RADIO
Is Zavion Thomas' Dynasty Value Being Overinflated by Unexpected Draft Capital?
Chicago Bears wide receiver Zavion Thomas, one of the fastest players in the 2026 class, was viewed by some as an intriguing late-round pick in dynasty rookie drafts, expected to fall to late-Day 3 in the NFL Draft. However, with the Bears spending third-round capital and making him the 16th receiver off the board, there's now a strong chance he will be overdrafted in those same rookie drafts. Thomas' speed and versatility are likely what drew Ben Johnson to him, but on a depth chart consisting of Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and tight end Colston Loveland, all of whom are under 24 years old, it's difficult to envision Thomas in anything more than a gadget role in either the here and now or foreseeable future. He never topped 502 receiving yards or four touchdowns in any of his four seasons at Mississippi State or LSU, and his career 1.58 yards per route run was one of the lowest marks in the class. Thomas has seen his value spike since the NFL Draft, but with no history or clear path toward repeatable production, he profiles as a frustrating end-of-roster player in any non-best-ball format.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Justice Hill's Role in Question After NFL Draft
Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill was an early offseason winner when the team declined to offer fourth-year speedster Keaton Mitchell a restricted free agent tender, allowing him to sign with the Chargers and removing Hill's biggest competition for passing down work from the roster. Unfortunately for Hill, the Ravens selected Clemson's Adam Randall in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and while at 6'2" and 235 pounds, Randall profiles physically closer to lead back Derrick Henry, he began his college career as a wide receiver, and his clearest path to an early role is through the passing game. Randall's unique background and rare measurables could eventually make him an every-down back, but as long as Henry is on the roster, any early success he finds will be at the expense of Hill. Hill handled only 1.8 carries across his ten games in 2025, but still saw 27 targets. Should that receiving work dry up, he will offer very little in terms of fantasy production, and he becomes an obvious drop candidate, reflected by his current RB102 Rotoballer dynasty ranking.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Audric Estime Buried on Saints' Depth Chart
New Orleans Saints running back Audric Estime was called into action late in the 2025 season, and he handled himself admirably, churning out top-13 fantasy finishes in Weeks 17 and 18, but after a busy Saints offseason, he's been pushed well down the depth chart toward fantasy irrelevancy. New Orleans signed Travis Etienne Jr. to a four-year, $48 million deal, and with rumors of a potential Alvin Kamara trade growing quieter in recent weeks, the Saints' running back depth chart currently consists of Etienne, Kamara, Devin Neal, Kendre Miller, Ty Chandler, and Estime. While it's unlikely New Orleans carries more than four backs into the regular season, even if Estime does make the team, the traffic in front of him will make it nearly impossible to find any repeatable success. With only 508 career rushing yards and three touchdowns across his first two seasons with Denver and New Orleans, the 2024 fifth-round pick out of Notre Dame has fallen to RB106 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings and is an easy drop candidate for managers looking to free up roster space around their leagues' rookie drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jarquez Hunter Unlikely to See a Significant Usage Spike in Second Season
Los Angeles Rams running back Jarquez Hunter did not take an offensive snap as a rookie, seeing the field in only five games, exclusively on special teams. The 2025 fourth-round pick was a popular sleeper pick to immediately usurp primary backup duties from Blake Corum following a similarly quiet rookie season from the 2024 third-rounder. Instead, it was Corum who enjoyed a second-year breakout, finishing as the fantasy RB17 over the final six weeks of the season, leading to calls from some that he could see closer to a 50/50 split with Kyren Williams in 2026. The Rams did not add a running back in the NFL Draft, so Hunter's role as the third back on the depth chart seems locked in, but without an injury ahead of him to either Williams or Corum, expectations remain low heading into year two. For dynasty managers with the luxury, he should still be held at the end of benches, as his skillset matches Sean McVay's offense, and he may have the most natural athleticism of any back on the roster. That said, at RotoBaller's RB85, he's a prime cut candidate for contending managers needing to free up roster space for incoming rookies.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyren Williams and Blake Corum Could See a 50/50 Split in 2026
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams has finished as the fantasy RB9 or better in each of the past three seasons, and for most of that run, managers could rely on a weekly volume floor that made him nearly bust-proof. By the end of the 2025 season, however, second-year back Blake Corum had taken on a meaningful role in the Rams' offense, and the Athletic's Nate Atkins believes we could see even closer to a 50/50 workload split in 2026, with Williams still serving as the primary between the tackles runner and third down back, but leaving the field with greater frequency in favor of the more explosive Corum. For the first time since 2016, the Rams did not add a running back through the draft, so the formula from last season is expected to be repeated and potentially amplified, with 2025 fourth-round pick Jarquez Hunter again unlikely to see much of a role without an injury ahead of him. Williams finished 2025 as RB9 while Corum was the RB17 over the final six weeks of the season. Williams is currently RotoBaller's dynasty RB17, with Corum still several tiers below at RB32, making him a potential steal if Atkins' projections come to fruition.
Source: Nate Atkins - The Athletic
Source: Nate Atkins - The Athletic
Is Ja'Marr Chase the Obvious Dynasty WR1 Entering 2026?
Five years into his NFL career, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase is well-established as arguably the best pass-catcher in football. The 26-year-old is coming off another highly productive season in 2025, hauling in 125 receptions for 1,412 yards and eight touchdowns on 185 targets across 16 games. While Chase wasn't able to replicate his 1,700-yard, 17-touchdown season from 2024, he still led the NFL in targets and put up monster numbers despite playing nine games with star Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who missed time due to a toe injury. With Burrow fully healthy, Chase has a case to be valued as the WR1 in fantasy for the 2026 season. Even if Burrow suffers another injury, Chase has proven the ability to be an elite producer, particularly in PPR-scoring formats. Coming off back-to-back first-team All-Pro seasons, Chase might currently profile as the highest-floor and highest-ceiling dynasty wide receiver in fantasy football.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Can Javonte Williams Replicate 2025 Success in 2026?
Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams was one of the surprise success stories of the 2025 season, recording 1,338 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns on 287 touches across 16 games. The Cowboys rewarded Williams this past offseason with a new three-year, $24 million contract. For the second straight year, Williams figures to play a workhorse role in the Dallas backfield. Behind Williams, the unproven trio of Malik Davis, Jaydon Blue, and Phil Mafah currently projects as the next men up on the team's running back depth chart. While Williams' 2025 production seemingly came out of nowhere, it may simply have been a product of him finally getting back to full health after the devastating knee injury that he suffered in 2022. Williams' value in dynasty formats is on the rise as he enters his age-26 season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Terry McLaurin is Well-Positioned to Rebound in 2026
After missing most of the offseason while negotiating a new contract, Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin battled through an injury-marred 2025 campaign. The 30-year-old missed seven contests with a quad injury, finishing the year with 38 receptions for 583 yards and three touchdowns on 60 targets across 10 games. It was a disastrous year for the Commanders' offense overall, which also got just seven games out of star quarterback Jayden Daniels. Still, both McLaurin and Daniels should be healthy and ready to go for the start of 2026. McLaurin also looks like the undisputed favorite to dominate targets in Washington, as the next wide receivers on the depth chart are the unproven Luke McCaffrey and 2026 third-round pick Antonio Williams. Heading into his age-31 season, age-related decline is a concern for McLaurin. However, his strong track record of production and the situation around him in Washington make him an appealing bounce-back candidate in dynasty formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Justin Herbert's Dynasty Value Rising Following Offseason Overhaul in Los Angeles
Across 16 games in 2025, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert completed 66.4% of his pass attempts for 3,727 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Herbert also had the most productive season of his career with his legs, racking up 498 yards and two touchdowns on 83 rushing attempts. Despite averaging a relatively modest 32 pass attempts per game, Herbert's uptick in rushing production allowed him to finish as the overall QB10 in fantasy. Heading into 2026, there's reason to believe that Herbert could be in line for an even better season. For one, Los Angeles replaced conservative play-caller Greg Roman with former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who could help unlock a new level of explosiveness for the Chargers offense. Additionally, Los Angeles overhauled the interior of its offensive line and will get back its star tackle duo of Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, who combined to play just six games in 2025. All in all, Herbert's dynasty outlook is trending up as he heads into his age-28 season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Is Tee Higgins a Top-24 Dynasty Wide Receiver?
Across 15 games in 2025, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins recorded 59 receptions for 846 yards and 11 touchdowns on 98 targets. Even with Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow sidelined for a significant chunk of the season by a toe injury, Higgins proved capable of providing solid production, particularly in the red zone. Injuries remain a red flag in Higgins' fantasy profile, as he's missed 12 games over the past three seasons and battled concussion issues in 2025. Still, Higgins and Burrow are both entering the 2026 season healthy. Even with Bengals wideout Ja'Marr Chase likely to dominate targets in Cincinnati, Higgins has proven to be a must-start wide receiver when both he and Burrow are on the field. In dynasty formats, managers could have an intriguing sell-high window on Higgins before the start of 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chiefs Looking to Establish a Running Game in 2026
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said on Friday on The Pat McAfee Show that the team made an effort to improve the running back position in the offseason with the addition of Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III, and they also added Emmett Johnson in the fifth round of the recent NFL draft. The Chiefs definitely want to establish their running game more in 2026, which will help take some of the pressure off quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) as he recovers from a torn ACL and LCL late last season. Having offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy back will certainly help, and Veach also added that the team is excited about all of their offensive-line investments in recent seasons. The Chiefs are hoping to open up their offense a little more for Mahomes around midseason once he's "in that groove." The Chiefs' offense could lean on Walker and the ground game early on in 2026, giving him a clear fantasy boost after he signed a three-year, $43.05 million deal with KC. Volume shouldn't be an issue for Walker, but his lengthy injury history puts him in bust territory as well.
Source: The Pat McAfee Show
Source: The Pat McAfee Show
James Conner Buried on Cardinals' Depth Chart Heading into 2026
Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner (foot) had his 2025 season cut short after suffering a season-ending foot injury in Week 3. Conner was present for the start of Arizona's voluntary offseason program in early April, which could be a good sign that he's on track to be ready for the start of the 2026 season. However, Conner now projects as the RB3 in Arizona at best after the Cardinals signed former Atlanta Falcons back Tyler Allgeier in free agency and used the third overall pick in the 2026 draft on Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Conner was a productive player as recently as 2024, when he recorded over 1,500 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 283 touches across 16 games. Still, with Conner entering his age-31 season and coming off foot surgery, Arizona clearly prioritized upgrading at the position with its offseason moves. Barring a change of scenery before the start of the season, Conner's dynasty value is plummeting.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
DK Metcalf Won't be Charged for Incident With Lions Fan
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf will not face charges for an incident with a Detroit Lions fan at Ford Field on Dec. 21, according to Christian Romo of the Detroit Free Press. At the end of last season, the NFL suspended Metcalf for two games for his actions. However, the Steelers didn't void any of Metcalf's guarantees, and no further discipline is expected from the league in 2026. The Lions fan later filed a lawsuit seeking damages from Metcalf, but the Wayne County court determined that the fan didn't appear injured and didn't seek medical attention at the game. It's good news for Metcalf's fantasy value going into the 2026 campaign, although his stock could be on the decline in a new offense led by head coach Mike McCarthy. Not only do the Steelers not officially know if future Hall of Fame QB Aaron Rodgers is coming back for another season, but the team added Michael Pittman Jr. via trade and rookies Germie Bernard and Kaden Wetjen in the draft. The 28-year-old Metcalf could be dealing with subpar QB play in 2026 and more competition for targets in the passing game.
Source: Detroit Free Press - Christian Romo
Source: Detroit Free Press - Christian Romo
Steelers Decline the Fifth-Year Option for Broderick Jones
The Pittsburgh Steelers declined the fifth-year option for left tackle Broderick Jones (neck) on Thursday, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The option would have paid Jones $19.1 million in 2027. Jones only played in 11 games in 2025 in his third year in the league and is coming off neck surgery. The 24-year-old has started 38 of the 45 games he's appeared in over his three years in the NFL, and he was playing well before his neck injury last year, so if Jones can bounce back with another healthy and productive year in 2025, the Steelers could look to extend him beyond next season. However, it's still unclear if Jones, the 14th overall pick in 2023 out of Georgia, will be ready for training camp this summer and the start of the 2026 regular season in early September.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Russell Wilson Ready to Hang Up his Cleats for TV Gig?
Free-agent quarterback Russell Wilson is in "deep discussions" to go into television, which could mark the end of what is likely a Hall of Fame career, sources briefed on the talks told Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. The NFL Today on CBS is considered the favorite to land Wilson, as the two sides have had "lengthy talks." The 37-year-old veteran signal-caller had a visit recently with the New York Jets about potentially backing up Geno Smith at QB, but he hasn't had any other real interest this offseason. If the 37-year-old ends up calling it a career, the 10-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion will finish with 46,966 passing yards, 353 touchdown passes, and 114 interceptions thrown in 205 regular-season games over 14 seasons. Wilson made six appearances (three starts) for the New York Giants last season before eventually being benched for young QB Jaxson Dart. If Wilson lands a deal with another team, he'll almost certainly be limited to a backup role in 2026.
Source: The Athletic - Andrew Marchand
Source: The Athletic - Andrew Marchand
