is trending toward being a full-go for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season in early September, and despite his serious knee injury from 2025, he should be considered a top-five fantasy TE. The former third-rounder from South Dakota State was in the midst of a breakout last year before his torn ACL, catching 32 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight games played for Green Bay.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Tom Silverstein
Jonathan Taylor has "Faith" in Colts Giving him a New Deal
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor said "there's been some good conversations" regarding his contract talks with the team, and that he has "faith" in the Colts coming through with a new deal, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. There was some speculation that Taylor would be a hold-in to begin training camp this summer like the Detroit Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs and Atlanta Falcons' Bijan Robinson, but he has been participating in practices as he seeks another big deal with Indy. Both sides appear to be making good progress on an extension, with owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon recently saying that she wants Taylor to be a Colt for the rest of his career. The 27-year-old former second-rounder in the 2020 NFL draft from the University of Wisconsin should be viewed as a top-five fantasy RB in 2026, even though there has been talk of the Colts looking to manage his workload after carrying the ball a league-high 323 times in 2025. The three-time Pro Bowler had 1,583 rushing yards last season in 17 starts and also led the league with 18 rushing touchdowns, adding a career-high 46 catches for 378 yards and two more TDs as a receiver. The Colts don't really have great options behind JT, so he's projected for another heavy workload, giving him a strong fantasy floor as long as he stays healthy.
Source: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
Source: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
Troy Franklin Still Looks More Like a Late Flier Than a Sleeper
Denver Broncos wide receiver Troy Franklin made a legitimate jump in his second season, catching 65 of 104 targets for 709 yards and six touchdowns. That was real progress. It may also be the high-water mark for his target volume. Denver gave up a first-round pick, a third-round pick, and a fourth-round swap to acquire Jaylen Waddle, who now joins Courtland Sutton at the top of the receiver room. Franklin is left competing with Marvin Mims Jr. and Pat Bryant for what remains. Mims opened camp making plays in consecutive practices, while Bryant caught a long touchdown from Bo Nix on Day 2. Franklin's long history with Nix still helps, but it does not reserve another 104 targets for him. RotoBaller ranks Franklin as the WR82 in PPR leagues, so taking him near the end of a deep draft is not a major gamble. Calling him a sleeper is harder. At 23, Franklin remains a reasonable dynasty hold, but redraft managers should treat him as a late bench flier until Denver shows it has a steady role for him.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Lions Don't Seem to be Very Active in Contract Talks With Jahmyr Gibbs
The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Detroit Lions don't seem to be as active in contract-extension talks with running back Jahmyr Gibbs (back) as the Atlanta Falcons are with their star RB, Bijan Robinson. Similar to Robinson, Gibbs is currently holding in at training camp this summer as he seeks a new contract and has yet to practice with the Lions. Rapoport says he would not be surprised if Gibbs continues to sit out of practices until there is some "real significant progress" towards a new deal. Although Gibbs has reportedly been dealing with a back injury early in camp, the 24-year-old passed a physical and is expected to be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season. When the Lions reach a new contract with Gibbs, it could make him the highest-paid RB in the league. The former 12th overall pick in 2023 from the University of Alabama is an elite dual threat at his position, racking up 3,580 rushing yards and 39 rushing touchdowns while adding 181 receptions for 1,449 yards and another 10 touchdowns as a receiver in his first three NFL seasons in Detroit. Gibbs is RotoBaller's No. 1 overall fantasy player in 2026, and that shouldn't change because of his current hold-in.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Tyler Higbee Is Best Left Undrafted in 2026
Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee is heading into his 11th season with the only team he has ever played for, but there is not much reason to chase that familiarity in fantasy drafts. Higbee managed 25 catches for 281 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games last year, missing seven contests with hip and ankle injuries. The Rams still brought him back for an 11th season. Fantasy volume is another matter. Colby Parkinson led the team's tight ends with 43 receptions, Terrance Ferguson turned 11 catches into 231 yards, and Davis Allen remained part of the rotation. Los Angeles then used the 61st overall pick on Max Klare. The Rams can keep several of them involved after leading the NFL in 13 personnel usage last season, but that makes the weekly target split even harder to predict. Higbee is 33, has appeared in only 13 regular-season games over the past two years, and sits at TE44 in RotoBaller's July rankings. A few touchdown weeks are possible with Matthew Stafford still under center, but there is no dependable floor here. Higbee should be left undrafted in ordinary one-tight-end leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Allgeier Opens Atop Cardinals' Initial Depth Chart
Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier sits atop the team's first unofficial depth chart, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. The listing lines up with early camp practices, where Allgeier has often worked ahead of rookie Jeremiyah Love. Arizona signed the former Atlanta Falcon to a two-year, $12.25 million contract in March, then selected Love third overall in April. Allgeier rushed 143 times for 514 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns last season, and he has averaged 4.3 yards per carry across four NFL seasons. The Cardinals also have James Conner and Trey Benson in a deep backfield, so the RB1 label does not guarantee Allgeier will lead the group in touches once the season begins. Still, the early placement suggests he has a real chance to open the year with a meaningful role while Love gets up to speed. Allgeier's limited receiving history could make his fantasy production dependent on carries and goal-line opportunities, but he remains firmly involved in Arizona's plans.
Source: Tyler Drake
Source: Tyler Drake
Jeremiyah Love Listed as RB2 on Arizona's Depth Chart
Arizona Cardinals rookie first-round running back Jeremiyah Love is listed behind Tyler Allgeier on the team's first unofficial depth chart, according to Tyler Drake of Arizona Sports. The placement aligns with what reporters have seen in practice, with Allgeier working ahead of Love in many team drills. The rookie has started receiving more first-team opportunities, however, after seeing limited work with that group during OTAs and minicamp. Arizona selected Love third overall in April following a final season at Notre Dame in which he rushed for 1,372 yards and 18 touchdowns while adding 27 receptions for 280 yards and three more scores. His talent and draft investment should still lead to a significant role, but the Cardinals also have Allgeier, James Conner, and Trey Benson available in a crowded backfield. Preseason depth charts are unofficial and can change quickly, so Love's RB2 designation should not be viewed as a final decision. It does suggest that fantasy managers may need to be patient while the rookie works his way toward the top of the rotation.
Source: Tyler Drake
Source: Tyler Drake
Amon-Ra St. Brown Still Belongs on Any Dynasty Roster
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is unlikely to come at any sort of discount in dynasty leagues, but that does not make him a sell. He followed another massive season with 117 catches for 1,401 yards and 11 touchdowns on 172 targets in 2025. It was his third straight year with at least 115 receptions, 1,250 yards, and 10 scores, and he finished as the WR3 in half-PPR scoring for the third consecutive season. That level of consistency is difficult to move away from, especially when St. Brown is only 26, remains tied to Jared Goff, and is under contract through 2028. Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs give Detroit plenty of other options, but none of them prevented St. Brown from setting a career high in targets last season. A third offensive coordinator in as many years is worth noting, although his role is not suddenly in danger. RotoBaller currently has St. Brown ranked as the dynasty WR6 and eighth overall, which feels appropriate. Contenders should continue building around him, and rebuilders do not need to trade him simply because they are not ready to win. Unless another manager offers true cornerstone value, St. Brown is an easy hold.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Emanuel Wilson Faces an Uphill Climb for Redraft Value
Seattle Seahawks running back Emanuel Wilson looked like an interesting late-round name when he signed in March. That case has weakened. He ran 125 times for 496 yards and three touchdowns in Green Bay last season and proved he could handle a heavier day when Josh Jacobs was out, taking 28 carries for 107 yards and two scores against Minnesota. At 5-foot-10 and 226 pounds, Wilson gives Seattle a bigger option in the backfield. The problem is that he has not been treated like the favorite. George Holani was usually the first back through the rotation during the offseason program, first-round rookie Jadarian Price followed, and Wilson worked third. Price will receive every opportunity after Seattle selected him 32nd overall, and Zach Charbonnet will eventually return from the torn ACL he suffered in January. Wilson could still force his way into early-season touches, especially if he runs well during the preseason, but right now he is fighting for a piece of the committee rather than the lead job. RotoBaller's latest PPR rankings have him at RB57. That range is not unreasonable, though managers can leave him on the board outside of deep drafts. He is a watch-list player, not a redraft sleeper.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
