RADIO
Can Jalen Hurts Bounce Back as a Rusher in 2026?
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts turned in another strong statistical season in 2025, throwing for 3,224 yards and 25 touchdowns while adding another 454 yards and eight scores as a rusher. Still, Hurts shouldered significant criticism for the Eagles' overall struggles as an offense and is under pressure to up his game in 2026. Philadelphia will have a new play-caller in Sean Mannion and added pass-catching talent in the 2026 NFL Draft in first-round wideout Makai Lemon and second-round tight end Eli Stowers, all of which should help Hurts. However, Hurts' best asset in fantasy has always been his rushing production. While the 27-year-old still added value with his legs in 2025, it was his first season without at least 600 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns since his rookie year in 2020. If Hurts' rushing production continues to decline, his fantasy value could be in major trouble.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zach Charbonnet's Dynasty Value in Question Entering 2026
Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet (knee) had his 2025 season come to an unfortunate end when he tore his ACL during his team's NFC Divisional Round win over the San Francisco 49ers. After undergoing surgery in late February, Charbonnet's status for the start of the 2026 season is questionable at best. Without the injury, Charbonnet may have been in a prime position to take over the Seahawks backfield following the departure of former Seattle back Kenneth Walker III in free agency. Instead, the Seahawks used their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price and added former Green Bay Packers back Emanuel Wilson in free agency. Charbonnet was a productive player while splitting touches with Walker III, recording just over 1,300 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns over the past two seasons. Still, his knee injury and Seattle's addition of Price put Charbonnet's dynasty value in question heading into 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
DeVonta Smith Poised to Reach a New Level of Production in 2026?
For the majority of his five NFL seasons to this point, Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith has filled his team's WR2 role behind star wideout A.J. Brown. Smith has managed to be productive despite his secondary role, finishing 2025 with 77 catches for 1,008 yards and four touchdowns on 113 targets across 16 games. While Brown currently remains a member of the Eagles, there is widespread anticipation across the NFL that Philadelphia will trade him away before the start of 2026. Should that come to pass, Smith could be in line to set a new career-high in target share. The Eagles did add to their wide receiver room over the offseason, selecting USC wideout Makai Lemon in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft and trading for former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks. Still, Smith has an established track record in Philadelphia and has always flashed high-end production upside. In dynasty formats, Smith's stock is soaring ahead of an anticipated Brown trade.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Olave Facing Increased Target Competition in New Orleans Entering 2026
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave put together arguably his best NFL season in 2025, recording 100 receptions for 1,163 yards and nine touchdowns on 156 targets across 16 games. Olave showed off encouraging chemistry with Saints quarterback Tyler Shough down the stretch of the season. He also finished the year with at least 90 more targets than any other wide receiver on the team, which was a key factor in his consistent fantasy production. While Olave still projects as the WR1 in New Orleans heading into 2026, he will unquestionably see more competition for targets after the Saints used the eighth overall pick in the 2026 Draft on Arizona State wideout Jordyn Tyson. The overall offensive ecosystem in New Orleans is improving as Shough enters his second season, which could help make up for any production Olave surrenders to Tyson. Still, Olave's dynasty outlook is a bit less certain following the Saints' addition of another high-profile wideout in Tyson.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Bell's Dynasty Stock Rising Following NFL Draft
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Chris Bell (knee) had his final collegiate season at the University of Louisville cut short after tearing his ACL in late November. Despite the injury, Miami selected Bell in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and he has a chance to be ready for the start of his rookie season. The 21-year-old was having an excellent year at Louisville before getting injured, hauling in 72 receptions for 917 yards and six touchdowns across 11 games. Once he's healthy, Bell should have a chance to play a big role in the Miami passing game right away. The Dolphins' wide receiver corps is currently led by the uninspiring veteran trio of Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell, and Malik Washington, with 2026 third-rounder Caleb Douglas and fifth-rounder Kevin Coleman Jr. in the mix as well. While Bell's injury situation adds some uncertainty to his profile, he has a golden opportunity to establish himself as a key part of Miami's future. RotoBaller currently ranks Bell as its 57th-best wide receiver in dynasty formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ted Hurst Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Tampa Bay
After racking up nearly 2,000 receiving yards over his final two collegiate seasons at Georgia State, wide receiver Ted Hurst was selected in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Hurst is thought of as a true X receiver, which could make him the long-term replacement for former Bucs wideout Mike Evans. However, Hurst's immediate path to playing time could be blocked off in Tampa Bay. Entering training camp, Buccaneers wide receivers Chris Godwin Jr., Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, and Tez Johnson could all be ahead of Hurst on the team's depth chart. If there's a positive for fantasy managers to take away from Hurst landing in Tampa Bay, it's that the organization has done an excellent job of developing young receivers in recent seasons. Hurst carries some upside in dynasty leagues, but dynasty managers should temper their expectations for his 2026 production following the NFL Draft.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Chris Brazzell II the Top Deep Threat in Carolina's Receiver Room?
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Chris Brazzell II finds himself in a crowded position group, but his unique skill set could allow him to contribute as a rookie. Brazzell, a third-round pick, possesses the acceleration needed to make plays downfield, which could help him earn snaps in his first NFL season. He currently projects as the No. 4 receiver behind Tetairoa McMillan, Jalen Coker, and Xavier Legette, but he could take on a bigger role through good production or a teammate's injury. Brazzell is no stranger to contributing against top-tier competition. Facing SEC defenses at Tennessee last year, he exploded for 62 catches, 1,017 yards, and nine touchdowns. Now that he's a Panther, he ranks as the overall WR67 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings, and he projects as a mid-second-round pick in 2026 rookie drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kaelon Black a Threat to Win Backup RB Job in San Fran?
The Athletic's Matt Barrows writes that San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan James' biggest rival for the No. 2 job behind Christian McCaffrey this year might be third-round rookie Kaelon Black. The 49ers thought the 24-year-old Black was the second-best RB in the recent draft. He lacks the elusive skills that James possesses, but he is "sharp and powerfully built," and perhaps most importantly, he "handles himself well as a backfield blocker." The quickest way for a rookie RB to get reps on the field in meaningful games is to hold their own as a blocker, so Black could push James this season for a change-of-pace role. And don't forget that head coach Kyle Shanahan plans to get McCaffrey some more rest in 2026. In his final season in college at Indiana, Black had 186 carries for 1,040 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, adding just four receptions for 36 yards in 16 games played. Black probably won't have much redraft appeal in his rookie campaign unless CMC gets hurt. In dynasty setups, RotoBaller has Black ranked as the No. 50 RB.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
De'Zhaun Stribling to be 49ers' New "F" Receiver?
The Athletic's Matt Barrows writes that San Francisco 49ers rookie second-round wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling is more "Jauan Jennings-like in his ability to pancake opponents and otherwise help out in the running and short passing games" than veteran free-agent addition Christian Kirk as the Niners look for a new slot or "F" receiver to replace Jennings. Head coach Kyle Shanahan thinks the team's dip in downfield blocking was a reason they lacked explosive runs and pass plays in 2025. The 6-foot-2, 202-pound Stribling isn't as big or strong as Jennings, and he must build chemistry with quarterback Brock Purdy, but he is faster and will give the Niners more big-play ability in 2026 and beyond. At best, Stribling will be the WR3 in San Fran in his first year in the NFL behind Mike Evans and Ricky Pearsall. He's probably not going to be on the fantasy radar in redraft leagues in 2026, and he might be more of a long-term project in dynasty formats as well. However, the Ole Miss product has lots of intangibles that the 49ers like. He's an under-the-radar dynasty target and is ranked as the No. 54 dynasty WR at RotoBaller.
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
Source: The Athletic - Matt Barrows
Steelers "Uninstalling" Everything Drew Allar Learned in College
ESPN's Brooke Pryor reports that the Pittsburgh Steelers are essentially "uninstalling" everything that rookie quarterback Drew Allar learned at Penn State and "re-uploading" their own methods, fundamentals, and mechanics. Head coach Mike McCarthy and his coaching staff are taking it slowly with Allar so far and concentrating on his footwork and widening his base, which McCarthy hopes will help the young signal-caller process things faster and move through his reads. The 6-foot-5 Allar has the raw traits that McCarthy looks for in a QB to run his West Coast style of offense, and he has the pedigree to be a top-tier signal-caller after throwing for 61 touchdown passes and 7,402 yards as a three-year starter at Penn State. But Allar's mechanics need work, and he struggled against top-tier opponents in college in a system that didn't always put him in a great spot to succeed. Like most young QBs, Allar is getting used to the new challenge of playing under center at the NFL level. If veteran Aaron Rodgers eventually re-signs with Pittsburgh, Allar is expected to be the QB3, at best, going into the start of his rookie season in 2026. RotoBaller currently has him ranked as the No. 33 dynasty QB, so patience will be required.
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Source: ESPN.com - Brooke Pryor
Is Ja'Kobi Lane the Pass-Catching Answer the Ravens Have Been Seeking?
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane could occupy an immediate role heading into the 2026 NFL season. Although Lane didn't hear his name called until the third round of the NFL Draft, he represents a clear roster fit for the Ravens, who have struggled to find a true No. 2 receiver in recent years. Rashod Bateman has proven to be a bust, and Devontez Walker has been unable to emerge as a consistent pass-catching threat through two years in the league. As a result, Lane could start opposite Zay Flowers as early as Week 1. He checks in at 6-foot-4 with large hands and a large wingspan, making him a high-upside red-zone target for Lamar Jackson. That will be particularly valuable after the departure of Isaiah Likely, which left Jackson with one fewer red-zone target. Lane can produce in a variety of contested situations, and we wouldn't be surprised to see Jackson look his way often. The USC product is the overall WR77 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings, and he projects as a late second-round pick in most 2026 rookie drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Does Zachariah Branch Have a Path to Immediate Production?
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Zachariah Branch could contribute right away, giving him value in both redraft and dynasty leagues. Branch, a University of Georgia product, was selected with the 79th overall pick in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Behind Drake London, the Falcons' next-best receivers are Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus. Neither of those names is particularly appealing, so we could see Branch quickly step into the No. 2 receiver role ahead of Dotson and Zaccheaus. That fits his skill set, too, as Branch is an athletic and quick player who gets separation and could be a key weapon for Michael Penix Jr. (knee) or Tua Tagovailoa downfield. As it currently stands, Branch ranks as the WR63 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings. He projects as a mid-second-round pick in most 2026 rookie drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Max Klare Separate Himself in Rams' Tight End Room?
Los Angeles Rams tight end Max Klare is an intriguing dynasty option because of his second-round draft capital, but the team's crowded position room could make it very challenging for him to contribute right away. The Rams drafted Terrance Ferguson last year, and it seemed like this offseason represented a prime opportunity for them to trim down their tight end room and bring some clarity to the position. Instead, they re-signed Tyler Higbee and drafted Klare. The unit now consists of Colby Parkinson, Higbee, Klare, and Ferguson. It's unclear whether even one of those tight ends will be able to emerge as fantasy relevant, let alone multiple. The draft capital is intriguing with Klare, but we doubt he'll be able to contribute right away, given the experience of the tight ends around him. Klare could be the Rams' tight end of the future, though, so managers could afford to select him in rookie drafts if they're willing to be patient with his development.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Eli Stowers the Tight End of the Future in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia Eagles tight end Eli Stowers might not take on a large role during his rookie season, but he has a strong chance to develop into the team's eventual No. 1 option at the position. The Eagles recently brought back Dallas Goedert on a one-year deal, paving the way for him to hit free agency next offseason. Stowers will operate behind Goedert this year, serving as an intriguing fantasy handcuff. Then, when Goedert presumably departs, Stowers could step up as the primary tight end in Philadelphia. He's no stranger to a large workload, as he caught 111 passes for 1,407 yards and two touchdowns across two seasons at Vanderbilt. Although he's not the top rookie tight end in fantasy football this year and he won't make an immediate impact, he certainly has top-10 upside in dynasty leagues because of his potential to contribute long-term.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Germie Bernard Already in a Tough Spot to Hold Dynasty Value
In selecting wide receiver Germie Bernard in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers have arguably assembled their strongest receiver room in years. After trading for DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. in back-to-back seasons, the selection of Bernard out of Alabama gives the team three capable and complementary players who can be moved across the formation. Before his landing spot was even known, Bernard profiled as a wide receiver who might operate best as a secondary or even tertiary option in an NFL offense, and his fantasy ceiling looks to now be capped on a team with two legitimate target-earners. Where his floor could truly drop out, though, is through subpar quarterback play, and with 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers still unsigned more than two months into the new league year, there's a chance the Steelers could open the 2026 season with one of Will Howard, Drew Allar, or Mason Rudolph under center. At RotoBaller's rookie WR8, even if he turns into a better-for-the-NFL-than-fantasy type of player, Bernard is still going high enough in dynasty drafts that such an outcome would, in all likelihood, lead to him being labeled a bust.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
