RADIO
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 could nn't findomentum 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 had his 2025 season cut short with an ACL and MCL tear and was replaced by Grupe for the rest of the season. It appears that Shrader is 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.
Corey Kiner Sees Another Healthy Workload In Loss
Arizona Cardinals running back Corey Kiner handled 10 carries for 29 rushing yards and caught one of his two targets for six receiving yards in Saturday's preseason loss to the Cowboys. The 24-year-old has logged at least 10 rushing attempts in each of the Cardinals' three preseason games thus far. With James Conner (ankle) and Trey Benson (knee) still working their way back from last year's season-ending injuries, the back end of Arizona's depth chart is far from settled. Kiner's consistent workload might indicate he has a leg up on Evan Hull and Bam Knight in that regard. Even so, Kiner's fantasy production would depend first on Jeremiyah Love's (ankle) health, and then on how he would work in behind Tyler Allgeier. For now, Kiner can be ignored in fantasy drafts, but he will be someone to watch for when the Cardinals wrap up their preseason against the Packers on August 28.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Evan Hull Leads Cardinals In Rushing In Preseason Loss
Arizona Cardinals running back Evan Hull led the team in carries and rushing yards in Saturday's 34-13 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Hull gained 51 yards on 11 rushing attempts and had two catches for 14 receiving yards. Hull came into the game on the Cardinals' third drive and alternated series with starter Corey Kiner. The 25-year-old entered the NFL in 2023 but has seen action in just eight games and is doing what he can to earn a roster spot. The odds of Hull making the team might rely on the health of Jeremiyah Love (ankle) and potential backups James Conner (ankle) and Trey Benson (knee). Even if he does make the team, Hull will be too far down the depth chart to have any fantasy value at the start of the season. His final audition will come against the Packers in the Cardinals' preseason finale on August 28.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Gardner Minshew II Captains Cardinals Offense In Loss To Cowboys
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Gardner Minshew II went 19-for-23 for 177 yards with one interception in Saturday's preseason loss to the Dallas Cowboys. With Jacoby Brissett resting and Carson Beck (ribs) still recovering from a hard shot taken in the Hall of Fame Game on August 6, Minshew operated as the team's signal-caller until K Slovis took over late in the third quarter. Minshew threw an interception on Arizona's first possession but settled in after that, keeping his stat sheet clean by focusing on short-yardage targets. Minshew had a passing touchdown negated by an offensive pass interference flag on the receiver, tight end Rivaldo Fairweather. He was later robbed of a rushing touchdown due to a false start call. The journeyman backup sits second on Arizona's depth chart and will not be relevant for fantasy unless Brissett suffers an injury. Minshew's final chance for a tuneup will come on August 28, when the Cardinals face the Packers in their preseason finale.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Roschon Johnson Again Leads Bears' Backfield
Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson picked up 42 yards on 12 carries in his team's 27-9 loss to the hosting Cincinnati Bengals. He also gained a yard on his sole target. Johnson carried the load again, leading Chicago's backfield in rush attempts for the second consecutive outing. With backfield mate Kyle Monangai (knee) shelved for a few weeks and D'Andre Swift failing to suit up with the rest of the starters, it was Johnson in with the first-string and for most of the first half. While the University of Texas alum doesn't figure to be an impactful fantasy asset in 2026, it appears the Bears' RB3 job is his to lose for the time being. As it stands, that could spell a decent amount of work for Johnson to begin the campaign. That is, if Monangai hasn't fully recovered from a hyperextended knee by the time Week 1 rolls around. Chicago will hit the road again for their preseason finale, squaring off with the Tennessee Titans next Saturday.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Colston Loveland Targeted Thrice on Opening Drive
Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland reeled in one of three targets for a gain of 10 yards in Saturday's 27-9 preseason loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. The former Michigan Wolverine connected with quarterback Caleb Williams in the flat on Chicago's fifth play from scrimmage and turned upfield for a nice gain. That was the last time the duo would sync up, however, as Williams narrowly missed Loveland for a touchdown up the seam and had a pass batted down a play later. Misfires aside, it was a promising debut for the 22-year-old. More so, it's hopefully foreshadowing for the season ahead. Loveland is slated to be peppered with looks in 2026 - something he'll require to support his lofty price tag of the TE3 in ADP. Chicago will get the Tennessee Titans on the road for their preseason finale next Saturday, although it seems unlikely we'll see the second-year pro on the field for that contest.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Rome Odunze Collects Red Zone Target in First Action
Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze caught one of two targets for 18 yards in his team's 27-9 loss to the hosting Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday. Odunze was a surprise start in this one - along with the rest of the first-string offense that suited up - although he only got a single series of plays. Despite Chicago making it all the way inside the red zone on its first possession, the drive stalled after a holding penalty and three straight incompletions by quarterback Caleb Williams - one of which was intended for the third-year wideout near the end zone. Odunze will face legitimate target competition from fellow wide receiver Luther Burden III (groin) and tight end Colston Loveland in the upcoming season. However, the former looked the part of a WR1 at the beginning of 2025, and averaged 7.5 targets per game before a foot injury derailed the back half of his campaign. We'll see if Odunze suits up again for in-game action when Chicago squares off against the Tennessee Titans next Saturday.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Caleb Williams Handles Lone Drive in Preseason Debut
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams completed two-of-five passes for 28 yards in Saturday's 27-9 road loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Head coach Ben Johnson indicated earlier in the week that the team's joint practice with Cincinnati would determine whether or not Chicago's starters would get reps in Week 2 of the preseason. Ultimately, most of the first-string attack played a lone drive, and it was a mixed bag for the third-year signal-caller. Williams completed his first two pass attempts of the series, but misfired on the final three after a holding call pushed the offense outside of the Bengals' 20-yard line. Aside from missing tight end Colston Loveland on a would-be touchdown, it was encouraging to see the 24-year-old take the checkdown read on more than one occasion. Whether we'll see the young gunslinger take the field again before the start of the regular season is anyone's guess. Either way, he has an exciting arsenal of weapons and would be poised for a massive year with a step forward in accuracy. Next up for Chicago is a bout with the hosting Tennessee Titans.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kendre Miller's Role Trending Up with Saints Injuries
New Orleans Saints running back Kendre Miller had six carries for 22 yards in the 34-0 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams. While Miller struggled to gain ground, Saturday was a positive for his fantasy stock. He was the clear-cut starter with Travis Etienne and Alvin Kamara (knee) both sitting out. He played 14 of 26 snaps with the starting offense, while Ty Chandler (6) and Devin Neal (4) were behind him. Neal also appeared to suffer a hamstring injury during the first half of the game. With Kamara possibly missing time early in the season with an MCL injury and now Neal hurt, Miller could begin the 2026 season as the direct handcuff to Etienne. While Kamara isn't expected to miss much time, if any, Miller is still a player to watch on the waiver wire.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jarquez Hunter Looks Good Against Saints
Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter carried 12 times for 68 yards and a touchdown in the Rams' dominant 34-0 preseason win over the New Orleans Saints. Hunter had a heavy workload Saturday, playing 28 of 50 snaps with the starting offense, while rookie Jordan Waters played 19 of those. The 2025 fourth-round pick did not record a carry during his rookie season and appears to be in a timeshare with Waters, who was also efficient Saturday. Both backs will operate behind starters Kyren Williams and Blake Corum in 2026. Hunter carries minimal fantasy value and should not be rostered in any redraft formats this season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Tai Felton Has Strong Day Against Ravens
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton hauled in three of four targets for 66 yards in the 13-3 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Felton caught a 50-yard bomb from quarterback J.J. McCarthy down the right sideline, headlining a strong day for the second-year receiver. With the three starting receivers, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings, all sitting out, Felton was the lead receiver. He played 18 of 19 snaps, ran 11 routes, and led the starting offense in targets against the Ravens. Some have speculated that Felton could be the WR3, ahead of Jennings in the receiver rotation, and Saturday's strong outing lends credibility to those theories. While Felton is unlikely to carry an impactful fantasy role this season, he could diminish Jennings' value as the third receiver in Minnesota.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Demond Claiborne Appears Locked into RB3 Role
Minnesota Vikings rookie running back Demond Claiborne totaled eight carries for 18 yards and added seven yards through the air in the 13-3 preseason loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Claiborne has been inefficient in both preseason games, averaging just 2.6 yards per carry on 20 carries. However, the sixth-round pick played all 19 snaps with J.J. McCarthy and the second-team offense, while Zavier Scott entered the game afterward. While both veterans Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason are expected to handle the backfield early in the season, Claiborne offers more speed and explosiveness than the other two. Injuries will likely be needed for the rookie to find the field this season, but Claiborne is a player to keep an eye on.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
