RADIO
Theo Johnson in a Tough Position to Take the Next Step for Fantasy
New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson was viewed as a player on the rise following a solid second season in which he topped 500 receiving yards and scored five times while developing an obvious rapport with quarterback Jaxson Dart. Unfortunately, the arrival of free agent acquisition Isaiah Likely could see his development plateau, while the return to health of 2024 first-round pick Malik Nabers has the potential to shrink the value of all of the Giants' complementary pass-catchers. Even with Nabers yet to shed his red non-contact jersey and see a full workload, Johnson has had a quiet training camp and is not a player carrying high fantasy expectations into the 2026 season. As RotoBaller's TE41, Johnson is going largely undrafted outside of the deepest multi-tight end leagues and would require an injury ahead of him to find his way back into the weekly streaming conversation in most formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jahan Dotson Could Find Fantasy Viability Again in 2026
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Jahan Dotson has been unable to recapture the success of his 2022 rookie season with the Commanders, when seven touchdowns and nearly 15 yards per reception had many believing he was on the precipice of fantasy stardom. With the former first-rounder since being traded for what was essentially a mid-round pick swap and spending the past two seasons as a non-factor in Philadelphia's up-and-down offense, he now has the opportunity to earn a significant role in an Atlanta offense in need of complementary playmakers. The Falcons are loaded at the top of their skill positions with wide receiver Drake London, running back Bijan Robinson, and tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., but the talent dries up quickly after that. Dotson has reportedly enjoyed a solid training camp after signing a two-year free agent deal and could hold off third-round pick Zachariah Branch for the second receiver spot and a potentially valuable role in an offense now helmed by Tua Tagovailoa, who has a proven track record of supporting multiple fantasy options. While Dotson is not a player who needs to be targeted as RotoBaller's WR88, he could eventually play his way back into fantasy relevance as a late-season fill-in once byes and injuries begin to pile up.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chris Rodriguez Jr. Can Find Weekly Fantasy Relevance
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. quietly put together one of the position's most efficient seasons in his final year with the Commanders, routinely churning through contact to find additional yards over expectation. Reconnecting with his former collegiate offensive coordinator after signing a two-year free agent deal, there is an expectation that Rodriguez can earn a meaningful role near the goal line, as Liam Coen, now the Jaguars' head coach, has witnessed first-hand the difficulty defenders have in bringing him to the ground. Offseason foot surgery caused Rodriguez to miss all of OTAs and minicamp, allowing second-year back Bhayshul Tuten to gain steam in the competition to replace the 307 vacated opportunities of Travis Etienne Jr. from a season ago. Still, both backs could see heavy involvement in 2026, with their complementary skill sets providing each with a path to fantasy relevance. While a true committee will cap both players' ceiling, Rodriguez's touchdown upside still makes him a strong potential value, currently being drafted as the RB47.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Treylon Burks Working His Way Back into the Fantasy Conversation
Commanders wide receiver Treylon Burks has had a career defined by injuries and disappointment, but a unique skill set and a solid first training camp in Washington have him well-positioned to earn a role in 2026. The arrival of four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs in early August changed the landscape of the Commanders' receiver room, but Burks' blend of size and speed should allow him to earn a complementary role behind Diggs and top option Terry McLaurin. Still projected as part of a potential rotation with Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, and 2026 third-round pick Antonio Williams, he is unlikely to suddenly reemerge as a coveted fantasy asset, but in an offense expected to gel with better overall health in its first year under new offensive coordinator David Blough, Burks has the opportunity to work his way into the flex conversation in deeper leagues. A former first-round pick of the Tennessee Titans, Burks has yet to top the 444 receiving yards of his rookie season, but he is at least back on the edge of fantasy radars as RotoBaller's WR109.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Elijah Arroyo Punctuates Strong Summer with a Long Touchdown
Second-year tight end Elijah Arroyo caught the final two passes of Seattle's opening drive in Sunday night's preseason matchup with the Titans, quickly moving the Seahawks from midfield into the end zone. Arroyo caught a 14-yard pass from quarterback Drew Lock on a play designed to motion him into space before the two connected on a 36-yard touchdown strike on the next play. After catching only 15 passes as a rookie, Arroyo has been a training camp standout for the defending Super Bowl champions, and he could find the field frequently in Seattle's tight end-heavy offense, potentially pushing 2025 breakout AJ Barner for some of the more valuable opportunities at the position. With the NFL trending toward more 12 and 13 personnel usage, there is no shortage of draftable fantasy tight ends, so Arroyo is not a player who needs to be targeted as RotoBaller's TE46, but if he can carry the momentum of a solid summer into the regular season, he could quickly work his way into the streaming conversation.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Bhayshul Tuten More Involved in Passing Game in Jacksonville
Sports Illustrated's John Shipley wrote that it "felt like" Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten "caught as many passes on Sunday as he has all training camp." The Jaguars were clearly focusing on the passing game, and Tuten "looked good as a receiver out of the backfield." It is important to mention that second-year pass-catching back LeQuint Allen Jr. (undisclosed) is currently missing from action due to an undisclosed soft-tissue injury. It is unclear right now if Allen's injury will jeopardize his availability for the start of the 2026 regular season, but if it does, it would be a plus for Tuten's overall fantasy football upside. The 23-year-old former fourth-rounder last year from Virginia Tech ran for 307 yards and five touchdowns on 83 carries while adding only 10 catches for 79 yards and two more TDs in 15 games in his rookie campaign in 2025. Tuten is the team's highest-upside and most explosive fantasy back, but his overall upside will be limited while sharing early-down and potentially goal-line work with Chris Rodriguez Jr. And when healthy, Allen is expected to be the Jags' primary passing-down back. RotoBaller has Tuten ranked as the No. 25 fantasy RB in 2026.
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Bud Clark Out Several Months with Broken Ankle
Seattle Seahawks safety Bud Clark (ankle) suffered a broken ankle in the 19-16 preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans. On the first defensive snap, Clark was injured and carted off with an air cast on his right ankle. Head coach Mike MacDonald told reporters postgame that the second-round pick is expected to miss several months. With the 2026 second-round pick likely to miss a substantial amount of time, Ty Okada is set to fill his position, while second-year Nick Emmanwori could be forced to play more free safety once he's healthy. It's possible Clark could return if he doesn't require surgery, but it's still a tough blow for the Seahawks defense, which was hoping for solid production from the rookie.
Source: Brady Henderson - ESPN
Source: Brady Henderson - ESPN
Robert Saleh Not Concerned About Carnell Tate's Lack of Targets
Tennessee Titans head coach Robert Saleh is not concerned about the lack of targets for wide receiver Carnell Tate. Tate has been held without a catch on five targets through two preseason games, which is concerning given the Titans' passing production in recent seasons. Saleh brushed off the concerns, saying, "When it's time to scheme, we'll get the guys the rock." The fourth-overall pick played on 16 of quarterback Cam Ward's 22 offensive snaps and was used across the formation. With offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's history with star receivers, including Malik Nabers and Stefon Diggs, the Titans should have no trouble scheming targets for Tate this season.
Source: Tennessee Titans
Source: Tennessee Titans
Dontayvion Wicks Turning Heads at Eagles Camp
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Dontayvion Wicks has been a monster at training camp and in joint practices this season. Wicks was traded from the Green Bay Packers to Philadelphia for a fifth- and sixth-round draft pick, and it appears the Eagles may have a big-time playmaker. During joint practice with the New England Patriots, Wicks continued to beat their defensive backs and make plays. Quarterback Jalen Hurts praised the receiver, saying, "He's got great work ethic. He's got great hunger. He's twitchy. He can attack the ball. He runs great routes. It'll be exciting to see him work this season with the aggression that he has." Wicks was underutilized in Green Bay's crowded receiver room, averaging fewer than four targets per game over three seasons. Currently ranked WR74 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, Wicks is a late-round player to watch in fantasy drafts.
Source: Cayden Steele - NJ.com
Source: Cayden Steele - NJ.com
Hollywood Brown's Role Unclear Entering 2026
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Hollywood Brown is not expected to have a major role in the 2026 season. Brown had 49 receptions for 587 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games last season with the Kansas City Chiefs. The former first-round pick signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Eagles this season, with expectations that he could be the second-string receiver behind DeVonta Smith. However, the additions of Dontayvion Wicks and Makai Lemon affect Brown's fantasy value, as both receivers are expected to play major roles this season. Second-year wideout Darius Cooper has been a standout at training camp and has garnered praise from quarterback Jalen Hurts. At best, Brown will be the WR4 in Philadelphia's run-heavy offense. While the name still carries some fantasy value, Brown is unlikely to produce this season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Darius Slayton Leads Giants in Receiving Against Dolphins
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton caught four of six targets for 58 yards in the 26-3 preseason win over the Miami Dolphins. Slayton led the Giants' starting lineup in snaps and targets, playing all eight snaps on the team's opening drive with quarterback Jameis Winston. The veteran receiver had 538 yards and one touchdown in 14 games last season, though he is expected to play a smaller role with Malik Nabers back from injury and free-agency additions across the board. While Slayton's blocking and deep-threat ability could keep him on the field over the other names, he is unlikely to be a key contributor in fantasy leagues this season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Ashton Jeanty Suffers Ankle Sprain
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (ankle) is believed to have sprained his ankle during Sunday's practice, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Jeanty was injured on an overthrown pass he tried to dive for, colliding with a defensive back. The second-year back reportedly couldn't put weight on his right ankle, and the entire team took a knee as they helped him off. While it appeared to be a significant injury for the former sixth-overall pick, Jeanty appears to have avoided major injury. While it's unclear whether he suffered a low-ankle or high-ankle sprain, Jeanty's fantasy managers can breathe a sigh of relief. We will have to wait and see how significant Jeanty's ankle injury is, but fantasy managers can resume drafting the star running back.
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN
Source: Adam Schefter - ESPN
Giants Have Fielded Calls on Darnell Mooney
The New York Giants have reportedly fielded calls about trading wide receiver Darnell Mooney, according to Art Stapleton. Mooney signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Giants this offseason, with expectations that he would pair with star wideout Malik Nabers on the outside. While Mooney has had a strong training camp, rookie receiver Malachi Fields' emergence could prompt the team to trade Mooney for value and let Fields operate with the starters this season. The former Falcons' receiver struggled in 2025, hauling in 44% of his targets for 443 yards and one touchdown in 15 games. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on this Giants' receiver situation, as any move involving Mooney and veteran Darius Slayton could open the door for Fields to have a bigger role this season.
Source: Art Stapleton
Source: Art Stapleton
Justin Jefferson Primed for Bounce-Back Season With New QB
Minnesota Vikings star wide receiver Justin Jefferson is set to bounce back from his disastrous 2025 season. With quarterback J.J. McCarthy under center, Jefferson struggled, hauling in 44 of 80 targets for 537 yards and two touchdowns, all career lows. The Vikings named quarterback Kyler Murray the starter. While his passing production may not match that of former Vikings quarterbacks Kirk Cousins or Sam Darnold, it's expected to be far better than McCarthy's. Even when veteran Carson Wentz started, Jefferson averaged 6.8 receptions for 95.4 yards in those five games. Jefferson is currently ranked WR6 in RotoBaller's positional rankings, and assuming Murray stays healthy, he should be a surefire WR1 option in 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Nico Collins Set for Massive Volume in 2026
Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins could see a monster target share in 2026. In three seasons with quarterback C.J. Stroud, Collins has hauled in 219 of 328 passes for 3,420 yards and 21 touchdowns in 42 games, averaging 14.3 half-PPR fantasy points per game. With second-year receiver Jayden Higgins (knee) out for the season with a torn ACL and Tank Dell (knee) expected to be limited, Collins could have a massive target share in 2026. Collins has averaged 7.8 targets per game over the last three seasons, which would've ranked 18th in the NFL last season. There's a strong possibility that Collins ranks inside the Top 10 in targets this season, and with his elite efficiency and red zone ability, he could be in line for a big 2026 season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
