RADIO
Sean Tucker Stakes His Claim to Buccaneers' Goal-Line Role
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker proved himself a valuable goal-line weapon in 2025, converting four of his nine carries from within the five-yard line into touchdowns, and in Saturday night's preseason win over the Chiefs, he was at it again. With just over 10 minutes remaining in the game, Tucker made a nifty jump cut in the backfield and punched in a one-yard touchdown run that would prove to be the game-winning score. The former undrafted free agent tallied eight total touchdowns in 2025, and if he can hold onto a red-zone role in what projects to be an improved offense, double-digit scores could be on the table in 2026, allowing him to work his way into the weekly flex conversation while simultaneously frustrating Bucky Irving's fantasy managers.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jalen Royals Helps His Case for an Expanded Role in Year 2
A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jalen Royals was a buzzy name throughout his first training camp with the team, and while that resulted in only two total catches as a rookie, there is still room for him to carve out a role in a receiver room in need of playmakers. While the camp hype crown has since been passed to 2026 fifth-round pick Cyrus Allen, it was Royals who led the team in targets, receptions, and yards in Saturday night's preseason loss to the Buccaneers. In a game where Chiefs backup quarterbacks Justin Fields, Garrett Nussmeier, and Chris Oladokun combined for only 130 passing yards, Royals accounted for more than a third of that total, catching all six of his targets for 51 yards. While the buzz around Allen appears warranted, Kansas City will be in search of contributions from all its young pass catchers. Royals could find early-season involvement as Rashee Rice continues to work his way back from offseason clean-up surgery to his right knee, while at the same time, 11-time Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce will turn 37 before the first month of the regular season has concluded.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Camden Brown's Strong Push for a Roster Spot Continues
Dallas Cowboys rookie wide receiver Camden Brown has made his share of highlight plays throughout training camp, and for the second time this preseason he led the team in receiving yards in Saturday night's win over the Cardinals. Adding to his 62 yards and two scores from the Cowboys' preseason opener against the Seahawks, Brown caught two of his four targets against Arizona, including a 70-yard scramble drill catch and run that set up a Joe Milton III touchdown run. An undrafted free agent out of Georgia Southern, Brown averaged 16.5 yards per reception on his way to racking up 1,088 yards and 14 touchdowns in his final collegiate season, and his big-play ability has consistently shown up for the Cowboys throughout practice and now two live games. Should he force his way onto the team's initial 53-man roster, he could carve out a best ball-friendly role behind CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
CJ Daniels Breaks Out in Second Preseason Game
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver CJ Daniels caught eight of his 13 targets for 68 yards during Saturday's preseason win over the New Orleans Saints. A sixth-round pick from Miami, Daniels' big preseason showing could help him push for a larger role on offense this season. However, his path to a starting role faces several obstacles. Puka Nacua and Davante Adams are locked in as the top two receivers, and it's hard to imagine one big preseason game would vault Daniels ahead of Jordan Whittington or Konata Mumpfield. Presumably, he'll open the year as the No. 5 receiver on the depth chart, and if he wants to carve out a more consistent role, he'll have to capitalize on every opportunity that comes his way. There's certainly a track record for production here, as Daniels caught 50 passes for 557 yards and seven touchdowns during his sixth and final year of college football. He's off the redraft radar, but he ranks as the overall WR111 in dynasty leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colbie Young Making a Push for Bengals' Third Receiver Spot
Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Colbie Young caught three of his eight targets in Saturday night's preseason win over the Bears, racking up 48 yards and a touchdown. Through two preseason games, Young leads the team in targets and yards, and the 2026 fourth-round pick has emerged as a potential third receiver option behind Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. The role has been held over much of the past three seasons by 2023 sixth-round pick Andrei Iosivas, but in games with both Chase and Higgins active, the 26-year-old has struggled to find any consistent production. While few receivers league-wide are capable of threatening the Bengals' top duo for consistent volume, Young is a toolsy prospect who ran a 4.49-second 40-yard dash at 218 pounds, and in an offense coming into the season healthy and projected to be among the league's highest-scoring units, he has spike week potential as a deep best ball sleeper. With his strong training camp translating into in-game scenarios, it could be a matter of time before Young overtakes Iosivas and earns a significant role in three-receiver sets.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kyle Williams Shows Off Big-Play Ability in Saturday's Preseason Win
New England Patriots second-year wide receiver Kyle Williams got behind the Eagles defense for a 69-yard touchdown catch in the team's 24-21 preseason win on Saturday night, now giving him two impressive scores in as many games this summer. Williams had a slow start to training camp, with some around the Patriots even speculating that his roster spot could be in jeopardy after an offseason overhaul of the receiver room, but he has continued to stack days of late, showing up big whenever his number has been called. While his long touchdown on Saturday came from backup Tommy DeVito, Williams' game-breaking speed could show up regularly in a New England offense helmed by Drake Maye, who proved himself one of the league's best deep ball throwers in his 2025 breakout season. Williams could ultimately still struggle to find consistent production as part of a deep receiver room, but he has the potential to help win weeks as a late-round pick in 2026 best ball drafts.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jaydon Blue Strengthens His Case for the Cowboys' Primary Backup Job
As a rookie in 2025, Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue saw the field in only five games, but a strong showing in Saturday night's preseason win over the Cardinals has him well positioned to earn the primary backup responsibilities behind veteran Javonte Williams. In a game that the Cowboys led 24-6 by halftime, Blue ran for 75 yards on a team-leading 15 carries, showcasing the quick feet that allowed him to top 1,000 yards from scrimmage in his final season at Texas. Listed as the team's second running back when the Cowboys released their first unofficial depth chart of the summer, nothing that's happened since then would suggest Blue is in danger of losing what could be a valuable insurance role behind a player who has managed a full 17-game slate only twice in his five-year career. With enough potential standalone value to eventually work his way into streaming flex consideration, Blue could surprise in 2026, but his true upside comes as a handcuff to Williams in an offense that averaged more than 125 rushing yards per game a season ago.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Parker Washington is Back at Practice
After missing time over the past week, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington (undisclosed) was spotted back at practice on Sunday. While the nature of Washington's injury was never disclosed, it was never treated as a long-term concern, and the fourth-year pro will look to pick up where he left off. With one of the deeper receiver rooms in the league, the hierarchy of Jacksonville's pass-catchers was one of the hotter debates heading into training camp, but by most accounts, Washington has established himself as a favorite target of quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The two developed a chemistry late in 2025 that allowed Washington to finish as the fantasy WR12 over the final nine weeks of the regular season, while Lawrence garnered MVP consideration. Currently being selected as the consensus WR31, the former sixth-round pick could prove to be one of the best values in 2026 drafts.
Source: Mia O'Brien
Source: Mia O'Brien
Deshaun Watson Criticizes Browns Fans in Postgame Press Conference
Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson went 5-of-12 for 36 yards and an interception in the team's preseason loss to the Bills on Saturday, and the Cleveland faithful was not shy about assessing his performance with a chorus of boos. "I think the whole world knows it has nothing to do about the performance," Watson said of the reaction. "It's a little bit more personal than that. So, I think it's a disrespectful thing." Head coach Todd Monken had said during a pre-game radio appearance that a decision on the starting quarterback situation could come early in the week, and Watson did not help his case through either his performance or his post-game media availability. "Last time I played on this field, I tore my Achilles. That same fan base, they cheered when I got hurt," he said. "What does that have to do with anything about performance? When a person gets hurt, especially in your home stadium, and they cheer." While Shedeur Sanders got the start and came out strong, he threw another interception of his own, as neither player has been able to truly separate in their ongoing competition. Cleveland will have one final preseason matchup with the Patriots before kicking off the regular season against the Jaguars on September 13.
Source: Bryan DeArdo
Source: Bryan DeArdo
Joe Milton III has Another Strong Preseason Outing
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Joe Milton III turned in his second impressive preseason performance in the team's 34-13 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night, going 9-of-13 for 179 yards and two passing touchdowns while also punching in a one-yard score on the ground. Through two preseason games, Milton has completed 75% of his passes while accounting for four total touchdowns, but head coach Brian Schottenheimer is not yet ready to declare him the primary backup behind veteran Dak Prescott. "This is long from over," Schottenheimer told reporters after the game. "We're going back to Frisco, thankfully, get a chance to be home and put some more training camp days in. You've got to give Joe his credit, he's played really well the past two games, but we have a lot of confidence in [Sam Howell] as well." Milton was a sixth-round pick of the New England Patriots in 2024, and he possesses one of the liveliest arms in the NFL and a fantasy-friendly skill set that would allow him to rack up points if ever called into action. With one more preseason game remaining before the Cowboys open the regular season against the Giants, the backup quarterback battle in Dallas is still one to monitor.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
J.J. McCarthy Erratic In Preseason Loss
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy turned in an uneven preseason game Saturday against Baltimore, finishing 5-for-10 for 81 yards. Playing with the second-string offense, the 23-year-old QB continued his unusual pattern of connecting on difficult throws and missing easier ones. On the Vikings' second drive, he alertly climbed the pocket and fired a 50-yard strike to Tai Felton, then wisely checked down to Demond Claiborne on the next play to put the Vikings at the Baltimore 3-yard line. However, the drive ended with no points when he missed back-to-back receivers in the end zone, including an open Myles Price on fourth down. More concerning to Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell was that McCarthy took a few shots, including a sack where a defender hit McCarthy below the knees, prompting Minnesota to insert Carson Wentz before the end of the first half. The Vikings already named Kyler Murray their starter, so McCarthy's fantasy value will be limited as long as the former is healthy.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Riley Leonard Pulls Ahead in Backup Competition
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Riley Leonard started the Colts' second preseason match against the Atlanta Falcons, completing seven of his 14 pass attempts for 62 yards in the team's 34-6 loss on Saturday. After the first quarter, Leonard and the Colts' offense couldn't find momentum and struggled to gain first downs, often playing behind the sticks due to penalties. However, fellow quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr., Leonard's competition for the number two spot, did not perform any better. Richardson started the second half and completed three of his nine pass attempts for 24 yards, rushed for 15 yards off three carries, and took two sacks. While neither quarterback outshone the other, Leonard's marginally better efficiency and the fact that he started this game suggest he may have overtaken Richardson on the depth chart to backup quarterback Daniel Jones. Dynasty managers in deep leagues who are interested in either Leonard or Richardson should pay close attention to quarterback usage, decision-making, and efficiency in next Saturday's preseason finale against the Detroit Lions.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Spencer Shrader Primed to Retake Starting Position
Indianapolis Colts kicker Spencer Shrader started the second preseason game and was the Colts' lone scorer in their 34-6 loss against the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday. In the first quarter, Shrader completed a 48-yard field goal and a 53-yard field goal. The sputtering Colts offense could not gain any traction, and their seven subsequent drives resulted in punts. Kicker Blake Grupe, Shrader's primary competition, came on in the fourth quarter and missed a 36-yard field goal wide right. Last week against the New England Patriots, Grupe also missed a 61-yard attempt before halftime. Shrader's 2025 season ended early with an ACL and MCL tear, and Grupe replaced him for the rest of the season. Shrader appears fully recovered and is a viable starting option for the Colts and for managers of 12-person leagues with kickers.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Trey McBride Remains Clear TE1, Worthy of High Draft Investment
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride remains a redraft riser after setting the NFL record for receptions by a tight end in a season. McBride ended 2025 with an incredible 126 catches. He added 1,239 yards and 11 touchdowns on 169 targets, finishing as the top-scoring tight end in fantasy. His production jumped after Jacoby Brissett became Arizona's starter in Week 6, as 10 of McBride's 11 touchdowns came from passes by Brissett. Arizona will keep Brissett under center in 2026, which removes one major concern from his outlook. McBride also signed a four-year, $76 million extension with $43 million guaranteed, further suggesting his major role on this team. However, there is some touchdown regression to consider after he scored 11 times following only six touchdowns across his first 49 games. Additionally, Mike LaFleur's new offense should also be more balanced given the addition of Tyler Allgeier and top running back prospect Jeremiyah Love. Even with fewer pass attempts, though, McBride is still likely to see a large share of Arizona's targets and remains the No. 1 tight end in RotoBaller's current redraft rankings.
Malik Willis' Elite Rushing Potential Makes Him a Top Upside Play at QB
Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis is a redraft riser after signing a three-year, $67.5 million contract and taking over as the team's starting quarterback. In his two seasons with Green Bay, he completed 78.7% of his passes for 976 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions, while adding 261 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 11 games. The problem is the passing environment. Miami traded Jaylen Waddle and released Tyreek Hill, leaving Willis with an inexperienced group led by Malik Washington and several young receivers. The Dolphins did add Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell and Kevin Coleman Jr. in the draft, so there are more options than Willis had earlier in the offseason. However, his legs remain the biggest reason to draft him. In his two outings for the Packers last season (where he logged more than 40 offensive snaps), he averaged 52.0 rushing yards per game and punched in two rushing scores. Rushing yards and touchdowns can keep his weekly totals competitive even when the passing game struggles. Willis makes more sense as a late QB2 with upside in one-quarterback leagues and has considerably more value in superflex formats.
