RADIO
Jaxson Dart Flashes QB1 Appeal for 2026
New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart has the potential to rank as a top-12 fantasy quarterback for the 2026 season. Dart impressed as a rookie last season, tallying 2,272 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also tallied 487 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. The rushing productivity did most of the heavy lifting in Dart's fantasy ranking, but the return of wide receiver Malik Nabers also helped. Nabers is working his way back from an ACL tear, and his availability has propped up his quarterback's fantasy outlook for the upcoming season. Dart is now healthy, and there's no sign that he'll need to miss any time in 2026. With the clean bill of health headed his way, we expect Dart to run the football just as much as he did last year, even if doing so comes with inherent risk. Managers will cross their fingers and hope that that risk pays off with Dart finishing the year as a QB1 in fantasy football.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Downs' ADP Sits Steady in Ninth Round
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs entered this offseason as one of the biggest risers in football. The offense was trending up, Daniel Jones was returning from injury, and Downs took a step up the depth chart after Michael Pittman Jr. was traded to Pittsburgh. As a result, his ADP rose steadily throughout the summer, and he's now looking to replicate his five-touchdown performance as the overall WR35 in PPR 2024. The bad news is that the Colts extended Alec Pierce as their No. 1 receiver and recently signed Keenan Allen to be their projected No. 2 receiver, leaving Downs in a relatively unfavorable role. We also can't forget that the Colts have Tyler Warren to offer a major boost at the tight end position. While there's no denying that Downs is quite talented, he has been holding pretty steady at his ADP of 102.9, which ranks him as the overall WR41 in PPR leagues for this season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jonathon Brooks Has a Chance to Take Over the Panthers' Backfield
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks is trending up once again. After knee injuries limited him to just five games through his first two seasons, he's now fully healthy and ready to occupy a big role on offense. There may be a little re-acclimation period as he gets used to his first NFL action since 2024, but there's also a glaring opportunity for him to step into a 1B role alongside Chuba Hubbard. Furthermore, we can't rule out the possibility of him completely taking over the backfield and leaving Hubbard in a backup role. This wouldn't be new territory for Hubbard, who sort of lost his job to Rico Dowdle last year. Brooks is incredibly talented, and if he can stay healthy, he could return to the high-end RB2 upside that he possessed prior to his rookie season. This is a low-risk move for managers, as Brooks still has a relatively modest ADP of 83.6.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Terry McLaurin Has Clear Top-10 Upside if Injury Bug Stays Away
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin possesses the talent needed to be a top-10 receiver in fantasy football, and he's looking to shake off an ugly 2025 season marred by injuries. McLaurin caught 38 passes for 582 yards and three touchdowns across 10 games last year. He missed seven contests and quarterback Jayden Daniels missed 10 contests; they were on the field together for just three games. If both can stay healthy for most of the 2026 season, McLaurin should have no trouble re-establishing himself as a top-18 fantasy receiver, and perhaps even getting back to the WR1 range. Washington did sign Stefon Diggs in free agency, but McLaurin is clearly the No. 1 receiver here. In fact, Diggs' presence may actually help McLaurin by luring away cornerbacks, or at least reducing the rate at which McLaurin sees double coverage. We're very excited about the upside of McLaurin, who is somewhat of a steal at his current ADP of 53.0.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Quarterback Upgrade Could be the Key to Jaylen Waddle's Success
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is set to enjoy an enormous quarterback upgrade following his offseason trade from the Dolphins to the Broncos. Waddle held his own in Miami despite abysmal quarterback play, ranking as the overall WR24 with Tua Tagovailoa and Quinn Ewers throwing to him last year. Now, he'll be catching Bo Nix, and he arguably finds himself in the best situation of his six-year career. Will he finish higher than WR8 and post the best fantasy finish of his career? Not necessarily. However, the pieces are in place for Waddle, who has shown that he can handle the No. 1 receiver role, to thrive. Staying on the field will also be key for the 27-year-old, who has finished as WR24 or higher in each of the three years he played 16+ games, but WR34 or lower in each of the two years he missed at least two games. Waddle is certainly trending up, and he now ranks as the overall WR19 in RotoBaller's latest redraft rankings for 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Titans Waive Wide Receiver Xavier Restrepo
The Tennessee Titans have waived wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, according to an announcement from the team. It's been an unconventional 24 hours for the second-year receiver, who made the initial 53-man roster on Sunday night, only to get cut loose on Monday. His roster spot will go to one of the five players the Titans signed or claimed after rosters were trimmed to 53 players. Restrepo had quickly emerged as a fan favorite in Tennessee. Not only did he have a strong rapport with quarterback Cam Ward from their time together at Miami, but he also overcame his status as an undrafted free agent to catch three passes for 41 yards across two games last year. The move leaves the Titans with just five receivers on their roster, so we can't rule out the possibility of Tennessee bringing him back closer to the season. With that being said, his future is no longer in the Titans' control, as any of the other 31 teams can add him to their roster simply by claiming him off waivers on Tuesday.
Source: Tennessee Titans
Source: Tennessee Titans
Tyler Loop Expected to be Ravens' Kicker for Week 1
Baltimore Ravens head coach Jesse Minter said that he expects Tyler Loop to be the team's kicker entering Week 1, according to Giana Han of The Baltimore Banner. However, Minter also said that the team is "trying to have all situations covered." It's unclear exactly what Minter means by this, but it's not the first time he's been a little iffy about Loop's job security. In recent days, he left the door open for the Ravens to bring in some competition at the kicker position. With that being said, it sounds like Loop will handle kicking duties for Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts, barring any major surprises. Playing on a good team should bode well for his outlook as a fringe top-12 fantasy kicker, and he also comes with a decent track record after going 30-for-34 on field goals and 44-for-46 on extra points last year.
Source: Giana Han
Source: Giana Han
Carson Beck Returns to Practice on Monday
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck (ribs) was back on the practice field on Monday, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com. Beck suffered a rib injury during the Hall of Fame game earlier in August. The third-round pick sat out of all three preseason contests, but is back on the field now. Beck is expected to be the third-string quarterback behind Gardner Minshew II and starter Jacoby Brissett to begin the season. There is a good chance that Beck does get into action during his rookie season, but he won't be a fantasy option right away.
Source: Josh Weinfuss
Source: Josh Weinfuss
Rams Being Cautious with Terrance Ferguson
Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson (soreness) was seen working off to the side with the trainer during Monday's practice. According to Benjamin Royer, the Rams are taking the cautious approach with Ferguson right now. There are still 10 days before the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. It doesn't sound like the Rams are going to push anything and give Ferguson a lighter workload for a few days. Fantasy managers don't need to be too concerned at the moment. Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, and Max Klare would see larger roles if Ferguson is to miss any time.
Source: Benjamin Royer
Source: Benjamin Royer
Greg Dortch Lands on Bills Practice Squad
According to Adam Schefter, the Buffalo Bills have added wide receiver Greg Dortch to their practice squad on Monday. Dortch was unable to secure a depth role on the Detroit Lions and was cut over the weekend. He'll now head to Buffalo, but he doesn't exactly have a better shot at playing for the Bills. The 28-year-old figures to serve as depth in case the Bills get a handful of injuries at wideout. Dortch has played a minor role on the Arizona Cardinals over the last five seasons. The move to Buffalo probably isn't going to change his fantasy value very much.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Jalin Hyatt Joins Giants Practice Squad
According to Jordan Schultz, New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt has signed with the team's practice squad on Monday. Hyatt was cut from the 53-man roster over the weekend. However, the 24-year-old is back with the Giants after passing through waivers unclaimed. Hyatt is a former third-round pick of the Giants from 2023. He hasn't reached 10 receptions in a single season since his rookie campaign. He'll serve as depth on the practice squad, but there's really no reason to roster Hyatt in any fantasy formats.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
Myles Garrett "Making Good Progress"
Los Angeles Rams defensive end Myles Garrett (knee) was not seen on the field during Monday's practice, according to Nate Atkins. “He’s making good progress. Really good progress. The goal all along has been Australia,” head coach Sean McVay said. Garrett continues to be held out of practice while he deals with knee swelling. The Rams are downplaying the issue and expect Garrett to be ready for the season opener versus the San Francisco 49ers. It sounds like it's an issue that can be dealt with by continued maintenance. With that being said, it could be something that Garrett deals with throughout the season, but it's not expected to keep him out of action. Fantasy managers should stay tuned for more updates on his status as the week goes on.
Source: ESPN.com - Lindsey Thiry
Source: ESPN.com - Lindsey Thiry
Puka Nacua Off to the Side in Monday's Practice
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua (groin) was seen working off to the side during team drills at Monday's practice, according to Nate Atkins of The Athletic. Nacua returned to practice on Sunday after being sidelined for multiple weeks. It appears the Rams are going to slowly ramp up Nacua with still 10 days to go before the season opener against the San Francisco 49ers. Nacua has missed a good part of training camp, but that shouldn't concern fantasy managers too much. Nacua is one of the best players in the league and is expected to continue being an elite fantasy option. Fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if the Rams continue to slowly bring along Nacua.
Source: Nate Atkins
Source: Nate Atkins
Jaydon Blue Stays in NFC East, Joins Eagles' Practice Squad
Former Dallas Cowboys running back Jaydon Blue, who was surprisingly released on Sunday, is signing with the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad on Monday, a source told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 22-year-old fifth-rounder last year from Texas disappointed in his first NFL season, carrying the ball only 38 times for 129 yards and a touchdown in five appearances for the Cowboys, but he had been impressive during training camp and the preseason before being cut on Sunday. The Eagles did not waste any time swooping up Blue as extra RB depth behind Saquon Barkley, Tank Bigsby, and Will Shipley. Blue will stay in the NFC East division, but his path to a backfield role will not get any easier with the move to Philadelphia. He is still young and has intriguing speed and pass-catching ability out of the backfield, which makes him stash-worthy in deep dynasty/keeper leagues.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Raiders Place Dont'e Thornton Jr. on Injured Reserve
The Las Vegas Raiders announced on Monday that they placed wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. (undisclosed) on Injured Reserve with an undisclosed injury. Thornton will miss at least the first four weeks of the 2026 campaign. His injury means that Jalen Nailor, Tre Tucker, and Jack Bech are locked into the top three receiver spots in Vegas this year, with rookie Malik Benson and Dareke Young rounding out the WR room. The 23-year-old fourth-rounder from Tennessee last year saw limited production in his first NFL season in a bad Raiders offense last year, catching just 10 of his 30 targets for 135 yards and zero touchdowns in 15 games played (eight starts). Thornton missed all of the preseason and most of training camp this summer, which puts him behind the eight ball with the Raiders' new coaching staff in his sophomore campaign. He should only be stashed in deep dynasty/keeper formats, but after Benson's strong summer, Thornton figures to be the team's WR5, at best, when he makes his 2026 debut.
Source: Raiders PR
Source: Raiders PR
