RADIO
Pat Bryant Belongs on the Bench in Week 1
Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant is worth rostering in deeper fantasy football leagues, but he belongs on the bench for Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs. First and foremost, we don't know what role Bryant will occupy this year. He'll certainly be behind Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton, and he'll likely compete with Troy Franklin for volume behind them. That leaves Bryant in line for the No. 3 or 4 role, but regardless of which spot he occupies, it's tough to say what his volume will look like after the Broncos added Waddle to the offense. Maybe this offense can support three fantasy-relevant receivers, but until we see it happen, Bryant alongs on the bench. Additionally, this isn't the greatest matchup to start a Broncos receiver not named Waddle or Sutton. The Chiefs' defense has come to play in recent years, and they'll be at their best for this Week 1 divisional showdown. This cornerback unit, led by former Pro Bowler L'Jarius Sneed, allowed the fifth-fewest touchdowns and the fifth-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers in 2025. RotoBaller's experts have ranked Bryant as the overall WR74 in PPR leagues for Week 1 against the Chiefs. Even in leagues where he's rostered, he belongs on the bench.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Managers Should Temper Expectations for Jonah Coleman in Week 1
Denver Broncos running back Jonah Coleman was viewed as one of the most intriguing Day 3 picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, but fantasy managers should pump the brakes on starting him against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1. The Washington product is still No. 3 on the Broncos' depth chart behind J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey. It's extremely rare for three running backs on the same team to carve out fantasy relevance in the same game, especially against a defense like the Chiefs. Given that Dobbins and Harvey are both RB3/flex options for Week 1, Coleman is the odd man out from a fantasy perspective. In fact, Harvey was in a similar situation last year as a Day 3 pick with tremendous upside, and even he didn't start to produce consistent fantasy outputs until Week 8. Coleman is a very trendy name in dynasty leagues, and he's even a solid redraft stash for managers in leagues with 12+ teams. However, those same managers will have to be patient, because he faces an uphill battle to earn significant playing time right away. The RotoBaller experts agree, ranking Coleman as the overall RB62 in PPR leagues for Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rico Dowdle in the Flex Territory for Steelers Debut
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle ranks as a high-end RB3/flex option for Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons. Dowdle was signed to replace Kenny Gainwell during the offseason, and he'll join forces with Jaylen Warren in Pittsburgh's backfield. The exact volume split in this Steelers backfield is unclear, as both Dowdle and Warren are versatile backs with the ability to run the ball or catch passes. The Steelers have a new coaching staff, so we can't assume much will remain the same from last year. However, we also wouldn't be surprised to see the Steelers let Warren and Dowdle alternate drives. This is similar to what they did with Warren and Gainwell last year, and interestingly enough, it's also similar to what the Panthers did with Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard when both were healthy. With a sizable role headed his way, Dowdle remains a high-end RB3/flex, especially in this highly favorable matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons are starting third-string quarterback Cooper Rush, leaving Pittsburgh as the heavy favorite. That bodes well for touchdown upside and rushing volume in general. Typically, managers are advised to "start their studs" in Week 1. Dowdle isn't a stud, per se, but he's still a very appealing RB3/flex with a high floor against Atlanta.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Courtland Sutton Still a Flashy Flex Option in Most Leagues
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton continues to be a worthwhile WR3/flex option in most fantasy leagues, despite the offseason acquisition of Jaylen Waddle. The Broncos' trade for Waddle dropped Sutton to the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, but he still projects to play a large role as the physical complement to a more shifty and athletic receiver in Waddle. As a result, we envision Sutton continuing to play a key role around the end zone and in contested situations. This week, Sutton will be tasked with facing off against a Chiefs secondary led by L'Jarius Sneed. Having Waddle on the field should take some of the defensive pressure off Sutton. With that being said, we wouldn't be surprised to see Sneed cover Sutton for at least part of the game, because he's the Chiefs cornerback who is best equipped to defend a physical receiver. If Sneed rotates between the two receivers, Sutton will benefit from running the rest of his routes against Delane, who is a rookie, and Williams, who is a first-time starter. The 30-year-old finds himself in the high-end WR3/flex range for this week, with additional upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Waddle Looks to Start New Chapter of Career as a WR2 in Fantasy
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle kicks off the next chapter of his career on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. After five years with the Miami Dolphins, Waddle was traded to the Broncos this offseason. He'll immediately step in as the team's top receiver, and he should benefit from a quarterback upgrade, as he will now get to catch passes from Bo Nix instead of Tua Tagovailoa. Playing with Nix should boost Waddle's ceiling and floor in fantasy football. He was a top-13 fantasy receiver in each of his first two seasons, but he dropped to WR24 or lower in each of the last three years. Part of that was due to poor quarterback play, but Waddle's own injury issues can also be to blame. He'll now get a fresh start as he kicks off the 2026 season in an immediate statement matchup against the Chiefs. L'Jarius Sneed is the top cornerback in Kansas City's secondary, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll cover Waddle all game. The Broncos also have a very physical receiver in Courtland Sutton, who Sneed may be better equipped to cover. We wouldn't be surprised to see the Chiefs rotate between Sneed, Mansoor Delane, and Nohl Williams covering Waddle. Delane is a rookie and Williams is a first-time starter, so there's an opportunity for Waddle to feast if he's indeed not going up against Sneed all game long. We're confident in Waddle as a WR2, especially in a game that is projected to be close, which means that both teams will be throwing the ball often.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jaylen Warren a Steady RB2 Option in Promising Week 1 Matchup
Across 16 games in 2025, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren recorded 1,291 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns on 251 touches across 16 games. The 27-year-old profiles as a weapon as both a rusher and a receiver, as he's recorded at least 45 targets and 300 receiving yards in three consecutive seasons. In 2026, Warren will likely split touches with fellow Steelers running back Rico Dowdle. However, Warren is listed as the starting running back on Pittsburgh's depth chart ahead of the team's Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta surrendered only 12 rushing touchdowns as a team in 2025, but the Falcons ranked 24th in the NFL in total rushing yards allowed (2,146). Atlanta will also be starting third-string quarterback Cooper Rush on Sunday, which could lead to Pittsburgh operating with a run-heavy game script for most of the afternoon. Warren should see plenty of touches in Week 1 and profiles as a low-end RB2 option for fantasy managers against Atlanta.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Pittman Jr. a High-Floor, Low-Ceiling WR3 Option in Week 1
After spending the first six years of his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is entering his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026. In Pittsburgh, Pittman Jr. is the WR2 on paper behind DK Metcalf. However, Pittman Jr. typically operates in the short and intermediate areas of the field, which may make him a high-volume target for the Steelers' 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In Week 1, Pittsburgh is set to host the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta fielded a middling pass defense in 2025, allowing the 15th-most passing yards (3,773) and 20th-most passing touchdowns (27) in the NFL. The Falcons will be starting third-string quarterback Cooper Rush (back) on Sunday, so the game could devolve into a low-scoring, run-heavy affair. Still, Pittman Jr. profiles as a high-floor, low-ceiling WR3/flex option for fantasy managers in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Aaron Rodgers a Risky Superflex Start in Week 1
Entering 2026, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is set to begin his 22nd NFL season. Across 16 games with the Steelers in 2025, the 42-year-old completed 65.7% of his pass attempts for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. In Week 1, Pittsburgh will host the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta fielded a mid-pack pass defense in 2025, finishing the year ranked 15th in the NFL in passing yards (3,773) and 20th in passing touchdowns (27) allowed. However, the Falcons are also set to start third-string quarterback Cooper Rush (back) against Pittsburgh on Sunday. As a result, the Steelers may choose to lean into a run-heavy attack in what projects to be an excellent matchup for their defense. Rodgers offers zero fantasy value as a rusher at this point in his career, so he needs a high volume of pass attempts to provide high-end fantasy production. In everything other than the deepest two-QB leagues, Rodgers profiles as a risky start for fantasy managers in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ashton Jeanty a High-End RB2 Option in Favorable Week 1 Matchup
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty gave fantasy managers a scare when he suffered an ankle injury in a training camp practice late in the summer. However, the 22-year-old is off the injury report and will be active in the Raiders' season opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Jeanty operated as a three-down workhorse in 2025, recording 975 rushing yards, 346 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns on 321 touches across 17 games. He's expected to play a similar role in 2026 and should have a better offensive ecosystem around him under the Raiders' new head coach and play-caller, Klint Kubiak. Jeanty also has a favorable matchup on paper in Week 1 against Miami, which allowed the seventh-most rushing yards (2,251) in the NFL in 2025. The Raiders may take a touch or two off of Jeanty's plate given the time he missed with the ankle injury, but he still profiles as a high-end RB2 option for fantasy managers in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mike Washington Jr. Carries Deep-League Appeal into Week 1
A fourth-round pick out of Arkansas, Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. recorded 1,296 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 195 touches in his final collegiate season. After an impressive showing in the preseason, Washington Jr. is now set to open his first NFL season as the RB2 in Las Vegas behind star Raiders back Ashton Jeanty. When Jeanty is fully healthy, Washington Jr. may struggle to earn a fantasy-relevant workload. However, Jeanty suffered an ankle injury late in training camp that has limited his availability in practice over the last few weeks. While Jeanty will be active for the Raiders' season-opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Washington Jr. may see a few extra touches. In deeper league formats, Washington Jr. profiles as a low-end flex option in a favorable Week 1 matchup against Miami.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Nailor Offers Flex Value in Week 1
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor is ready to make his team debut against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1. After four years with the Minnesota Vikings, Nailor signed a three-year deal with the Raiders this past offseason. He'll now get a chance to establish himself as a top target in an offense after being stuck behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in Minnesota. Nailor could see an uptick in workload with tight end Brock Bowers (knee) being unavailable for this game. Both Nailor and quarterback Kirk Cousins are new to this organization, so it could take time to build chemistry. Fantasy managers should be able to put in Nailor as a flex option for this weekend, but don't expect much more than that.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Kirk Cousins has Superflex Appeal in Week 1
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins is ready to make his team debut against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The veteran quarterback will have a tough task ahead of him this weekend. The Raiders' top target, tight end Brock Bowers (knee) is ruled out for this game, which is bad news for this offense. Now, Cousins will need to rely on newcomer wide receiver Jalen Nailor, Tre Tucker, and backup tight end Michael Mayer as his primary targets. The 38-year-old can handle himself under center, but he can only do so much with the options that he has alongside him. Fantasy managers in one-quarterback leagues can avoid Cousins, but the veteran single-caller could be an option in superflex formats.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Parker Washington Unlikely to Agree on Extension Before Season Starts
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington is unlikely to get a contract extension done before the beginning of the season, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports. There was speculation that the two sides would get a deal done, but it looks like they'll wait for now. Washington is entering the final year of his rookie contract, so a strong performance on the field could land him a big payday. The 24-year-old is coming off a breakout season where he recorded 58 receptions with 847 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 16 games with the Jaguars last season. We'll see if the two sides are able to get a deal done before Washington hits free agency.
Source: Cameron Wolfe
Source: Cameron Wolfe
Judge Seals Video Altercation in Josh Jacobs Case
According to ProFootballTalk, Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has requested that the judge seal the video of the altercation in his case. This situation makes it tricky for the NFL going forward. They could tell Jacobs he can't play until the video is released to the public. Otherwise, the league risks another Ray Rice situation, where the media somehow releases the video while they continue to let Jacobs play. For now, Jacobs is on paid leave, and he'll remain there until the NFL determines the correct discipline under the Personal Conduct Policy. It will be difficult for the league to decide on a punishment when Jacobs is having the judge seal the evidence.
Source: Pro Football Talk
Source: Pro Football Talk
Lamar Jackson Won't Receive New Contract Before Season Begins
According to Adam Schefter, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson won't be receiving a new contract before the beginning of the 2026 season. There was speculation that Jackson would get a deal done, but the two sides aren't expected to agree on a deal before 2027. His current contract runs through 2027, so they could agree on an extension during the summer. Jackson has spent the first eight years of his career in Baltimore. He has won multiple MVP awards with the team and is expected to sign a new deal with the organization at some point.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
