RADIO
DeVonta Smith Has Career-Year Upside as Eagles WR1
Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith is getting the No. 1 role fantasy managers have wanted to see since A.J. Brown arrived. James Palmer reported that Smith has spent the offseason reaching out to former receivers as he prepares to lead the room, while Nick Sirianni believes Philadelphia has only scratched the surface with him. The production has never been the issue. Smith caught 77 passes for 1,008 yards and four touchdowns on 113 targets last season, his third 1,000-yard campaign in five years, and edged Brown by five yards for the team lead. Now Brown is in New England. Makai Lemon, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, and Elijah Moore give the Eagles options, but Smith sits clearly at the front. Volume is the part that can hold the ceiling in check. Philadelphia attempted 497 passes in 2025, and the offense is still built around Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. RotoBaller ranks Smith WR11 in PPR, so this is not a sleeper price. A career year is still within reach if Sean Mannion gives him the extra work Nick Sirianni has discussed.
Source: NFL Insider James Palmer
Source: NFL Insider James Palmer
Michael Penix Jr. a Dynasty Hold Until Camp Brings Clarity
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is still difficult to price before training camp. He threw for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions in nine starts last season, then a partially torn left ACL ended his year in Week 11. This was his third ACL surgery. Penix made it back for individual and seven-on-seven work in the spring, but Atlanta kept him out of full-team periods while Tua Tagovailoa ran the offense. The expectation was that Penix would be ready for 11-on-11 work in camp, pending medical clearance. Until that happens, there is not much of a competition to judge. The fantasy profile has its own problem. Penix completed 60.1% of his passes and added only 70 rushing yards, so he needs the arm to carry the value. Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts Sr. give him enough help if he wins the job. RotoBaller has Penix at QB29 in dynasty, which is low enough to hold through camp but not cheap enough to ignore the knee and Tua. Superflex buyers should wait for clarity rather than paying for his previous upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Emeka Egbuka Put Together a Full Season in Year 2?
A combination of factors built a rookie wall for Tampa Bay Buccaneers former first-rounder Emeka Egbuka, and his production fell off drastically in the last eight games of 2025. The 19th overall selection out of Ohio State finished with a 63-938-6 line on 127 targets in his 17 games played. The 23-year-old will have 1,278 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns if he produces over a full season as he did in his first nine NFL games, according to Dan Pompei of The Athletic. Egbuka dealt with a hamstring injury and an undefined role as he was forced to learn and play every receiver position thanks to injuries to Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr., and Jalen McMillan. In Year 2, new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is set on making Egbuka a full-time Z receiver, and with the departure of Evans, there is clear breakout potential as quarterback Baker Mayfield looks to establish a new go-to target through the air. Egbuka won't come cheap for fantasy managers trying to buy low on him in dynasty/keeper formats after his second-half collapse, and in redraft leagues, the second-year pass-catcher should be targeted as a low-end WR2 with intriguing upside.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Pompei
Source: The Athletic - Dan Pompei
Rashid Shaheed Could be Ready to Hit his Ceiling in 2026
The Athletic's Saad Yousuf thinks that Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed could be ready to hit his potential as a wide receiver in his first full year in Seattle in 2026. Defenses will be gearing up to stop receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba after his breakout in 2025, which should allow Shaheed more room to roam deep down the field. Veteran Cooper Kupp is still around, but he's no spring chicken anymore and has missed at least five games in the three seasons before last year. Fantasy managers aren't going to be on the 27-year-old's scent since he has never had 60 catches or 1,000 yards in a season, and he caught just 15 of 26 targets for 188 yards and zero touchdowns in nine games (four starts) with Seattle last year after they acquired him from the New Orleans Saints. Yousuf thinks that new Seahawks offensive coordinator Brian Fleury will be able to maximize Shaheed's big-play abilities in 2026. Shaheed had 46 receptions for 719 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games with the Saints in his second year in the NFL, so it's not like he hasn't been a fantasy relevant WR before. Fantasy managers should consider Shaheed a nice late-round sleeper in upcoming drafts, especially in standard-scoring formats.
Source: The Athletic - Saad Yousuf
Source: The Athletic - Saad Yousuf
Does Adonai Mitchell Have True Breakout Potential as Locked-in Starter?
The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt lists New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell as a breakout candidate in 2026 in his first full season with the team. Mitchell has always had significant potential as an elite athlete with the size and athleticism to burn down the field and make contested catches, which is why the Indianapolis Colts selected him with the 52nd overall pick in the second round out of the University of Texas in 2024. It never came together for Mitchell in his one-plus season in Indy, though, as he caught 32 of 71 targets for 464 yards and zero touchdowns in 25 games (eight starts). He showed more flashes of his high-end upside in half a season with the Jets in 2025 with terrible QB play, catching 24 of 58 targets for 301 yards and his first two NFL touchdowns in eight games. Mitchell will enter the 2026 campaign as a locked-in starter for the first time in his career, and he was a standout in offseason practices while showing plenty of chemistry with QB Geno Smith. Receivers Garrett Wilson and rookie Omar Cooper Jr., running back Breece Hall, and rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq will all draw attention away from Mitchell, potentially leading to a big year. Fantasy managers could do worse than using a late-round flier on Mitchell's talent late in drafts this fall. RotoBaller has Mitchell ranked as the No. 70 fantasy WR for 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Isaiah Likely has Clear Breakout Potential Now That he's Out of Baltimore
The Athletic's Dan Duggan writes that New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely is a breakout candidate in 2026 after signing a three-year, $40 million contract in free agency, the richest contract the team handed out in new head coach John Harbaugh's first season in the Big Apple. The big contract (he's now the fourth-highest-paid TE in the NFL) wasn't considered an overpay, either, because Likely's receiving talent is evident. The 26-year-old former fourth-rounder in 2022 by Baltimore out of Coastal Carolina never exceeded 42 receptions or 477 receiving yards in his four seasons in Baltimore because of the presence of veteran Mark Andrews. With the Giants, Likely will operate as the G-Men's unquestioned No. 1 tight end after following Harbaugh from Baltimore, and "the team needs his production to match his compensation." Likely's case for a 2026 breakout will be even stronger if top wideout Malik Nabers (knee) isn't ready for the start of the regular season in September. Likely is ranked as RotoBaller's No. 14 fantasy TE, but he'll have top-10 upside at the position if he stays healthy in his first year in New York.
Source: The Athletic - Dan Duggan
Source: The Athletic - Dan Duggan
Should Dynasty Managers Target Kaleb Johnson?
After being selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson's rookie season was a major disappointment. Johnson spent the entire year as the Steelers' RB3, recording 78 scrimmage yards on 29 touches across 10 games. Entering 2026, Johnson once again projects to open the year third on Pittsburgh's running back depth chart, behind veteran backs Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle. However, the Steelers have a new coaching staff in place with Mike McCarthy replacing Mike Tomlin, which could provide Johnson with the clean slate he needs to get his NFL career back on track. The 23-year-old demonstrated a three-down skill set during his college career at the University of Iowa, recording 1,725 yards from scrimmage and 23 touchdowns across 12 games for the Hawkeyes in 2024. With his value at a low point, rebuilding dynasty managers may want to look to buy low on Johnson.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Greg Dulcich a Realistic Breakout Target at Tight End?
The Athletic's Jim Ayello writes that Miami Dolphins tight end Greg Dulcich "looks like a name to watch for those targeting a late-round tight end." Nobody should be expecting him to catch 100 passes in Miami's new-look offense, but who else is quarterback Malik Willis going to throw to? The 26-year-old former third-round pick by the Denver Broncos in 2022 out of UCLA has been a trendy sleeper pick in fantasy before because of his pass-catching prowess, but he's never lived up to the preseason hype, primarily due to injuries. Willis won't have any trustworthy receivers to throw the ball to in his first year in South Beach, and with the Dolphins expected to be pretty bad overall in 2026, there should be plenty of positive game script for Willis to throw the ball late in games. Ayello adds that the Dolphins' new regime clearly likes Dulcich after paying him $3.25 million to stay in Miami. In just 10 games in his first year with the Dolphins, Dulcich racked up 26 catches for 335 yards and a TD on 33 targets, so he has some upside as a volume-based TE2 sleeper in fantasy in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Jim Ayello
Source: The Athletic - Jim Ayello
Are Predictions of Davante Adams' Demise Premature?
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Davante Adams put together a stellar first season in Los Angeles in 2025, recording 60 receptions for 789 yards and 14 touchdowns on 114 targets across 14 games. Adams finished as the WR9 in both per-game and total PPR scoring, even while missing three games with a hamstring injury. Entering 2026, there are several reasons to expect regression from Adams. For one, the veteran wideout is entering his age-34 season. Additionally, his production last year was highly dependent on touchdown scoring, which is typically an unreliable predictor of future success. However, Adams remained a high-volume target option in 2025, averaging over eight targets per game. Even if his touchdown production falls off to some degree, Adams' catch rate could easily improve from last year's career-worst mark of 52.6%. While Adams should not be drafted as the WR9, he could once again provide positive value for fantasy managers at his current redraft ADP of WR25.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Rhamondre Stevenson Overvalued by Current Redraft ADP?
Despite missing three games with a toe injury, New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson recorded 948 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 162 touches. Despite the emergence of Patriots 2025 second-round running back TreVeyon Henderson, Stevenson remained an integral part of the New England offense and finished the year as the RB22 in per-game PPR scoring. Entering 2026, Stevenson should once again see regular work, particularly in goal-line and short-yardage situations. However, fantasy managers may have good reason to expect regression from the 28-year-old. For one, Stevenson averaged 10.8 yards per reception and 9.3 yards per target in 2026, well above his career averages of 7.0 yards per reception and 5.5 yards per target. Additionally, New England seems likely to give more touches to Henderson, who averaged 5.1 yards per carry and scored 10 touchdowns as a rookie. At his current redraft ADP of RB31, Stevenson may be a player to avoid.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Terrance Ferguson's Second-Half Breakout Cold Spill into 2026
The Los Angeles Rams spent their top draft pick in 2025 in the second round at pick No. 46 on tight end Terrance Ferguson, with plans of stashing him for a potential breakout in 2026, according to Nate Atkins of The Athletic. Ferguson, who hails from the University of Oregon, barely saw the field in the first half of his rookie campaign, and he finished with only 11 receptions on 25 targets for 231 yards and three touchdowns in 14 regular-season games. However, the Rams found a way to use him by midseason by running two- and three-tight end sets at the highest rate in the league, which led to Ferguson catching 10 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns in the final 10 games. His 21 yards per catch would have ranked second in the NFL last year on large volume. The Rams still have Colby Parkinson and Tyler Higbee and drafted Max Klare this year, but Ferguson should be more involved in Year 2, and he should have plenty of room to run with defenses focusing most of their attention on star receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. RotoBaller has Ferguson ranked as the No. 13 fantasy TE in 2026, making him a second-year sleeper to target if you decide to wait on the position in fantasy drafts.
Source: The Athletic - Nate Atkins
Source: The Athletic - Nate Atkins
Rico Dowdle Carries Redraft Sleeper Appeal Entering 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle is entering his first season in Pittsburgh after signing a two-year contract worth over $12 million in free agency. With the Steelers, Dowdle appears likely to operate as part of a split backfield with incumbent running back Jaylen Warren. While Warren logged 1,291 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns for the Steelers last year, Pittsburgh has a new coaching staff in place for the 2026 season. Dowdle has proven himself to be a capable three-down back in recent years, recording 1,328 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns for the Dallas Cowboys in 2024 and 1,373 scrimmage yards and seven touchdowns for the Carolina Panthers in 2025. While Warren may handle most of the receiving work for Pittsburgh, Dowdle profiles as the better rusher between the tackles and at the goal line. Even while splitting touches with Panthers back Chuba Hubbard in 2025, Dowdle finished as the RB23 in per-game PPR scoring. At his current redraft ADP of RB32, Dowdle profiles as a value selection for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Nailor a Lock to Post Career Numbers in First Year in Vegas?
The Athletic's Sam Warren writes that "all signs point to" wide receiver Jalen Nailor "having a chance to post career numbers" in his first year with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2026. The Raiders traded Jakobi Meyers to the Jacksonville Jaguars last November, but Nailor was the lone premium addition the team made at receiver this offseason, giving the 27-year-old a clear opportunity to produce like he never has before in his NFL career. In his four years with the Minnesota Vikings after they took him in the sixth round in 2022 out of Michigan State, Nailor was always a depth option behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, never having more than 29 catches or 444 receiving yards in a single season. Not only does Nailor have the opportunity to be the Raiders' WR1 in 2026, but he joins the organization with established chemistry with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and head coach Klint Kubiak from their Vikings days. Nailor's 2026 fantasy value could fade a bit if the Raiders add a player like Stefon Diggs to their roster before the start of the regular season, but for now, he should be considered a strong late-round selection at the WR position with volume upside. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 64 WR for the upcoming season.
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Source: The Athletic - Sam Warren
Has Cooper Kupp's Redraft Value Fallen Too Far?
Across 16 games in 2025, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp recorded 47 catches for 593 yards and two touchdowns on 70 targets. While Kupp was able to play in his most games since 2021, his numbers fell across the board while playing the WR2 role in Seattle behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Entering 2026, Kupp is now 33 years old and may face more pressure for targets and playing time from Seahawks wideouts Rashid Shaheed and Tory Horton. However, Seattle may also be forced to throw the ball more this season following the loss of former running back Kenneth Walker III in free agency. The Seahawks ranked 30th in the NFL in pass rate last season. Fantasy managers should not expect Kupp to provide the same production he did at his peak with the Los Angeles Rams. Still, Kupp's current average draft position of WR83 in redraft leagues means his price has dipped low enough to where he could be worth a late-round dart throw.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Xavier Worthy an Obvious Breakout Candidate in 2026
The Athletic's Jesse Newell writes that Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy "checks many other boxes for a potential breakout player" in 2026. Worthy flashed chemistry with quarterback Patrick Mahomes during offseason workouts, and Worthy would have been the team's summer practice MVP if they had one. The speedy receiver just turned 23 years old and is actually two months younger than rookie pass-catcher Cyrus Allen. Worthy's limited production in 2025 in his second season -- 42 catches, 532 yards, and only one touchdown in 14 games -- can be explained by injury after he played through a torn labrum in his shoulder that he suffered in the Week 1 loss to the division-rival Los Angeles Chargers. Head coach Andy Reid even admitted that Worthy's injury led the Chiefs to limit his route tree. Worthy is expected to be back to full strength for a Week 1 Monday night showdown against the division-rival Denver Broncos after having offseason surgery, and fantasy managers would be wise to target the University of Texas alum late in drafts as a WR4/flex with plenty of bounce-back and breakout potential in his third year in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
Source: The Athletic - Jesse Newell
