RADIO
Jadarian Price an Intriguing Flex Option in Week 1
Seattle Seahawks running back Jadarian Price figures to lead the backfield in Week 1 against the New England Patriots. Price was the No. 32 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He was brought in to replace the departing Kenneth Walker III. The knock on Price all offseason has been his lack of a college production profile due to his playing behind Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) while at Notre Dame. However, all reports out of camp suggest that Price is playing lights out and looks like the real deal. New England was stout against opposing running backs in fantasy in 2025. This is a quality defensive front that will match up with an equally good offensive line in Week 1. However, Price figures to see his fair share of snaps, and he should be involved in the passing game. Based on where you likely drafted Price in fantasy, it is unlikely that you will have to start him in Week 1. However, he should provide a decent floor as a flex option this week. He should have decent volume and scoring opportunities.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
AJ Barner a Potential Tight End Option in Week 1
Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (oblique) is entering Year 3 entrenched as the No. 1 tight end option in the offense. He could be a solid play in Week 1 against the New England Patriots. Barner subtly broke out in 2025. He finished as the TE14 with 52 receptions for 519 yards and six touchdowns. While nothing elite, Barner seemed to steadily improve as the season wore on. Through seven games, Barner was averaging 3.14 targets per game. Following Seattle's Week 8 bye, that number crept up to 4.6. Barner remained a large part of the offense into the playoffs, suggesting that he could be a huge offensive piece as we enter the 2026 season. New England was middle-of-the-pack against tight ends in 2026. Week 1 games can be sloppy, and Barner could benefit as an outlet for quarterback Sam Darnold. If you punted on tight end in your draft, and you need a start, Barner is certainly an option you could turn to.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cooper Kupp Not Worth Rostering in Week 1
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp has entered an era in which he is far more important to the real-life Seahawks than he is to fantasy managers. Kupp is not a player you should be starting or even rostering in Week 1 against the New England Patriots. Kupp finished as the WR53 in 2025 on 47 receptions for 593 yards. He made plays when Seattle needed him to, but he was not a needle-mover for fantasy. Additionally, Kupp's role in the passing game waned as the season wore on. He only surpassed four targets in a game once following the team's Week 8 bye. With Rashid Shaheed and Tory Horton (hamstring) in line for more touches this coming season, Kupp feels like he could be the odd man out in fantasy football. Additionally, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba soaking up so many targets in a low-volume offense, as well, Kupp should not be considered in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rashid Shaheed a Player to Watch in Week 1
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed is not in the starting conversation in Week 1 against the New England Patriots. However, Shaheed's usage as a player should be monitored in Week 1 now that he has had a whole offseason to acclimate to Seattle's offense. Before being traded to the Seahawks in 2025, Shaheed was on pace for 83 receptions for 942 yards. He has always been a quality wide receiver, but the Seahawks used him as more of a gadget player after acquiring him midseason. A $51 million contract extension suggests that Seattle would like to get Shaheed more involved offensively. Cooper Kupp is primarily a possession target and veteran leader, while second-year wideout Tory Horton (hamstring) is still coming up to speed. There is a lot of room for another wide receiver to emerge opposite Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Shaheed should be on your bench in Week 1, but his snap count and target numbers will be worth monitoring.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jason Myers a Clear K1 in Week 1
Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason Myers is an easy Week 1 start against the New England Patriots. Myers finished as the No. 1 kicker in fantasy last season while being highly efficient for one of the league's best offenses. Helping Myers' case was the Seahawks' field goal volume. Myers attempted 48 field goals, hitting 41. He also made all 48 of his extra point attempts. The Patriots boast a good defense, but Seattle should be able to score on them consistently with how efficiently the offense runs. Either way, Myers will be in a position to kick field goals or extra points often on Wednesday. He can safely be deployed as a starting kicking option as we get our first look at the Seahawks' 2026 offense.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Seahawks D/ST a Mid-Tier Play in Week 1
The Seattle Seahawks D/ST will have its hands full in Week 1 against the New England Patriots. We are far removed from the Super Bowl in which this defense manhandled New England's offense. Seattle could be without multiple key pieces on defense. Safety Ty Okada (hamstring) has already been ruled out. Additionally, 2026 X-factor in safety Nick Emmandwori (ankle) is questionable as he continues to recover from ankle surgery. The Patriots are without their own big playmaker in running back TreVeyon Henderson (ankle), but the offense should be improved as a whole with another offseason of development. Not to mention, this team added wide receiver A.J. Brown this offseason. With Week 1 always presenting relatively sloppy games, do not be surprised if Seattle can create a handful of flukey turnovers and sacks. However, given the Patriots' ability to put up points in a hurry at times, it may be best to see if there are other options available for this week.
Source: Seattle Seahawks
Source: Seattle Seahawks
Tory Horton is Questionable for Wednesday's Game
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tory Horton (hamstring) is considered questionable ahead of Wednesday's game against the New England Patriots, according to Curtis Crabtree. Horton has been limited in practice the last few days due to a lingering hamstring issue. Luckily, the injury isn't viewed as a long-term issue, so Horton should be ready to go soon. The 23-year-old is looking to make a bigger impact after a shin fracture and groin issue limited him to eight games last season. If he's inactive, Rashid Shaheed and Cooper Kupp could see larger roles in the passing game behind superstar Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Source: Curtis Crabtree
Source: Curtis Crabtree
Chuba Hubbard Listed as RB1 on Unofficial Depth Chart
On the Carolina Panthers' Week 1 unofficial 53-man depth chart, running back Chuba Hubbard is listed as the RB1 over Jonathon Brooks, according to Mike Kaye of The Charlotte Observer. As always, fantasy managers should not be reading too much into an unofficial depth chart before the start of the regular season. The 27-year-old Hubbard is the more experienced, longer-tenured RB on the Panthers' roster after rushing for 3,686 yards and 23 touchdowns in his five seasons in the NFL with the Panthers. The former fourth-rounder in 2021 from Oklahoma State broke out with 1,195 yards and 10 touchdowns on 250 carries in 15 games in 2024, adding 43 catches for 171 yards and another score as a receiver, but Rico Dowdle took over the team's backfield last year, leaving Hubbard as a disappointment with only 511 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground in 15 regular-season games. Going into 2026, Hubbard's stock has fallen to that of an RB3/flex option, with Brooks having an opportunity to take over the backfield if he can finally stay healthy (he has already suffered two torn ACLs since being drafted in 2024). Behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league, Hubbard and Brooks may find running lanes hard to come by in 2026.
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye
Source: The Charlotte Observer - Mike Kaye
Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers Reach Agreement on Three-Year Extension
Two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to a three-year contract extension worth $165 million on Tuesday that will prevent him from becoming a free agent after the 2026 season, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN and Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Mayfield broke off contract talks with the team as training camp opened at the end of July, but with the regular season kicking off this week, a deal was revisited and agreed upon. The 31-year-old veteran was a Pro Bowler in each of his first two seasons in Tampa in 2023 and 2024, but he played through injuries in 2025 and dropped down to 3,693 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in 17 games and failed to make the postseason. Mayfield's fantasy football stock is down overall heading into the 2026 campaign with top wideout Mike Evans now in San Francisco and Emeka Egbuka (toe) and Jalen McMillan (knee) banged up going into the season opener this Sunday. However, he should still be considered a midrange QB2 in superflex leagues, and he has some QB1 upside in Week 1 in a matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
MarShawn Lloyd Listed as RB1 on First Depth Chart
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd was listed as the team's RB1 on their unofficial depth chart going into Week 1 of the regular season this Sunday against the division-rival Minnesota Vikings, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. However, offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich said on Tuesday that the Packers' backfield will be a committee approach, with Josh Jacobs unavailable early on due to legal issues. With Jacobs out for the foreseeable future while on the commissioner's exempt list, expect Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson, and Chris Brooks to all be involved at the position. Although Lloyd has played in just one NFL game since being drafted in the third round in 2024 from USC, he is the most enticing fantasy back for the Packers as long as Jacobs is away from the team. Between his speed and athleticism, Lloyd has the skills to become an RB2 for fantasy managers if he stands out over both Johnson and Brooks early on. Going into the team's Week 1 matchup against Minnesota, Lloyd should be viewed as an RB3/flex play in just his second NFL game this weekend.
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
Source: ESPN.com - Rob Demovsky
TreVeyon Henderson Ruled Out for Season Opener on Thursday
New England Patriots second-year running back TreVeyon Henderson (ankle) has officially been ruled out for the Week 1 season opener on Thursday and a rematch of last year's Super Bowl against the Seattle Seahawks after he did not practice all week, according to the team. Henderson's ankle injury is not considered long-term, but it remains to be seen if he will be ready for his 2026 season debut in Week 2 next Sunday, Sept. 20, versus the Pittsburgh Steelers in the team's home opener. With Henderson sidelined this Thursday in a tough matchup against a strong Seahawks defense, Rhamondre Stevenson should see the lion's share of touches out of the backfield while being spelled by Corey Kiner. With New England's backfield a little thin out of the gate, expect to see the Patriots bring up Lan Larison from the practice squad to serve as the RB3 against Seattle. The 23-year-old Henderson had a solid rookie season in 2025 with over 900 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns in the regular season, but he remains in a timeshare with Stevenson when he is healthy, and his early-season fantasy stock is down because of his ankle injury.
Source: New England Patriots
Source: New England Patriots
Travis Etienne Jr. Listed as Co-Starter With Alvin Kamara
New Orleans Saints running backs Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara (knee) are listed as co-starters on the team's unofficial depth chart as they get ready for their Week 1 contest this Sunday, Sept. 13, against the Detroit Lions, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN. Etienne should lead the Saints in overall touches by a wide margin when all is said and done in 2026 after they signed him to a four-year, $52 million deal in free agency in March, but when healthy, Kamara will be involved in head coach Kellen Moore's offense as a pass-catcher. Kamara is looking unlikely to play in Week 1 against the Lions, but when he makes his 2026 debut, he will no doubt take away valuable passing-game targets from the 27-year-old Etienne, lowering his overall fantasy ceiling in his first year in the Big Easy. The former 25th overall pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 from Clemson had his third 1,000-yard rushing campaign and added seven rushing touchdowns in 17 regular-season games in 2025, tacking on 36 catches for 292 yards and another six TDs through the air. With Kamara unlikely to play this weekend, Etienne should have plenty of fantasy upside as a low-end RB1/high-end RB2 in his debut with the Saints.
Source: ESPN.com - Katherine Terrell
Source: ESPN.com - Katherine Terrell
Kenny Gainwell Could Feature Prominently in Red-Zone, Goal-Line Situations
FOX Sports' Greg Auman believes that Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Kenny Gainwell could feature prominently in red-zone and goal-to-go situations under new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson in 2026. Gainwell is essentially replacing pass-catching RB Rachaad White in a new offense this year, but unlike White, the 27-year-old could be featured more in the red zone, which is bad news for fantasy managers who are hoping for a bounce-back year from Bucky Irving. Gainwell, a former fifth-rounder by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2021 from Memphis, broke out last year in his lone season with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a receiver, catching 73 of 85 targets for 486 yards and three touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. He added a career-high 114 carries for 537 yards and another four scores on the ground. Gainwell is expected to be used often alongside Irving in his first year in Tampa, giving him weekly RB3/flex upside, especially in point-per-reception leagues. He could come out of the gate strong in a Week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, in which the Bucs may be forced to throw early and often.
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Source: FOX Sports - Greg Auman
Myles Garrett "Ready to Go" for Week 1
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay said that All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett (knee) will be "ready to go" against the division-rival San Francisco 49ers in Melbourne, Australia, on Thursday for the Week 1 season opener, according to Benjamin Royer of The Orange County Register. The Rams will have Garrett ready to make his debut with the team, but defensive tackle Aaron Donald, who came out of retirement this year to rejoin the Rams, will have to wait at least another week for his much-anticipated return. The Rams held Garrett out for the majority of training camp this summer due to swelling in his knee, but it was never considered serious, and he will be active this week. It means that fantasy managers should have him locked into their starting lineups in IDP formats, even if his workload is a little limited in Week 1. The 30-year-old former first overall pick in 2017 is coming off a historic season in 2025 in which he set the record for most sacks (23) in a single season in 17 starts for the Cleveland Browns.
Source: The Orange County Register - Benjamin Royer
Source: The Orange County Register - Benjamin Royer
Chris Bell Listed as Starting Receiver for Dolphins
On the Miami Dolphins' updated unofficial depth chart after final 53-man roster cuts, rookie wide receiver Chris Bell is listed as a starter alongside Malik Washington and Jalen Tolbert, according to David Furones of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Fantasy managers should always take depth-chart information with a grain of salt, but Bell will enter the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday with a key role in Miami's new-look offense led by quarterback Malik Willis. Bell had an eventful training camp this summer after initially opening on the Physically Unable to Perform list due to the ACL tear that he suffered in his final college season at Louisville in 2025. He looked good in his lone preseason performance and will have an opportunity to produce right away in his first year in the NFL in the shallowest WR corps in the NFL. Bell is still a better bench stash in dynasty/keeper leagues for his long-term upside, but if he has a bigger role than expected on offense early in the season, he could quickly become a priority waiver-wire target in deeper single-year leagues. He is currently rostered in only 5% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel - David Furones
Source: South Florida Sun-Sentinel - David Furones
