RADIO
Omarion Hampton Set Up for Year 2 Breakout
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton enters Year 2 with a setup that looks a lot friendlier than the one he had as a rookie. Hampton was limited to nine games by ankle injuries in 2025, but still rushed for 545 yards and four touchdowns while catching 32 passes for 192 yards and another score. Mike McDaniel is now running the offense, and Hampton spent camp looking like a natural fit. He was one of the standouts in the joint practice with San Francisco, running through defenders and earning praise from Justin Herbert. The line is not completely worry-free after Tyler Biadasz suffered a season-ending ACL injury, but Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are both back in the starting group after missing major time last year. Hampton also sits first on the depth chart ahead of Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal. RotoBaller has pushed him all the way to RB6 and No. 11 overall in its Sept. 2 half-PPR rankings. If he stays healthy, the breakout case is getting harder to ignore.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Hurts Admits he Grew Apart From Former Receiver
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts admitted in an interview with GQ magazine that he grew apart from former wide receiver A.J. Brown before the Eagles traded him to the New England Patriots in the offseason, according to ESPN. "Nothing happened, people just grow apart," Brown told NBC Sports' Maria Taylor in June. "Nothing happened between me and him, or our families, wives, anything. Nothing like that ever happened. Life happens, and you just look up sometimes and you just, you find yourself drifting away, and that's fine. And I think both parties accepted that." Brown told reporters last month, when the Eagles and Patriots took part in joint practices, that he and Hurts had not spoken since Brown was traded. Hurts and Brown's relationship goes back a ways, with the two growing so tight that Hurts became godfather to Brown's daughter, Jersee. Hurts was a factor in Brown's frustrations near the end of his tenure in Philly, based in part on Brown not being targeted as much as he felt he should be. "I've got a lot of love for him and always have," Hurts said. Hurts and the Eagles' offense are looking to bounce back in 2026 under a new offensive coordinator, while Brown could rebound as a true WR1 in fantasy with his move to New England.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Justice Hill's Handcuff Value Gets a Boost
Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill enters Week 1 with a much cleaner path behind Derrick Henry. Rookie Adam Randall was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return during final cuts, leaving Hill and Rasheen Ali as the only other active backs on the initial 53-man roster. Baltimore's own roster breakdown called Hill a prized backup and identified Ali as the No. 3 back. That is a meaningful change after RotoBaller questioned earlier in August whether Randall could eventually become the better two-down handcuff. Hill was limited to 10 games last season by toe and neck injuries, finishing with 93 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries while adding 21 catches for 169 yards and another score. He still profiles better as a passing-down option than a direct replacement for Henry's massive early-down workload, and Ali could absorb some carries if Henry misses time. For now, though, the depth chart is cleaner. With Randall unavailable for at least four games, Hill opens the year with a stronger claim to Baltimore's No. 2 role.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
A.J. Brown's WR1 Ceiling Is Back in Play
New England Patriots wide receiver A.J. Brown has looked comfortable in his new offense from the start. Brown still caught 78 passes for 1,003 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games with Philadelphia last season, but his move to New England gave him a chance to pair with Drake Maye after a frustrating year in the Eagles' passing game. That connection showed up throughout camp. Brown beat Christian Gonzalez on a double move for a long touchdown on July 31, then got behind the defense again for another would-be score on Aug. 17. Two days later, he was one of New England's standouts during a joint practice with Philadelphia as Maye kept finding him downfield. The Patriots rested Brown in all three preseason games, so there was no reason to risk the new No. 1 receiver in exhibition action. RotoBaller has him at WR9 in its latest half-PPR rankings. Brown was already a proven fantasy option, but a strong first summer with Maye has pushed his WR1 ceiling back into focus.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
James Cook III Set For More Passing Work To Reduce Rushing Workload
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III led the league last year in rushing with 1,621 rushing yards on 309 carries, but look for him this season to be more involved in the passing game and be more explosive overall. According to a Sports Illustrated article, Bills offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael hinted that Cook was heavily involved in the run game last season and could see a reduction to his workload as a result of increased passing work. That's good news for Cook's health and a boost to fantasy managers with a big season upcoming due to potential big plays in the passing game with Josh Allen running the offense under new coach Joe Brady. Cook looks locked and loaded as a first round pick and this only increases his value. Last year, Cook had 33 catches for 291 yards and two receiving TDs. Look for those numbers to skyrocket this season if he stays healthy.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Pat Bryant Turning Heads During Broncos Training Camp
Denver Broncos wide receiver Pat Bryant has had an impressive training camp and should be moving up fantasy draft boards as a result. According to Jon Heath of Broncos Wire of USA Today, Bryant has been "praised by coaches and teammates all summer." Heath goes on to quote safety Talanoa Hufanga as the latest to chime in on Bryant's excellent camp who said Bryant was the most improved offensive player on the team. "Pat Bryant is a guy that came in -- believe it or not, was a guy who was more of a role player last year and doing what he was asked. He was still learning Sean [Payton]'s scheme at the time...What he's done this camp, he's really solidifying himself and making a name for himself in this league." Look for Bryant to carve out a role on a deep Broncos receiving core with Jaylen Waddle, Courtland Sutton, and Marvin Mims listed as the top three receivers. The Broncos Wire article says Bryant could emerge as the No. 3 with Mims having more of a special teams role.
Source: Jon Heath, Broncos Wire
Source: Jon Heath, Broncos Wire
Romeo Doubs Set To Be No. 2 Receiver in New England
New England Patriots wide receiver Romeo Doubs is set for a No. 2 receiver role in New England behind A.J. Brown following the trade of Kayshon Boutte to the Houston Texans. Doubs is joining New England from the Green Bay Packers where he averaged 10.3 points per game in PPR leagues and finished with a career high 13.2 yards per reception. All in all he had 85 targets and 55 receptions for 724 yards and six touchdowns. Look for Doubs to carry some value in New England's offense with his big-play ability opposite Brown on the outside with Drake Maye targeting him in the pass game. With the trade of Boutte, Doubs sees his value increase and he should be a nice value pick in fantasy leagues. Draft him with confidence in what looks to be a good offense in New England with a big opportunity.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Mike Washington Jr. "Is Going to be a Thing in Fantasy Football"
The Las Vegas Raiders are optimistic about the health of running back Ashton Jeanty (ankle), NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reports, but that doesn't mean rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. will take a back seat this season. Rapoport says Washington "is going to be a thing this year, not just in real football, in fantasy football as well." Rapoport went on to say, "he for sure is going to be a weapon in Las Vegas." Washington stands out as a sleeper pick even if Jeanty does return to full health. Washington finished this preseason with 168 rushing yards on 23 carries for 7.3 yards per rush. Jeanty is recovering from a low ankle sprain that looked a little bit worse to teammates at the time. But now it looks like Jeanty is considered day-to-day with the injury. He is a top-of-the-line running back, but it seems as if Washington is carving out a role for himself in Las Vegas this season.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Quinshon Judkins Expected to Have High-Volume Role for Browns
After working his way back from an ankle and fibula injury suffered in Week 16 of the 2025 season, Cleveland Browns running back Quinshon Judkins is set for a large role in 2026. Unsurprisingly, Judkins is listed as the Browns' top running back on the depth chart, with Dylan Sampson and Raheim Sanders behind him. Judkins is in line for a high-volume role in an offense led by head coach Todd Monken and offensive coordinator Travis Switzer. During his time as offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens from 2023 through 2025, Monken's offenses had more rushing attempts than passing attempts each year. In two seasons under Monken with the Ravens, running back Derrick Henry carried the ball 325 times and 307 times, respectively. Additionally, many questions remain about Cleveland's passing game with Deshaun Watson at quarterback. While defenses may stack the box against Judkins, he faced that often as a rookie in 2025 as well. Last season, Judkins rushed 230 times for 827 yards and seven touchdowns, including 505 yards after contact, while adding 26 receptions for 171 yards. Judkins currently has a Yahoo ADP of 54.2. He ranks as RotoBaller's No. 59 overall player and No. 24 running back in half-PPR formats.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Kayshon Boutte Could Step In as Texans' Second Receiver
Houston Texans wide receiver Kayshon Boutte landed in a great spot for his fantasy value to potentially take off this year. Last year with the Patriots, Boutte had 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns while helping Drake Maye take the next step in his development. With the team's offseason moves, though, Boutte was in a much smaller role this season and was ultimately traded to the Texans, who have a big need for a second receiver across from Nico Collins. Second-year receiver Jayden Higgins (knee) was lost for the year to a torn ACL this preseason, opening playing time and targets across the field from Collins. With Tank Dell (knee) on IR to start the year and Jaylin Noel (hamstring/finger) battling injury as well, Boutte should have a clear path to a significant role early in the year if he can develop good chemistry with QB C.J. Stroud right away. Boutte is currently the No. 62 WR in RotoBaller's rankings, but he brings intriguing upside in his potentially expanded role with his new team.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rashid Shaheed Ready for Larger Role
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed joined the team midseason last year in a trade from the Saints, and he immediately added a big-play threat to the offense and on special teams. After working with Sam Darnold throughout training camp and the preseason, Shaheed seems much more comfortable in the offense, according to Gregg Bell, and the veteran speedster has the potential to be a big part of Seattle's passing game. The Seahawks will lean heavily on Jaxson Smith-Njigba as their top receiver again this year, but the only other real competition for Shaheed is from veteran Cooper Kupp since Tory Horton (shin) is still recovering from surgery. Shaheed is the No. 55 WR in RotoBaller's rankings, but he brings a lot of big-play potential and a good ceiling as a sleeper to target late in drafts. If he lands on the waiver wire, he'll also be a name to watch in the early going to see if he's in a larger role in his first full season in Seattle.
Source: Gregg Bell
Source: Gregg Bell
Aaron Jones Sr. Could Land in Smaller Role
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. is expected to work in a timeshare this season in his team's backfield, but he could be in a smaller role than expected since his teammate Jordan Mason has been shining throughout preseason and training camp. Jones restructured his deal this offseason after posting 548 rushing yards and 199 receiving yards with three total touchdowns last year. The 31-year-old running back will still be involved, but he could be limited, with Mason taking more of the lead. Jones does still have value and is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 44 RB, but Mason is No. 35 in those rankings and seems to be on the rise, making Jones a higher-risk pick best left as a deep-league option or backup emergency fill-in.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Travis Kelce Looks Strong in Training Camp
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has looked locked in and ready to post another strong season, according to reports from Chiefs' camp. Last year, in a down year by his elite standards, Kelce racked up 76 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns on 108 targets. He has finished with over 100 targets in 11 consecutive seasons, and the Chiefs return most of the same pass-catching options this year. In great news for Kelce's fantasy outlook, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) looks like he'll be ready for Week 1, so Kelce can continue his elite chemistry, serving as Mahomes' go-to option. He may not have the ceiling that he provided earlier in his career, but it looks like the veteran still has enough in the tank to bring great value at his current ADP. He's being drafted as a low-end TE1 option in most drafts and is RotoBaller's No. 11 TE. In that spot, he brings a high floor and good upside if he bounces back from last year's slightly reduced totals.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Matthew Golden Brings Breakout Potential in Expanded Role
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden is set for a larger role in the Packers' offense this season and could be a late-round sleeper with true breakout potential. Last year, as a rookie, the first-round pick from Texas totaled 29 catches for 361 receiving yards. He scored his first NFL touchdown in the team's playoff game against the Bears, finishing with four catches for 84 yards and a score. After inconsistent playing time, Golden is locked into a top-three role on the Packers for this year after the team traded Dontayvion Wicks to the Eagles and watched Romeo Doubs sign with the Patriots as a free agent. Golden should be locked into three-wide sets alongside Jayden Reed and Christian Watson. As an outside threat with breakaway speed, Golden could be a big-play-reliant starting option in deep leagues based on his more consistent role. He's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 44 WR in PPR leagues, and he's a solid late-round option to consider as you build depth into your receiving corps. The first-round pick has plenty of upside, even though he remains unproven, and he is therefore a high-risk, high-reward sleeper to target.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rhamondre Stevenson Gaining Steam as the No. 1 RB for Patriots
Running back Rhamondre Stevenson appears to be poised to lead the New England Patriots' backfield in the early part of the 2026 season as fellow tailback TreVeyon Henderson remains sidelined with an ankle injury he suffered on Aug. 24. Mike Reiss of ESPN reported on Aug. 31 that Henderson had not yet been cleared for a return to full participation, and he did not practice on Sept. 1. Meanwhile, Stevenson, who has drawn praise throughout training camp, continues to practice and seems to be the front-runner for No. 1 running back duties in New England. Stevenson is carrying momentum from the 2025 postseason, where he out-carried Henderson 58-30 and out-rushed Henderson by a tally of 217 yards to 76. While Henderson could be ready for Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks, Stevenson is currently in the driver's seat for a larger workload. Stevenson's current Yahoo ADP of 78.1 is good value, as he ranks as RotoBaller's No. 58 overall player and No. 23 running back in half-PPR leagues.
Source: Mike Reiss
Source: Mike Reiss
