RADIO
Jake Bates a Must-Start Kicker in Week 1
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates put together a top-eight fantasy season in 2025, converting 27 out of his 34 field goal attempts and leading the NFL in both extra-point attempts (56) and makes (54). In their 2026 season opener, the Lions are set to host the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans was a mid-pack defense in terms of scoring in 2025, ranking 14th in the NFL in points allowed per game (22.5). However, the Lions enter the year nearly fully healthy on offense. On paper, Detroit could field one of the most dangerous scoring attacks in the league. Bates also won't have to deal with any weather conditions on Sunday while kicking inside the domed Ford Field. All in all, Bates profiles as a must-start kicker option in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jameson Williams a High-Upside WR2 Option in Week 1
Across 17 games in 2025, Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams recorded 65 catches for 1,117 yards and seven touchdowns on 102 targets. Williams got off to a slow start to the year, but he saw a significant uptick in target share after Lions tight end Sam LaPorta suffered a season-ending back injury in Week 10. LaPorta has returned heading into the 2026 season, which adds a layer of uncertainty to Williams' target outlook heading into the year. However, the 25-year-old drew positive reviews for his work in training camp, and his explosive ability down the field allows him to provide high-end fantasy production on a relatively low number of looks. In Week 1, Williams and the Lions will face a New Orleans Saints defense that allowed the fifth-fewest total passing yards (3,336) and 12th-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.8) in the NFL. Still, Williams should see his chances to make big plays in a Detroit passing game that forces defenses to protect against all areas of the field. Williams carries some risk, but he ultimately profiles as a solid WR2 option for fantasy managers in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sam LaPorta Looking to Kickstart Bounce-Back Campaign in Week 1
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta had his 2025 campaign cut short after he suffered a season-ending back injury in Week 10. However, the 25-year-old is back to full health entering 2026 and profiles as a key piece in the potentially potent Lions passing attack. In Week 1, the Lions will host the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans fielded a strong pass defense in 2025, allowing the fifth-fewest total passing yards (3,336) and 12th-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.8) in the NFL. However, the team lost a key piece of its coverage unit against tight ends in linebacker Demario Davis, who signed with the New York Jets in free agency. Now that he's healthy, LaPorta has a chance to reclaim his status as the number two option in the Lions' passing game behind star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. All in all, LaPorta profiles as a solid TE1 option for fantasy managers in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Amon-Ra St. Brown a Must-Start Wide Receiver in Week 1
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has established himself as one of the most reliable pass-catchers in the NFL, recording three consecutive seasons with at least 115 catches, 1,250 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns. Entering 2026, St. Brown once again profiles to be the lead target-earner in a Lions passing game that projects to be a dangerous unit. In Week 1, Detroit will host the New Orleans Saints. The Saints fielded an underrated pass defense in 2025, allowing the fifth-fewest total passing yards (3,336) and 12th-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.8) in the NFL. However, the Lions' passing offense finished ranked third in total passing yards last season, and St. Brown projects as a strong bet to see 8-10 targets on Sunday. Heading into the season opener, St. Brown profiles as a high-end WR1 option for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Trey McBride Kicks Off TE1 Campaign On Sunday
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride's success in 2025 made him not only the most productive player at his position, but one of the top receivers overall. McBride's 1,239 receiving yards ranked sixth in the NFL, and his 126 receptions trailed only league-leader Puka Nacua's 129. With Michael Wilson's rise in 2025 and Marvin Harrison Jr. healthy to start 2026, McBride might not reach the same season-long heights that he did last year, but he will still operate as Arizona's primary receiver and be a top option at tight end every week. His first game to make a mark is coming on Sunday against the Chargers. Los Angeles gave up the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2025, but McBride's role in the Cardinals' offense makes him a must-start in Week 1.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Jacob Saylors Remains a Stash-Worthy Running Back in Week 1
Entering 2026, Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors appears poised to open the year as his team's RB2 behind superstar back Jahmyr Gibbs. Saylors appeared in 16 games for Detroit in 2025 but saw most of his action on special teams, recording just 11 rushing yards on two carries. However, with Lions running back Isiah Pacheco (back, knee) on Injured Reserve, Saylors will likely be the one to spell Gibbs when he needs a breather early in the season. In Week 1, Saylors and the Lions will host the New Orleans Saints. The Saints were around league-average as a rush defense in 2025, ranking 19th in total rushing yards allowed (2,050). Still, while Saylors will likely see a few touches and some third-down snaps, he's unlikely to see a fantasy-relevant workload as long as Gibbs remains healthy. Saylors is worth rostering as a handcuff running back option, but fantasy managers should avoid starting him in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jahmyr Gibbs an Elite Running Back Option in Week 1
Entering 2026, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was widely viewed as the consensus 1.01 in fantasy drafts. The 24-year-old had a monster year in 2025, recording 1,839 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns on 320 touches across 17 games. Gibbs may be in line for an even larger role in the Lions' offense this season. The team traded away veteran running back David Montgomery over the offseason, and replacement RB2 Isiah Pacheco (knee, back) is on Injured Reserve to open 2026. In Week 1, Gibbs and the Lions will host the New Orleans Saints. The Saints fielded a decent run defense in 2025, allowing the sixth-fewest total rushing touchdowns (12) and ranking 19th in the NFL in total rushing yards allowed (2,050). However, New Orleans lost a big piece of its defensive line earlier this summer when defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (knee) went down with a torn ACL. Gibbs should see plenty of touches as both a rusher and a receiver in Week 1 and profiles as a high-end RB1 option for fantasy managers against the Saints.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Wilson Looking To Follow Breakout Season With Strong Start To 2026
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson broke out in 2025, recording 78 catches for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns on 126 targets. His efforts during Marvin Harrison's injury-related absences were recently rewarded with a three-year, $75 million contract extension. Such a substantial investment suggests a potential changing of the guard at the top of the depth chart, but that can't be taken for granted now that Harrison is healthy. We will get our first look at how the receiving work will be divided in Sunday's season opener against the Chargers. With Jeremiyah Love (ankle) a game-time decision and Arizona a nine-point underdog, it is fair to assume the team will lean into the pass, in which case Wilson should see enough targets to be a viable fantasy option. Given the uncertainty of his role relative to Harrison, both receivers can be expected to eat into each other's work, making Wilson no more than a WR3 candidate in Week 1.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Jared Goff a Low-End QB1 Option in Week 1
Across 17 games in 2025, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff completed 68.0% of his pass attempts for 4,564 yards, 34 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Goff has consistently led potent Lions' passing attacks in recent years, recording three consecutive seasons with at least 4,500 passing yards and 30 touchdown passes. Entering 2026, Detroit has once again assembled a formidable group of offensive weapons around Goff. In Week 1, the Lions will host the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans fielded a fairly formidable passing defense in 2025, allowing the fifth-fewest total passing yards (3,336) and 12th-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.8) in the NFL. Still, Goff has all his top pass-catchers healthy to start the season and has traditionally provided fantasy managers with a very high production floor when playing at home. In Week 1 against New Orleans, Goff profiles as a low-end fantasy QB1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Marvin Harrison Jr. Falls To Flex Territory For 2026 Debut
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.'s injury-plagued 2025 season limited him to 12 games, which paved the way for Michael Wilson to erupt for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns. Wilson's breakout was rewarded with a recent three-year, $75 million extension. The strong investment suggests Harrison has been bumped down a peg in Arizona's hierarchy of pass-catchers. Still, Harrison is a viable option in fantasy football for Week 1. Arizona is a nine-point underdog to the Chargers in their season opener, and running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) is a game-time decision, which could mean the Cardinals opt for a pass-heavy attack. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett showed us last year that he was not shy about airing it out, averaging 40.3 pass attempts per game in 10 starts. If he follows suit in Week 1, there may be enough to go around for Harrison to pay off, albeit with a limited ceiling. Given the uncertainty around his role, Harrison should be seen as a WR3/flex option in Week 1.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Wan'Dale Robinson a High-Floor PPR Flex Play in Week 1
After spending the first four years of his NFL career with the New York Giants, wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson is entering his first season with the Tennessee Titans in 2026. The 25-year-old was paid by Tennessee after putting together a career year with the Giants in 2025, recording 92 catches for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns on 140 targets across 16 games. In Week 1, the Titans will host the New York Jets. New York struggled to defend the pass in 2025, finishing as a bottom-10 unit in terms of yards per pass attempt allowed (7.5). Robinson may not see many chances down the field on Sunday, as the Titans' passing game has questions entering quarterback Cam Ward's second NFL season. Still, Robinson should see steady target volume as a safety blanket for Ward out of the slot. Fantasy managers should not expect high-end production from Robinson, but he profiles as a potential deep-league PPR flex option in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Allgeier Could Lead Cardinals Backfield In Week 1
Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier should see the lion's share of backfield work in Sunday's season opener. Allgeier and Jeremiyah Love (ankle) were expected to work in a timeshare to start the season, but the rookie's high ankle sprain has further clouded an already unclear picture of how the duo's duties would be split. Love is now listed as questionable for Week 1, and head coach Mike LaFleur called him a game-time decision. Even if that decision benefits Allgeier, he has a tough opponent in the Chargers, who gave up the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to running backs in 2025. And with Arizona expected to be playing from behind, they may rely more on the pass than the run. Allgeier will be a risky play for most on Sunday, but a potential flex option in deeper leagues depending on Love's status.
Source: Arizona Cardinals
Source: Arizona Cardinals
Jeremiyah Love A Risky Play In Week 1
Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers. According to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN, the rookie is expected to play, though head coach Mike LaFleur described the situation as a game-time decision. Even if Love is active on Sunday, Tyler Allgeier is expected to be the busier of the two backs, as it would be unwise for Arizona to put the rookie's health in further jeopardy. Arizona is expected to be playing from behind, and the Chargers represent a difficult matchup for the Cardinals backfield. In 2025, Los Angeles allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points to running backs and had the fourth-lowest EPA per rush attempt. While benching a high-round draft pick is certainly frustrating for fantasy football managers, it may be prudent given the circumstances. As one of the later games on the docket in Week 1, those still on the fence should ready their backup plans now in case Love is scratched.
Source: Josh Weinfuss - ESPN
Source: Josh Weinfuss - ESPN
Carnell Tate a Boom/Bust Flex Option for Fantasy Managers in Week 1
The fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate enters his rookie season in a position with significant expectations. While Tennessee has a pair of capable veteran wideouts in Wan'Dale Robinson and Calvin Ridley, Tate profiles as the team's most explosive and highest-upside pass-catcher by far. In Week 1, Tate and the Titans get a favorable matchup against the New York Jets, who allowed the most receiving touchdowns (36) in the NFL last season. However, the offensive ecosystem around Tate remains a question mark. Titans quarterback Cam Ward largely struggled as a rookie in 2025 and put together a shaky preseason this summer. Tate carries significant upside if Tennessee can field a competent passing game, but the team may operate with a run-heavy approach in what projects to be a low-scoring game against the Jets. All in all, Tate profiles as a low-end WR3/flex option for fantasy managers on Sunday.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jacoby Brissett Has Upside For Two-QB Leagues
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett is returning to helm the team's offense after signing a one-year, $15.5 million contract in the offseason. Brissett succeeded Kyler Murray as Arizona's starting quarterback after Murray's season was ended by a severe foot sprain in Week 5. In 12 starts, Brissett threw for 3,366 yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, and averaged 40.3 pass attempts per game. His production made him the QB7 measured by fantasy points per game. To kick off 2026, Brissett will face a challenging Chargers defense. With rookie running back Jeremiyah Love questionable and the Cardinals likely to be playing from behind, Arizona may be forced into a pass-heavy script. He will be a risky start in single-quarterback leagues but is a good play in two-QB or superflex leagues based on his potential volume.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
