RADIO
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Almost Unstoppable at Seahawks Camp
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba was almost unstoppable at training camp last week as the team prepares for the Super Bowl defense in 2026. Smith-Njigba caught multiple touchdown passes from Sam Darnold and received praise from head coach Mike Macdonald, who said, "It was great to see him come alive. Some of those in high-leverage situations, too. There's defensive attention on where he's at all times, too, so for him to be able to make those plays, it's great for the Seahawks, great for him." The reigning AP Offensive Player of the Year is looking to repeat his 2025 performance, when he had 119 catches for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns. With a new play caller, things could look schematically different in Seattle, but fantasy managers should expect another big year from Smith-Njigba.
Source: Brady Henderson - ESPN
Source: Brady Henderson - ESPN
Keenan Allen a Late Round Player to Watch
Former Los Angeles Chargers and Chicago Bears wide receiver Keenan Allen remains without a landing spot as he prepares for the 2026 season. The 34-year-old receiver has yet to say whether he's going to play or hang up the cleats, but options are available if he decides to give it another go in 2026. Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, or the Indianapolis Colts are good fits for Allen, as they lack a veteran receiver on the outside. Allen has tallied over 700 yards in the last two seasons, despite being in his 12th and 13th seasons. While he may not be the player he once was, Allen could be a target monster if he finds the right home in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mack Hollins to be Phased Out of Patriots Offense in 2026?
After the acquisitions of wide receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, New England Patriots wideout Mack Hollins is not expected to have a major role in 2026. Hollins was the unsung hero for the Patriots, helping them reach the Super Bowl for the first time since 2018. He tallied 550 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 46 receptions, finishing as the WR58 in 2025. Hollins scored 89% of his fantasy points out wide last season, which is likely where Brown (86%), Doubs (83%), and Kayshon Boutte (92%) will operate this season. Although he's generally a non-factor in most fantasy leagues this season, Hollins might also struggle to contribute in deeper leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
The Colts Named a Landing Spot for Najee Harris
The Indianapolis Colts were named a landing spot for current free-agent running back Najee Harris, according to Jason Garcia. Harris's 2025 season with the Los Angeles Chargers was cut short by a ruptured Achilles tendon, marking the first games he had missed in his four-year NFL career. While the Colts just re-signed Jonathan Taylor to a two-year, $44 million extension, they don't yet have a marquee replacement for him. Taylor has averaged more than 22 carries per game over the past two seasons and has missed time due to ankle injuries. With DJ Giddens struggling at camp and only seventh-round pick Seth McGowan behind him, Harris could fill the backup role behind Taylor in Indianapolis.
Source: Jason Garcia- Heavy Sports
Source: Jason Garcia- Heavy Sports
Cole Kmet's Role Could Shrink Further in 2026
Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet enters the 2026 season with an uncertain workload. Last season, Kmet recorded 30 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games, marking his worst stat line since his 2020 rookie season. The addition of 2025 first-round pick Colston Loveland significantly reduced Kmet's usual workload, dropping his snap share from 88% to 70% in 2025. Loveland's addition hurts Kmet's fantasy outlook, and the addition of third-round rookie Sam Roush could also take Kmet off the field this season. Roush is a willing blocking tight end who, after being drafted, said he "loves getting in the trenches and getting dirty." While Kmet could be a trade candidate during the season, which could help his fantasy value, he may be stuck outside the Top 50 at the position in 2026 if Roush starts the season strong.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cameron Jordan's Injury Could Linger Into the Regular Season
New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (hamstring) could continue to deal with his injury into the regular season, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com. Johnson injured his hamstring during practice last Thursday, and while he's going to miss a chunk of training camp at the bare minimum, he could also open the regular season on the sideline. That would be less than ideal for the Saints and their 37-year-old defensive standout, who racked up 47 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles last year. Having Jordan healthy, available, and productive is one of the main keys for the Saints this season as they look to compete for the NFC South title. Vernon Broughton (hip) should earn more reps along the defensive line for the duration of Jordan's absence.
Source: Katherine Terrell
Source: Katherine Terrell
Coby Bryant Will Miss Four to Six Months After Knee Surgery
Chicago Bears safety Coby Bryant (knee) underwent surgery and is expected to miss four to six months, head coach Ben Johnson told Courtney Cronin of ESPN. The team initially expected him to miss up to eight weeks, so a revised four-to-six-month timeline is extremely unfortunate for the Bears and their prized defensive back. Bryant left the Seahawks in free agency this past offseason, signing a three-year deal with Chicago worth $40 million. He tallied seven interceptions over the last two seasons and was supposed to fill a major starting role following the departure of safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker. Instead, Bryant is now at risk of missing the entire regular season, leaving more opportunities for Elijah Hicks (calf), who is currently on the PUP list.
Source: Courtney Cronin
Source: Courtney Cronin
Fernando Mendoza Expected to Get Plenty of Reps in Preseason Opener
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza is "expected to get plenty of experience in Thursday's preseason opener against the Cardinals," according to Ryan McFadden of ESPN.com. Mendoza, who was selected No. 1 overall in the NFL Draft after winning the NCAA football national championship at Indiana, will have a valuable opportunity get acclimated to the NFL with meaningful preseason reps. At this time, he's not expected to start Week 1 of the regular season, but preseason action will at least give fantasy managers a chance to see Mendoza play alongside Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, Jack Bech, and Jalen Nailor. His redraft stock is a bit iffy given the fact that there's no timetable for the Raiders to turn from Kirk Cousins to Mendoza, but the 22-year-old is much more appealing in dynasty leagues where he ranks as the QB17.
Source: Ryan McFadden
Source: Ryan McFadden
Malik Willis Looking Good in Dolphins' New Offense
Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis has been impressive during early glimpses of the team's new-look offense, according to Chris Perkins of the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Specifically, he wrote that Willis "keeps stacking good days ... doesn't repeat mistakes, shows good leadership and strikes the right chords on and off the field." That's an encouraging sign for fantasy managers, especially after plenty of offseason dialogue about the state of the Dolphins with Willis at quarterback and Jeff Hafley as head coach. We're not saying the Dolphins are a playoff lock, nor is Willis a projected Pro Bowler, but there's at least something here for fantasy managers to get excited about. The former Liberty product put his mobility on display last year in Green Bay, and he could crack the top 24 fantasy quarterbacks if he continues to run well while limiting turnovers in Miami. As it stands, he ranks as the QB21 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football draft rankings for 2026.
Source: Chris Perkins
Source: Chris Perkins
Raiders Will Play Their Starters in Preseason Opener
The Las Vegas Raiders' starters will play in Thursday's preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals, head coach Klint Kubiak told Sam Warren of The Athletic. While many teams opt to rest their starters in Week 1 of the preseason, we'll see the Raiders mix in everyone as players compete for key roster spots. According to Warren's post on X, "the team has a plan for how much [Kubiak] wants the 1s, 2s and 3s to play." It makes sense that the Raiders will get reps for their starters, especially at the wide receiver position. It's a relatively inexperienced group, and there are a few starting roles up for grabs among a group that features Jalen Nailor, Tre Tucker, Jack Bech, and Dont'e Thornton Jr., among others. Warren also notes that even though Kirk Cousins is expected to start the regular season opener at quarterback, rookie No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza will get plenty of snaps this week.
Source: Sam Warren
Source: Sam Warren
Jaguars Won't Play Starters in Preseason Opener
The Jacksonville Jaguars will not play any of their starters in Week 1 of the preseason against the New Orleans Saints, head coach Liam Coen told Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union. On the offensive side of the ball, that means we won't see quarterback Trevor Lawrence, tight end Brenton Strange, or wide receivers Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, and Parker Washington. Presumably, we also won't see running backs Bhayshul Tuten or Chris Rodriguez Jr., who are listed as co-starters on the team's first unofficial depth chart. Meanwhile, two-way player Travis Hunter is technically a second-string receiver on the depth chart, but we'd be surprised to see him get any offensive snaps on Saturday, too. Veteran journeyman quarterback Nick Mullens should earn the start, and there will be opportunities for plenty of backups to carve out roles. All eyes are on the tight end position after critics doubted the Jags' decision to draft Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol back in April. Rookie receivers Josh Cameron and CJ Williams should get plenty of snaps, and second-year running back LeQuint Allen will look to strengthen his grasp on a roster spot.
Source: Ryan O'Halloran
Source: Ryan O'Halloran
Travis Etienne Jr., Alvin Kamara Listed as Co-Starters
New Orleans Saints running backs Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara have been listed as co-starters on the team's first unofficial depth chart of the preseason, according to Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football. Fantasy managers shouldn't invest too much stock in unofficial depth charts with the regular season more than a month away, but it's still noteworthy that the Saints aren't declaring a clear-cut No. 1 running back yet. Etienne figures to be the lead ball-carrier after signing a $48 million contract during the offseason, but Kamara is still hanging around ahead of his age-31 season. Last year in Jacksonville, Etienne had 1,399 scrimmage yards and 13 touchdowns, ranking as the RB10 in PPR leagues. Meanwhile, injuries limited Kamara to just 11 games, and he turned in the worst season of his career with just 657 scrimmage yards, one touchdown, and a pair of fumbles. He was the overall RB46, marking the first time in his career he finished a season lower than RB46. With all that in mind, we would expect Etienne to claim sole possession of the No. 1 spot on the depth chart by the end of the preseason. As it stands, he ranks as the overall RB17 in RotoBaller's latest half-PPR draft rankings for the 2026 fantasy football season.
Source: Mike Triplett
Source: Mike Triplett
Travis Hunter Listed as Backup WR, Starter at CB
Jacksonville Jaguars two-way player Travis Hunter is listed as the backup wide receiver, but a starting defensive back on the first unofficial depth chart, according to Ryan O'Halloran. The Jags have been shy about saying how they plan to deploy Hunter this upcoming season. According to Michael DiRocco of ESPN, Hunter has taken nearly 100 snaps on defense and 61 on offense during 11-on-11 drills. Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said Hunter won't need to know the entire offensive playbook this year. This offense does have Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, and Parker Washington, so having Hunter is just a plus. Hunter is currently ranked as Rotoballer's WR72, but he could be a difference-maker depending on how the Jags use him.
Source: Ryan O'Halloran
Source: Ryan O'Halloran
Eli Raridon Continues to Take More Snaps with First-Team
New England Patriots tight end Eli Raridon continues to see action with the first team offense. The Pats are having joint practices with the Indianapolis Colts, and Raridon is still playing with the first team, according to the Boston Herald. The 22-year-old was a third-round pick of the Pats this year out of Notre Dame. He's going to remain behind Hunter Henry to begin the season, but that isn't going to last forever. Given his success early in camp, Raridon is looking like a solid stash in dynasty and keeper leagues, but is someone who can be ignored in redraft formats with Henry ahead of him right now.
Source: Boston Herald
Source: Boston Herald
George Holani is Listed as RB1 on Depth Chart
Seattle Seahawks running back George Holani is listed as the top back on the first unofficial depth chart, according to Field Gulls. This doesn't mean too much considering they haven't played any preseason games yet, but it's an interesting development. The expectation is that Holani and first-round pick Jadarian Price are going to compete for the starting gig during the preseason. It seemed like the team was leaning towards Price as the early down back, but maybe they've changed their tune. Zach Charbonnet (knee) is still recovering from a torn ACL, but he figures to be the lead back once he's healthy again. Holani or Price are likely only placeholders until Charbonnet is ready to go.
Source: Field Gulls
Source: Field Gulls
