RADIO
Gunnar Helm Sees Just One Target in Preseason Opener
Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm hauled in his only target for 16 yards in the team's 19-13 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Helm caught a screen pass on third-and-long and took it for a first down. The bad news was that a split was evident between him and former New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger. Helm played 14 of 21 first-team snaps, while Bellinger played 13 of 21. His past relationship with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll is likely to make him a factor in this offense, and we should continue to see a split between the two. The second-year tight end was hoping for an expanded role after Chig Okonkwo joined the Washington Commanders, but that appears not to be the case entering 2026. While some lists have Helm as a strong late-round fantasy draft pick, it may be best to pass on him and look for other options this season.
Source: Jim Wyatt
Source: Jim Wyatt
Caleb Douglas Runs with First Team in Preseason Opener
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas ran with the first-team offense during Friday's preseason contest against the Washington Commanders. He finished the game with two targets, one catch, and 28 receiving yards. The final box score doesn't nearly tell the full story. Not only did Douglas run his routes with the first-team offense (including quarterback Malik Willis), but he also made a spectacular one-handed catch while being covered. This natural playmaking ability should allow Douglas to climb up the depth chart rather quickly. Ever since being drafted in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Texas Tech, the 22-year-old has been pushing for a larger role. As it stands, he's in the mix to fetch high-value targets in a relatively depleted receiver room that also features Malik Washington, Jalen Tolbert, and Tutu Atwell, as well as rookies Douglas, Kevin Coleman, and Chris Bell (knee). Douglas is a solid bench option for 2026 fantasy football, and he could emerge as a deep-league flex if the Dolphins offense can put together sustained drives.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Jonah Coleman Flashes Upside in NFL Debut
Denver Broncos running back Jonah Coleman rushed for 24 yards on four carries during Friday's preseason contest against the Atlanta Falcons. However, he was not targeted in the passing game. A 2026 fourth-round pick out of Washington, Coleman projects as the Broncos' No. 3 running back, but he has remarkable upside. Between his size, athleticism, and college production, Coleman has the makings of someone who can someday be relevant in both redraft and dynasty leagues. His efficiency on Friday was a step in the right direction, as he averaged six yards per carry and broke free for 13 yards on his biggest play of the day. The biggest obstacle for Coleman right now is the depth chart. Both JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey are ahead of Coleman, and that won't change anytime soon. Nevertheless, he's a low-cost running back worth stashing in most dynasty leagues.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Evan Engram Sees Ample Targets in Limited Action in Preseason Opener
Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram caught one of his three targets for 24 yards during Friday's preseason contest against the Atlanta Falcons. He was actually targeted four times by Jarrett Stidham, but one of plays was called back due to an offensive holding penalty. Fantasy managers shouldn't be deterred by the fact that Engram had just one catch, and that two of his targets weren't caught. Rather, there should be optimism that he fetched a significant amount of targets despite playing just a couple of drives. That's a step in the right direction after an uninspiring 2025 campaign in which he caught 50 passes, scored one touchdown, and ranked as the TE29 in PPR leagues. Engram doesn't have a multi-touchdown season since 2023, and he'll look to get back on track in 2026. The passing game is a bit crowded following the trade for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, but the good news is that Engram essentially has the top of the tight end room all to himself. He's a mid-to-low TE2 with upside going forward.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Kaytron Allen Given Large Workload in Preseason Debut
Washington Commanders running back Kaytron Allen tallied 23 carries, 85 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown during Friday's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins. He also converted one of his two targets for a one-yard reception. Allen, a sixth-round pick out of Penn State, is presumably competing for the No. 3 role behind Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Rachaad White and ahead of Jeremy McNichols. More importantly, Allen could be proving to the coaching staff that he deserves consistent touches once the regular season comes around. There's not much pass-catching upside here, but it wouldn't be crazy to say that Allen could become the primary ball-carrier if Croskey-Merritt goes down, while White remains in more of a receiving role. Allen's big preseason showing makes him an instant riser in dynasty leagues, and he could even sneak onto the fantasy radar as an option in the deepest of redraft formats.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Braelon Allen Impresses on Friday Amid Depth-Chart Battle
New York Jets running back Braelon Allen tallied four carries, 44 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown during Friday's preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Allen only appeared to play two drives, but he made the most of his limited opportunities, headlined by a 31-yard touchdown run. Breece Hall has a firm grasp on the lead-back role in New York, but Allen's big game puts him in the mix for the backup role, perhaps over Isaiah Davis. Allen found himself in a similar role at the start of last season before suffering a season-ending injury in Week 4. Despite what Friday's explosive run might suggest, Allen is actually more of a short-yardage back who has the ability to score points in deeper redraft leagues when he gets the ball around the goal line or when the Jets are approaching the line to gain. Plus, there's clear handcuff value behind Hall, even if the Jets aren't projected to have the most potent offense this year. Allen is worth a late-round flier in redraft leagues, especially for managers looking to grab Hall's handcuff.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Ted Hurst Draws High Target Share in NFL Debut
Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Ted Hurst caught two of six targets for 19 yards during Friday's preseason opener against the New York Jets. A third-round pick out of Georgia State, Hurst was able to carve out a decent target share in his first taste of pro action, albeit in a preseason contest. Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Sr., and Jalen McMillan have all dealt with injuries this summer, so Hurst stepped up as the Bucs' top healthy receiver on Friday. With that being said, quarterback Baker Mayfield didn't play, so Hurst's targets came from depth quarterbacks Jalon Daniels and Connor Bazelak. Hurst has significant upside in dynasty leagues, but we'll need to see him produce consistently (and with Mayfield as his quarterback) before he gets onto the redraft radar.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Trey Lance Has Roller-Coaster Performance in Preseason Opener
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Trey Lance completed 12 of 20 pass attempts for 164 yards, no touchdowns, and one interception in his team's 27-7 preseason victory over the Houston Texans on Thursday. Lance also had three carries for 27 rushing yards. The 26-year-old was given the starting role for the Chargers' preseason opener, as the team decided to rest Justin Herbert and other key players. Lance had highs and lows during his six-drive performance by showing flashes of his athleticism and shaky ball security before handing the reins to DJ Uiagalelei to finish the game. The two are competing for the QB2 spot to be Herbert's backup for the 2026 season. Lance has the slight edge in the quarterback battle, and having familiarity with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's system helps his case. However, Uiagalelei will be pushing him for the spot every week until the end of the preseason.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
DeMarcus Lawrence Entering his Final Season in 2026
Seattle Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence told Yahoo Sports' Jori Epstein that the 2026 season "will be my last year." The 34-year-old is entering his 13th NFL campaign and is coming off a productive first year in Seattle that ended with him lifting the Lombardi Trophy. Lawrence also made the Pro Bowl for the fifth time in his career by recording 53 tackles (24 solo), six sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 20 QB hits, three forced fumbles, and three fumble recoveries (two returned for touchdowns) in 16 regular-season starts. It was a nice bounce-back season for the former second-rounder by the Dallas Cowboys in 2014 from Boise State after he played in a career-low four games in 2024 due to injury in his final year in Dallas. "It was a tough process," Lawrence said. "But through the grace of God, I'm able to play another year and soak it all up one more good time before I hang it up." Lawrence hasn't recorded double-digit sacks since 2018, but he's recorded 67.5 sacks in his 12-year career.
Source: Yahoo Sports - Jori Epstein
Source: Yahoo Sports - Jori Epstein
Michael Mayer Caps Off First Drive with a Touchdown
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer had a fast start to the preseason despite the 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Quarterback Kirk Cousins ended the first drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass to Mayer, who ended up with two receptions for 19 yards and that touchdown. With Raiders' TE1 Brock Bowers playing a single snap to start the game, Mayer had the opportunity to score. If Bowers were to miss any time this year, Mayer might have the best opportunity of his career to find success in what should be the best passing offense he has been a part of since entering the NFL. As RotoBaller's TE32 overall, Mayer likely won't be a major factor in redraft leagues but could prove to be an upside stash in dynasty leagues with this being the final year of his contract in Las Vegas.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Fernando Mendoza Shows Glimpses of Greatness in First NFL Showing
Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza showed some promising traits during the 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday night. While completing 10 of his 16 pass attempts for 97 yards and a touchdown, Mendoza also flashed his willingness to run with two carries for six yards. His touchdown pass went to sophomore wide receiver Jack Bech, whom he hit on a quick slant that split two defenders with perfect ball placement for the six-yard score. Mendoza showed confidence and decisiveness on most plays, but also left room for improvement in his first preseason game. As RotoBaller's QB29 overall, it's only a matter of time before Mendoza gets a true chance to exceed expectations in Las Vegas.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Mike Washington Jr. Erupts for 53-Yard Run in NFL Debut
Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. flashed in his preseason debut, although the Raiders lost 27-14 to the Arizona Cardinals. Washington Jr. turned six carries into 63 yards, no touchdowns, and failed to bring in his lone target on the night. A 53-yard scamper in which he followed his blocks, stayed square to the line of scrimmage, and exploded for the longest run of the night helped him get to 10.5 yards per carry in his debut. With teammate Ashton Jeanty firmly holding the RB1 spot, Washington Jr. could still have some upside in a change-of-pace role as RotoBaller ranks him at RB67 overall entering the season.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Chase Bisontis Suffers Torn MCL, Could Miss Entire Season
Arizona Cardinals second-round rookie offensive lineman Chase Bisontis (knee) suffered a torn MCL in his left knee in the team's preseason contest on Thursday night against the Las Vegas Raiders that will require surgery, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo. Only Bisontis' MCL will be repaired. He will be out for most of, if not all, of the 2026 season. Head coach Mike LaFleur said on Thursday night that the 22-year-old's knee injury looked pretty serious, and he was right. The 34th overall pick out of Texas A&M had to be helped off the field in Vegas. It's a big blow to the Cardinals' offensive line, as Bisontis had been one of the team's more promising players during training camp this summer and figured to push Isaiah Adams for the starting spot at right guard this year. Bisontis has the skills to be a solid interior offensive lineman for Arizona, but that could have to wait until 2027.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Mike Vrabel Expects Christian Gonzalez to be Ready for Week 1
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel expects star cornerback Christian Gonzalez (undisclosed) to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener in a Super Bowl rematch against the Seattle Seahawks, according to Chris Mason of MassLive.com. Gonzalez was not present for the team's joint practice with the Indianapolis Colts or on the sideline for their preseason opener on Thursday night against Indy as he works on a contract extension, but Vrabel suggests that's because he's dealing with a physical injury. The 24-year-old former 17th overall pick from the University of Oregon should be all healed up with a new contract in hand before the start of the 2026 regular season in early September. Going into his fourth NFL season, Gonzalez has quickly become one of the best shutdown corners in the NFL, and he had a big hand in leading the Pats to the Super Bowl last season. Gonzalez was named a Pro Bowler for the first time in 2025 and finished with a career-high 69 tackles (54 solo) and 10 pass breakups in 14 regular-season starts.
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Mason
Source: MassLive.com - Chris Mason
Marcus Mariota Suffers Knee Injury in Preseason Opener
Washington Commanders veteran quarterback Marcus Mariota (knee) was pointing to his right knee when athletic trainers came out to check on him during Friday's preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. Mariota was sent to the blue medical tent and was replaced by Sam Hartman at QB. The 32-year-old signal-caller played in 11 games and made eight starts in 2025 in his second year in Washington, with starter Jayden Daniels only starting seven games. Mariota went 2-6 in his eight starts, throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his 11th year in the NFL. The Commanders' QB depth behind Daniels would be in serious trouble if Mariota is dealing with a major knee injury, as they only have Hartman and rookie Athan Kaliakmanis on the QB depth chart behind Mariota. He almost certainly will not return to Friday's game against Miami, even if his knee injury turns out to be minor.
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
Source: The Athletic - Nicki Jhabvala
