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Trey McBride Delivers As Cardinals' Leading Receiver
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride started 2026 on the right foot, catching nine passes for 95 yards and a touchdown on 13 targets against the Chargers on Sunday. Wide receivers Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr. kept the Chargers' secondary occupied downfield, which gave McBride room to do damage underneath and in the flats. McBride's touchdown came early in the fourth quarter and made it a two-possession ballgame. It was the tight end's 17th end-zone target in the 11 games he has played since Jacoby Brissett took over as Arizona's starting quarterback, matching the 17 he had in his previous 54 games. His emergence as a regular scoring threat could take his production to new highs. In Week 2, he will face the Seahawks, who held New England's Hunter Henry to 26 yards but allowed a touchdown to backup tight end Eli Raridon in the NFL's season opener.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Isiah Pacheco to Miss "Significant Amount of Time" After Back Surgery
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that running back Isiah Pacheco (back) underwent back surgery and that he is going to be out "a significant amount of time," according to Nolan Bianchi of The Detroit News. The Lions said last week that they did not have a clear timetable for Pacheco's return after he was placed on Injured Reserve to begin the 2026 season. The 27-year-old will have to miss at least the first four games of the year, but Campbell's statement on Monday means that Pacheco will likely be out for much longer. In the Lions' 31-30 win over the New Orleans Saints on Sunday in the Week 1 season opener, Sione Vaki served as the RB2 behind Jahmyr Gibbs and rushed only two times for seven yards, adding a catch on his only target for a gain of 11 yards. In addition to Vaki, Jacob Saylors will provide the Lions with RB depth behind Gibbs for as long Pacheco is sidelined. Pacheco's case for an IR stash is not very strong after two straight injury-plagued seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs before joining the Lions in free agency back in March. He is now rostered in only 20% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Detroit News - Nolan Bianchi
Source: The Detroit News - Nolan Bianchi
Tyler Shough a High-Upside Waiver-Wire Target Following Explosive Week 1
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough shook off a rough first half to post a monster performance in his team's Week 1 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions, completing 35 of 56 pass attempts for 410 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. Turnovers were an issue for Shough, as he also lost a fumble in addition to throwing the two picks. However, the 26-year-old nearly led his team all the way back from a 21-point deficit by leading touchdown drives on four of the Saints' final six possessions of the game. Shough was impressive down the stretch of the 2025 season after taking over as the Saints' QB1 in Week 9, throwing for over 1,300 yards and collecting eight total touchdowns over the team's final five games. If Week 1 is any indication, he could be in line for a year-2 breakout in 2026. Shough profiles as a must-start quarterback in two-QB formats, and he's worth targeting on the waiver wire in 12-team, single-QB fantasy leagues as well.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ladd McConkey Day-to-Day With Rib Injury, Week 2 Status in Question
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (rib) is dealing with a rib injury and is considered day-to-day, head coach Jim Harbaugh told Adam Schefter of ESPN. The Chargers say they want to see how McConkey feels this week before determining his availability for the Week 2 divisional clash against the Las Vegas Raiders. The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that McConkey's status is up in the air against the Raiders. McConkey's availability for this Sunday's game against the Raiders will likely come down to how much he can do in practice, so fantasy managers will want to keep a close eye on his status from Wednesday through Friday. It is ultimately good news for fantasy managers, but it does not mean that the 24-year-old former second-rounder from Georgia will be cleared to play in Week 2. Before injuring his rib on Sunday in the Week 1 season-opening loss to the Arizona Cardinals, McConkey caught five of seven targets for a team-high 82 yards and his first touchdown of the year. McConkey was primed for a rebound in the 2026 campaign going into Week 1 in new coordinator Mike McDaniel's scheme before injuring his rib. If McConkey cannot play this weekend, Quentin Johnston and Tre' Harris would be in line to serve as quarterback Justin Herbert's top wideout options.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Adonai Mitchell an Intriguing Waiver-Wire Target
New York Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell had a highly efficient day in his team's Week 1 win over the Tennessee Titans, hauling in all three of his targets for 60 receiving yards. While Mitchell's target volume might be a bit underwhelming, it's worth noting that Jets quarterback Geno Smith attempted only 24 passes in a game where New York held a double-digit lead for most of the second half. Jets rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. (ankle) may also be set to miss time with a sprained ankle, which could lead to Mitchell and star Jets wideout Garrett Wilson seeing a highly concentrated target share going forward. Mitchell has been an explosive player so far in his career, averaging 14 yards per reception through his first 34 NFL games. If he continues to play a prominent role in the Jets passing game, he could be a breakout candidate worth targeting on deeper-league waiver wires.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Malachi Fields a Deep-League Stash Option After Heavy Week 1 Snap Share
New York Giants rookie wide receiver Malachi Fields did not have a huge statistical day in his team's Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys, recording two catches for 25 yards on four targets. However, the 23-year-old was on the field for 72% of his team's offensive snaps, by far the most of any Giants wide receiver. New York has a clear WR1 in Malik Nabers, who played just 52% of the snaps in his first game back from the knee injury that ended his 2025 season. Still, if Fields can secure the WR2 spot in New York, he could eventually see consistent target volume on a week-to-week basis. Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart completed 79.3% of his pass attempts for 230 yards and three touchdowns in Week 1, which should give fantasy managers some added faith in the overall health of the team's passing game. Given his season-long upside, Fields profiles as a worthy stash candidate in deeper league formats coming out of Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ryan Flournoy Remains a Worthy Stash Candidate Despite Quiet Week 1
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy had a quiet game in his team's Week 1 loss to the New York Giants, recording two catches for 22 yards on four targets. However, Flournoy proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is the WR3 in Dallas, as he was on the field for 71% of his team's offensive snaps on Sunday. As long as star Cowboys wideouts CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens remain healthy, Flournoy may be hard-pressed to provide consistent fantasy production. Still, the 26-year-old would immediately jump into a fantasy-relevant role if either Lamb or Pickens were to get injured. Flournoy may hold some standalone upside as well in what projects to be a high-volume Cowboys passing attack. In deeper fantasy leagues, Flournoy profiles as a worthy stash candidate to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kendrick Bourne a Deep-League Waiver-Wire Target
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Kendrick Bourne was heavily featured in his team's season-opening win over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, recording eight catches for 75 yards on eight targets. The veteran wide receiver is in his first season with the Cardinals after recording 37 catches for 551 yards across 16 games with the San Francisco 49ers in 2025. Bourne was expected to play a complementary role in Arizona, but he out-targeted Cardinals wideouts Michael Wilson and Marvin Harrison Jr. in Week 1. That trend may be unlikely to continue going forward, and Arizona also has superstar tight end Trey McBride to get the ball to in the passing game. The Cardinals' schedule is unfavorable in Week 2 as well, as they will host the Seattle Seahawks. Still, Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett was one of the highest-volume passers in the NFL on a per-game basis last season, and he attempted 37 passes against the Chargers. In deeper fantasy leagues, Bourne could be a useful depth piece to target on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rashid Shaheed's Quiet Opener Creates a Waiver Opportunity
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed gave fantasy managers almost nothing in Week 1, catching one pass for four yards in a 13-10 win over New England. The night changed quickly when Sam Darnold injured his hip on Seattle's opening possession and Drew Lock took over, but Shaheed's disappearing act still can't be ignored. It does create an interesting waiver window. Seattle traded fourth- and fifth-round picks for Shaheed last November, signed him to a multi-year deal in March, and spent the summer discussing a larger offensive role after he caught only 15 passes for 188 yards in nine games with the team last season. That role certainly didn't show up in the opener. Darnold is also expected to miss Week 2, leaving Lock likely to start at Arizona and adding another layer of uncertainty. Shaheed remains one of the league's better big-play threats, though, and Seattle has invested enough in him to warrant patience. He is worth stashing in 12-team leagues, but he shouldn't be treated as a priority claim or trusted in Week 2 lineups yet.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Denzel Boston a Solid Waiver-Wire Target After Encouraging NFL Debut
Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston was one of his team's few bright spots in a 34-10 Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 22-year-old recorded two catches for 59 yards and a touchdown on four targets. As long as quarterback Deshaun Watson remains the starter in Cleveland, it will be difficult for fantasy managers to have a great deal of trust in the Browns' passing game. Still, Boston led his team in receiving yards and finished tied for second in targets in his first NFL game. He also showed off his explosive ability with a 46-yard touchdown catch against the Jaguars, proving that he may still be able to provide fantasy production in an inefficient Cleveland offense. For his season-long upside, Boston profiles as a logical waiver wire target in fantasy leagues with 12 or more teams.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ja'Kobi Lane Getting Second and Third Opinions on Fractured Wrist
The Baltimore Sun's Sam Cohn says that Baltimore Ravens rookie wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane (wrist) might be out a bit longer since he is getting second and third opinions on his fractured wrist this week. Lane's timetable for a return is unclear right now, but fantasy managers who have him rostered in deeper leagues should be expecting a multi-week absence at the very least. It is unfortunate timing for the 22-year-old from USC, who had opened his first NFL season as Baltimore's WR2 behind Zay Flowers (hamstring) after a strong training camp and preseason. In his NFL debut in the Week 1 season-opening win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, the third-rounder caught just one of his three targets for 11 yards before fracturing his wrist. With Flowers up in the air to play in Week 2 versus the New Orleans Saints, veteran Rashod Bateman and rookie Elijah Sarratt, who was a healthy inactive in Week 1, could be in line for much bigger roles in the Ravens' passing attack. Lane is currently rostered in 18% of Yahoo leagues.
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Sam Cohn
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Sam Cohn
Brock Bowers Now Considered Day-to-Day
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) is now considered day-to-day after undergoing a meniscus trim last week, according to Adam Schefter. Head coach Klint Kubiak gave the update Monday, which is another good sign after Bowers missed Sunday's opener against Miami. Schefter reported over the weekend that the Raiders believed Bowers had a realistic chance to return in Week 2, but he still has work to do before that happens. Bowers did not practice at all last week before being ruled out. The Raiders visit the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, so his participation over the next few days should give fantasy managers a much better idea of where things stand. Michael Mayer handled the larger role in Bowers' absence and caught six of seven targets for 32 yards. He remains the fallback option if Bowers needs another week, but the day-to-day label keeps a Week 2 return firmly in play.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Michael Penix Jr. Might Not be Ready for Week 2
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) was ruled out for the Week 1 season-opening loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, and the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport says that it might be "a bit too early" for Penix to be ready to make his 2026 season debut in Week 2 against the division-rival Carolina Panthers. The Falcons clearly view Penix as their man under center this year, but only when he is fully recovered from the partial ACL tear in his knee that he suffered late in 2025. Tua Tagovailoa (oblique), who was brought in this offseason in free agency as an insurance option for Penix, was slated to start in Week 1 against the Steelers before injuring his oblique in practice last Thursday and eventually being ruled out. Veteran backup Cooper Rush made the start on Sunday and predictably struggled, throwing for 143 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. If Tagovailoa cannot go in Week 2 against Carolina, Rush could be forced into a second straight start for Atlanta. It sounds like a more realistic date for Penix's 2026 season debut could come on Thursday, Sept. 24, at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Keaton Mitchell's Week 1 Role Makes Him a Strong Stash
Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell didn't do much with his four carries in Sunday's 26-14 loss to Arizona, finishing with nine yards. His place in the backfield was more interesting than the production. Mitchell was the only Chargers running back besides Omarion Hampton to record a carry after entering Week 1 listed alongside Kimani Vidal for the backup job. The team's current depth chart now has Mitchell second and Vidal third. Hampton remains firmly in control after handling 12 carries and scoring a touchdown, so Mitchell isn't someone to put into fantasy lineups against Las Vegas this week. There is still plenty to like as a stash. Los Angeles signed Mitchell to a multi-year deal in March after he averaged 6.3 yards per carry over three seasons in Baltimore, and Week 1 offered an early indication that he may have the inside track on the No. 2 role. In 12-team leagues, Mitchell is worth grabbing now and keeping on the bench rather than waiting for his workload to grow.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Zay Flowers Considered "Day-to-Day" With Hamstring Injury
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (hamstring) is "day-to-day" with the hamstring injury that knocked him out of the Week 1 season-opening win over the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, head coach Jesse Minter told Sam Cohn of The Baltimore Sun. Before leaving the game on Sunday, the 26-year-old Flowers caught five of his six targets for 150 yards and his first touchdown of the 2026 season in the eventual 41-23 victory. Rookie Ja'Kobi Lane (wrist) also left with a fractured wrist, and Devontez Walker (groin) was inactive. If Flowers is limited or out for a Week 2 contest against the New Orleans Saints, the Ravens' offense could be down to veteran Rashod Bateman and rookie Elijah Sarratt, who was a healthy inactive in the season opener, as their top options at wideout. Flowers' left-hamstring injury is not considered serious, but fantasy managers should draw up some backup plans this weekend, just in case. Check back on Wednesday for Flowers' practice status ahead of this Sunday's game against New Orleans.
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Sam Cohn
Source: The Baltimore Sun - Sam Cohn
