RADIO
Taylen Green's Week 1 Role is Undecided
Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken said on Friday that he has not decided whether or not rookie quarterback Taylen Green will have a package of plays for Sunday's Week 1 season opener on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan. Green, a sixth-round pick in April out of Arkansas, will open his first NFL season in Cleveland as the QB3 behind starter Deshaun Watson and backup Shedeur Sanders, with Dillon Gabriel (back) starting on Injured Reserve. If the 23-year-old does get into Sunday's game against the Jaguars, the 6-foot-6, 230-pounder might only see a couple of snaps on offense. Green has an intriguing size/speed combination at the QB position, but in 2026, he is merely a bench stash in deep dynasty/keeper formats.
Source: 92.3 The Fan - Daryl Ruiter
Source: 92.3 The Fan - Daryl Ruiter
Nnamdi Madubuike Will Not Play in Season Opener
Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) will not play in the Week 1 season opener on Sunday at the Indianapolis Colts, head coach Jesse Minter told Jamison Hensley of ESPN. "He's really, really close," Minter said. The 28-year-old two-time Pro Bowler was limited in the team's three practices this week, but that was not quite enough to clear him for the regular-season opener. The former third-rounder from Texas A&M only played in two games a year ago before suffering a serious neck injury that threatened to wipe out the rest of his career. Madubuike has made it back, though, and he is on the verge of returning to a new-look Ravens defense under Minter, a first-year head coach. If Madubuike does not suffer a setback during practice next week, he could make his 2026 debut in Week 2 against the New Orleans Saints in the team's home opener. The Texas native could be a difference-maker for Baltimore's interior on the D-line if he can stay healthy after he had 19.5 total sacks in 2023 and 2024.
Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley
Joey Porter Jr. Questionable to Suit Up in Week 1
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (back) is listed as questionable to play in Sunday's Week 1 season opener against the Atlanta Falcons, according to NFL insider Adam Caplan. Porter might be up in the air to suit up this weekend, but he should have a pretty good shot at being active after taking part in three limited practices during the week. The 26-year-old was out for much of training camp this summer after starting on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Porter is also in the final hours of the team's negotiating window as the two sides try to work out an extension stalemate that has lasted throughout the offseason. If Porter is unable to go this weekend as he and the team continue to work on an extension, Asante Samuel Jr. would be the next man up on the Steelers' depth chart. Realistically, the Steelers probably do not need Porter in their Week 1 matchup against backup quarterback Cooper Rush.
Source: Adam Caplan
Source: Adam Caplan
Kyler Murray Begins Revival Bid In Week 1
Playing in his Minnesota Vikings debut, quarterback Kyler Murray should be considered a high-end Superflex option in Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers. Always a rushing threat, the veteran QB is perhaps the biggest fantasy wild card of the season. Murray has been a top-10 fantasy quarterback four times before, but he missed 21 games across the past three seasons, and his ADP plummeted after he posted career lows in just five games with the Arizona Cardinals in 2025. Yet, at age 29, the former Oklahoma star figures to be in his prime and in the most favorable situation of his career at the same time. Murray is playing alongside a strong supporting cast, including All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson and quarterback-friendly head coach Kevin O'Connell, and the Vikings are making a one-year bet that the former No. 1 overall pick can revitalize his career in the same ecosystem that revived Sam Darnold. For now, Murray is a high-ceiling option in Superflex leagues, but his value could improve considerably if he jumpstarts the Minnesota offense. He's RotoBaller's No. 15 quarterback in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Split Backfield Limits Week 1 Potential For Aaron Jones Sr.
Managers should view Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. as an RB4 when his team plays Green Bay in Week 1. The veteran occupies a defined role as the team's preferred pass-catching option out of the backfield, which should give him some appeal in PPR leagues, but managers will have to wait to see how Minnesota splits carries this season. Backfield mate Jordan Mason certainly will take away touches, particularly valuable goal-line carries that often lead to touchdowns. Jones, however, could stealthily be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Minnesota's switch to quarterback Kyler Murray. Arizona Cardinals running back James Conner drew 3.4 targets per game playing a full season with Murray in 2024, and the Vikings' obvious strengths at wide receiver should give Jones regularly favorable matchups. Against the solid Green Bay defense, however, Jones' output likely will depend on how he fares as a receiver. He's RotoBaller's No. 39 running back to open the season.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jordan Mason In Flex Consideration For Week 1
Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason is a possible flex option as his team begins the season by playing host to the rival Green Bay Packers. The Georgia Tech product quietly averaged 4.8 yards per carry and finished as half-PPR RB35 last season, which was impressive considering Minnesota's offense spent most of the year in the doldrums due to poor quarterback play and significant injuries on the offensive line. Mason drew rave reviews during the summer, and he could be his team's No. 1 rushing option for the first time in his career. His value will be at least partially limited by his lack of receiving ability, especially with backfield mate Aaron Jones Sr. still on the roster for that exact purpose. But with the Vikings hiring former Miami offensive coordinator Frank Smith to revamp their running game and bringing in Kyler Murray as a quarterback upgrade, Mason has 1,000-yard potential if given good health. As the favorite to also earn goal-line work, he's RotoBaller's No. 33 running back going into Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Eli Stowers Questionable to Make his NFL Debut in Week 1
Philadelphia Eagles rookie second-round tight end Eli Stowers (hamstring) is listed as questionable to play in the Week 1 season opener on Sunday versus the division-rival Washington Commanders due to a hamstring injury, per the team. Stowers is up in the air for his NFL regular-season debut, but the fact that he was limited in all three practices this week should have him on the right side of questionable for Sunday's clash. Even if the former Vanderbilt tight end is active this weekend to take on Washington, fantasy managers should have him riding the bench in deeper leagues as the backup to Dallas Goedert to open his first NFL season. Right now, Stowers is rostered in only 1% of Yahoo leagues, and he will not become attractive on the waiver wire unless Goedert misses time with an injury in 2026.
Source: Philadelphia Eagles
Source: Philadelphia Eagles
Justin Jefferson Back To Previous Production In Week 1?
Wide receiver Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings is a clear WR1, as usual, when his team takes on the Green Bay Packers in Week 1 of the NFL season. The former All-Pro's 2025 season was a major letdown, albeit one that still included 1,000 yards receiving despite the Vikings bungling their quarterback room. Jefferson's fantasy value slipped as a result -- many managers saw him drop to the end of the first round or even into the second -- but he's in the prime of his career and playing on a revamped offense that now includes Kyler Murray at quarterback. Coming off a career-low two touchdowns, the former LSU standout looks primed for a bounceback season. His past four meetings against Green Bay have averaged 6.5 catches and 82 yards, presenting a decent matchup to start 2026 on the right foot. Jefferson is RotoBaller's No. 9 wide receiver in Week 1, making him a must-start in all formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Malik Davis Ruled Out With "Pretty Serious" Hip Injury
Dallas Cowboys backup running back Malik Davis (hip) suffered a hip injury in Friday's practice and has been ruled out for the Week 1 season opener on Sunday night against the division-rival New York Giants, according to Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News. Co-owner Stephen Jones said on 105.3 The Fan that Davis suffered a "pretty serious injury" on Friday that "could take him out for some period of time." It is an extremely tough break for Davis, who was going to get his shot as the primary RB2 in Dallas in 2026 after the team surprisingly cut both Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah in training camp. Now that Davis looks headed for an extended absence, fantasy managers who have Javonte Williams rostered may want to handcuff Emari Demercado to him to begin the regular season. Israel Abanikanda is the only other RB on the Cowboys' practice squad at the moment.
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Calvin Watkins
Source: The Dallas Morning News - Calvin Watkins
Jordan Addison A Possible Flex Play Against Packers
Wide receiver Jordan Addison should be considered a possible flex option in deeper formats for the Minnesota Vikings' season opener against Green Bay. The fourth-year receiver is coming off career lows in catches, yards, and touchdowns in 2025, but his low output was largely the byproduct of a season during which Minnesota started nine different offensive linemen and three quarterbacks, one of whom was an undrafted rookie. With Minnesota once again healthy up front and Kyler Murray now entrenched as the starter, Addison's fantasy output could soon look like it did earlier in his career. Addison's excellent 14.5 yards per catch mark last season still showed home run potential, so an increase in volume could bring him back to 2024, when he was the No. 20 PPR wide receiver. Addison is a classic high-risk flex play, but he has a decent matchup to begin the season. He's ranked as RotoBaller's No. 40 wide receiver in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
New Role Makes Jauan Jennings Difficult To Start In Week 1
Wide receiver Jauan Jennings' unknown volume should keep him in the background in most formats when he makes his Minnesota Vikings debut against the Green Bay Packers in Week 1. The veteran's fit with the Vikings is an interesting one. Jennings is coming off back-to-back solid fantasy years in which he was PPR WR24 and WR33, respectively, despite playing in the run-heavy system of the San Francisco 49ers. He's now in a Minnesota offense that has been very friendly to receivers, although he'll be sharing targets with All-Pro Justin Jefferson and another capable receiver in Jordan Addison. At the same time, the 6-foot-3 Jennings is an excellent complement to both Jefferson and Addison, and he gives Minnesota a dangerous third option, another red-zone weapon, and a dynamic run blocker. From a fantasy perspective, however, Jennings' secondary pass-catching role will be hard to rely upon from week to week. He starts the season as RotoBaller's WR68.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Chase McLaughlin Offers Strong Streaming Value in Week 1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Chase McLaughlin is attempting to kick his way into an extension this season. The 30-year-old is entering a contract year after spending each of the last three seasons in Tampa Bay. The past two seasons, McLaughlin has finished as a top-10 player at his position. Last year, McLaughlin struggled a bit more than in past seasons, connecting on 32-of-38 field goal attempts. He only missed one extra point attempt in 2025. McLaughlin has been a mostly reliable kicker, and the Bucs have a favorable matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals defense in Week 1. The expectation is that this will be a high-scoring game, which should result in plenty of work for McLaughlin. Fantasy managers who are seeking a streaming option for Week 1 should consider adding McLaughlin.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Cade Otton Has High-End TE2 Potential for Week 1
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton might be a sneaky option for fantasy managers this weekend. Otton heads into a favorable road matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, who were one of the worst defenses this past season. Otton might be asked to do more offensively than fantasy managers might think. The Bucs lost top wide receiver Mike Evans in free agency, and fellow wideout Jalen McMillan (knee) is doubtful for the season opener. Otton is entering his fifth season in Tampa Bay and has built good chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield. The 27-year-old has seen 80 or more targets over each of the last two seasons. Given the injuries and the matchup, Otton should offer high-end TE2 value for Week 1.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Tez Johnson Could See Expanded Role
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tez Johnson could be asked to step into a starting role in the season opener. Fellow wideout Jalen McMillan (knee) is considered doubtful for Sunday's opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. If he's out, Johnson figures to be next in line with rookie Ted Hurst III possibly seeing an expanded role as well. Johnson is coming off a decent rookie campaign where he secured five touchdowns across 16 games. Due to his lack of size, Johnson is normally used in a situational role, but he might be asked to start on Sunday. If he starts, Johnson could be viewed as a dart throw in deep leagues. The 24-year-old has excellent speed and is known for making some big plays for the Bucs last season. Fantasy managers in deep leagues should keep Johnson in mind if McMillan is unable to go this weekend.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
LeQuint Allen Jr. Questionable to Play in Season Opener
Jacksonville Jaguars running back LeQuint Allen Jr. (hip) is listed as questionable to play in the Week 1 season opener on Sunday at home against the visiting Cleveland Browns, according to team reporter Mia O'Brien. Allen did not practice on Wednesday before being limited on the field on both Thursday and Friday. While the third-string, pass-catching RB has a shot to suit up this weekend, the belief is that he will be sidelined for the start of the 2026 season. Even if the 22-year-old can suit up, he will not be a realistic starting option for fantasy managers after missing practice for three weeks before finally returning on Thursday. If Allen is inactive on Sunday, Ameer Abdullah would step into the RB3 role while looking for scraps behind co-starters Bhayshul Tuten and Chris Rodriguez Jr. Allen should only be stashed in much deeper point-per-reception leagues for RB depth.
Source: Mia O'Brien
Source: Mia O'Brien
