February 22, 2026
Washington Commanders wide receiver
Luke McCaffrey (collarbone) had been ascending into a larger role on offense before suffering a season-ending injury in Week 9. McCaffrey suffered a broken collarbone on a kickoff return, ending his season roughly halfway through the year. He only had 11 catches at the time, as most of his contributions had come on special teams. However, he had started to take on more volume just prior to the injury. From Week 3 through Week 8, McCaffrey had 10 catches, 184 yards, and three touchdowns. He ranked as the overall WR42 in PPR leagues during that six-week span. Once the former third-round pick out of Rice recovers from his injury, he'll have a chance to compete for even more targets in this Commanders offense led by new offensive coordinator
David Blough.
Terry McLaurin remains the top pass-catcher in Washington, but veteran wide receiver
Deebo Samuel Sr. and veteran tight end
Zach Ertz (knee) are both headed for free agency. There are plenty of vacated targets to go around, and while the Commanders will surely add pass-catchers in the draft and free agency, McCaffrey might get first dibs on the lion's share of those targets because of his experience and familiarity within the Washington system.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 22, 2026
Detroit Lions quarterback
Jared Goff had another strong season in 2025, completing 68% of his passes for 4,563 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He also lost five fumbles. Goff ranked as the overall QB9 in fantasy football, delivering his fourth consecutive top-10 finish. The Lions dealt with a lot of adversity last season, including the departure of superstar offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and Detroit ultimately missed the playoffs. However, from a fantasy perspective, Goff appeared unaffected. He turned in his lowest interception total since 2022, though his increased fumble total wasn't ideal. Part of Goff's fantasy success can be attributed to the superstar group of offensive weapons around him, but he deserves plenty of credit, too. The veteran quarterback has learned how to protect the football while still making aggressive passes that rack up yards or result in a touchdown. Goff doesn't have the rushing upside that makes so many fantasy quarterbacks great, but his talent as a passer keeps him in the top-10 range for 2026 redraft leagues. Dynasty managers might consider selling high on Goff, because he is a candidate for regression over the next few seasons, even if it doesn't happen right away.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 22, 2026
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback
Baker Mayfield had a very disappointing 2025 season. Just one year removed from ranking as the fantasy QB4 with 44 touchdowns, the former first-round pick responded with just 3,693 passing yards, 27 total touchdowns, and 14 turnovers. He ranked as the QB12 in fantasy football, which was his lowest mark since 2022 with the Panthers and Rams. Wide receiver injuries and poor coaching could be to blame, as the Bucs' entire offense struggled in their first year without Liam Coen. Tampa Bay fired their Coen replacement, offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, after just one year, replacing him with Zac Robinson for 2026. It's unclear how much that will change, but Mayfield is certainly a candidate for positive regression (bouncing back to top-10 form) next year. He's worth buying low in dynasty leagues if his current manager is looking to sell at a discount.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 22, 2026
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Ja'Marr Chase had another strong season in 2025. While he wasn't able to replicate his WR1 finish from 2024, he still had a big year with 125 catches, 1,412 yards, and eight touchdowns across 16 games. He was the WR4 in PPR leagues, extending his streak to five consecutive finishes within the top 12. It was impressive to see Chase thrive even without
Joe Burrow throwing him passes for the whole season. He spent plenty of games with
Joe Flacco and
Jake Browning, which limited his upside on a week-by-week basis. That partial-season quarterback downgrade is likely why Chase only scored eight touchdowns, relative to his 17 from the year before. Burrow's health is never a guarantee, but if the quarterback can stay healthy for most of 2026, Chase and fellow receiver
Tee Higgins should both benefit. He's still a top-three receiver with overall WR1 upside in both redraft and dynasty leagues. If there's ever a time to get him at a slight discount in dynasty trades, it might be now.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 22, 2026
Buffalo Bills wide receiver
Joshua Palmer (ankle) didn't quite live up to expectations during his first season with the team. After four years with the Los Angeles Chargers, Palmer inked a three-year deal with the Bills. He played 12 games last season, catching a modest 22 passes for 303 yards. This was also the first season in which he failed to score a touchdown. Palmer finished the year as the overall WR106 in PPR leagues, setting a new career-worst mark. He also ended up on injured reserve with an ankle injury before the Bills' first playoff game. As much as Buffalo did a good job spreading the ball around this year, Palmer was not a main beneficiary. That's unlikely to change much going forward, given that the Bills don't have many wide receiver free agents.
Brandin Cooks and
Gabe Davis (knee) will hit the open market, but key pass-catchers like
Khalil Shakir,
Keon Coleman, and
Tyrell Shavers are returning. Plus, we wouldn't be surprised to see the Bills add more wide receiver starpower via the draft or free agency under new head coach Joe Brady. Palmer can be dropped in many dynasty leagues, and he's not a reasonable draft target in redraft formats.
--Andersen PickardSource: RotoBaller
February 22, 2026
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver
Rondale Moore has passed away at 25 years old, according to Ahmad Hicks of FOX9. His death is under investigation, but law enforcement officials said they found Moore in a garage with a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound. Moore entered the NFL as a second-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in 2021. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, catching 54 passes for 435 yards and a touchdown. He posted similar numbers over his next two years in Arizona. He was traded to the Atlanta Falcons prior to the 2024 season, but ultimately missed the entire year due to a knee injury that he suffered in training camp. One year later, during a preseason game with the Vikings, he suffered another season-ending knee injury, forcing him out for the entire 2025 campaign. He was scheduled to enter unrestricted free agency next month.
--Andersen PickardSource: Ahmad Hicks
February 21, 2026
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Dallas Cowboys are signing running back
Javonte Williams to a three-year, $24 million extension. Williams was set to become a free agent after signing a one-year deal with the Cowboys last offseason, but will now look to remain in Dallas for the next three seasons. With the Cowboys, Williams turned in a career season, totaling 1,201 yards with 11 rushing scores, both of which set career-highs. Through the air, Williams brought in 35 passes for another 137 yards and two touchdowns. He posted a stellar 4.8 YPC, a massive jump from the 3.7 YPC he averaged during the 2024 season with the Denver Broncos. Fantasy managers should expect Williams to maintain high-end RB2 upside playing in one of the most potent offensive units in the sport, which will continue to provide him with elite scoring opportunities.
--Andy SmithSource: Ian Rapoport
February 21, 2026
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver
Quentin Johnston got off to a scalding start to the 2025 season and looked to be on his way to a breakout campaign. Across the first four games of the year, Johnston recorded 22 catches for 339 yards and four touchdowns on 37 targets. However, the 24-year-old cooled off the rest of the way and finished the year with just 51 receptions for 735 yards and eight scores on 84 targets across 14 games played. Los Angeles has moved on from former offensive coordinator Greg Roman in favor of former Miami Dolphins head coach and play-caller Mike McDaniel, which could help the entire offense unlock a new level of production. Additionally, veteran Chargers wideout
Keenan Allen is set to hit free agency, although he's publicly stated a desire to remain with the team. Johnston could surpass Allen on the target pecking order in Los Angeles, but he may also feel pressure from wide receiver
Tre' Harris, whom the Chargers selected in the second round of the 2025 draft. Johnston still carries fantasy upside, and the shifting environment in Los Angeles may end up working in his favor. However, Johnston may ultimately end up profiling similarly to what he has shown in his NFL career to this point, which is a boom/bust fantasy WR3 at best.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 21, 2026
Across 15 games in 2025, Cincinnati Bengals running back
Samaje Perine recorded 469 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 101 touches. The veteran back has established himself as a quality pass-blocker and capable RB2 over the course of his nine-year NFL career. That's the role Perine played alongside Bengals RB1
Chase Brown in 2025, and with both backs under contract for 2026, Cincinnati appears likely to run it back next season. Without an injury to Brown, Perine carries limited fantasy upside. Even if Brown were to miss time, it's possible the Bengals would look to bring in a more dynamic rusher and keep Perine in a secondary role. While Perine has recorded at least 400 scrimmage yards in five straight seasons, he hasn't topped the 700-yard mark since his rookie year in 2017 and has logged just 19 touchdowns in 125 career NFL games. Perine's fantasy ceiling is uninspiring as he hits the late stages of his career.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 21, 2026
Across 13 games in 2025, Arizona Cardinals running back
Emari Demercado recorded 413 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown on 57 touches. Demercado opened the year as the RB3 in Arizona behind
James Conner (ankle) and
Trey Benson (knee). However, Conner suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 3, and Benson went down for the year with a knee ailment in Week 4. Despite the injuries ahead of him, Demercado was unable to carve out a lead role in Arizona and ended up splitting playing time with running backs
Michael Carter and
Bam Knight. Demercado is now set to hit restricted free agency, so there is no guarantee he will be back with the Cardinals in 2026. Even if he gets a new contract in Arizona, it seems clear that the team views him as a complementary piece. The Cardinals should also get Benson back in time for the start of next season, and could look to add more talent in either free agency or the draft. In dynasty formats, Demercado may no longer be worth rostering after his underwhelming 2025 showing.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 21, 2026
A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Carolina Panthers running back
Trevor Etienne played a minimal role on offense in his rookie year. Across 17 games, the 21-year-old recorded 107 yards from scrimmage on just 23 touches. Etienne spent the entire year buried on the depth chart behind veteran Panthers backs
Chuba Hubbard and
Rico Dowdle. Dowdle is a free agent heading into 2026 and may not return to Carolina. However, the Panthers may be getting back 2024 second-round running back
Jonathon Brooks (knee), who missed the entirety of 2025 while rehabbing from a torn ACL. Even if Dowdle signs elsewhere and Brooks' injury issues continue, Etienne did little as a rookie to prove he should be part of Carolina's long-term plans. Depending on league size and format, Etienne may not be worth stashing on dynasty rosters after his underwhelming 2025 campaign.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 21, 2026
Across 16 games in 2025, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver
Kendrick Bourne recorded 37 receptions for 551 yards on 53 targets. A significant chunk of Bourne's production came in a two-game stretch in Weeks 5 and 6, when he hauled in 15 receptions for 284 yards on 20 targets. As the 49ers' pass-catching corps got healthier in the later part of the season, Bourne's role faded out of fantasy relevance. Bourne is now set to hit free agency ahead of 2026, which will be his age-31 season. Fellow 49ers wideout
Jauan Jennings is also a free agent, and star San Francisco tight end
George Kittle (Achilles) could miss a chunk of 2026 with a torn Achilles tendon. As a result, a return to San Francisco could mean Bourne has a role in the team's passing game, especially early in the year. However, the veteran wideout's best days appear to be behind him, and he may not play a fantasy-relevant role in 2026 and beyond.
--Will BradySource: RotoBaller
February 21, 2026
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver
Jaxon Smith-Njigba isn't in a rush to sign a new deal after winning Super Bowl LX, but the 2025 Offensive Player of the Year did say that he thinks he deserves to "be the highest-paid in my position," according to ESPN's Brady Henderson. It would mean an extension worth more than $40 million in new-money average. The Seahawks can exercise a fifth-year option on the former first-rounder's contract by May 1, but they plan to work out a new deal with JSN this offseason. The 24-year-old picked a great time to have the best year of his career, setting a franchise record and leading the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards despite the fact that the Seahawks ran the ball more than any other team. Smith-Njigba also had 10 touchdowns and went for 199 yards and two touchdowns in three playoff games. He finished second to only
Puka Nacua in overall fantasy points in 2025 and will surely be a first-round fantasy selection in drafts this fall.
--Keith HernandezSource: ESPN.com - Brady Henderson
February 20, 2026
The Miami Dolphins have a new front office and coaching staff and are looking to get younger heading into the 2026 season. The NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe reports that plenty of teams will be eager to talk to Miami to see which players they might be willing to trade. We already know that the Dolphins want to try to trade quarterback
Tua Tagovailoa, but Wolfe says that they prefer not to get rid of running back
De'Von Achane and wide receiver
Jaylen Waddle, two of their top offensive playmakers. Achane was by far the team's most consistent offensive player in 2025, finishing as the RB6 in half-PPR scoring thanks to a career-high 1,350 rushing yards and eight TDs on 238 carries. He also had 67 receptions for 488 yards and four more scores. Waddle fell short of 1,000 receiving yards for the second straight year, but he bounced back with 910 yards and six TDs on 64 catches. Despite questions at QB and with a new coaching staff, the Dolphins should continue to lean heavily on both Achane and Waddle in 2026 if they stick around.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
February 20, 2026
Tennessee Titans quarterback
Cameron Ward (shoulder) is "recovering well" from his right-shoulder AC sprain that he suffered in the Week 18 regular-season finale, according to Cameron Wolfe of the NFL Network. Ward has been working with the team's quarterbacks coach on his lower body, and the plan is for him to resume throwing the football in March. Before he resumes throwing, the Titans want to work on the former first overall pick's base after he picked up some bad habits in his rookie season. The 23-year-old is excited to work with new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and believes he'll allow him to be the playmaker he was in college at the University of Miami. Wolfe says that Daboll and Ward hit it off during the pre-draft process last year, and Daboll tried to trade up to get Ward as the Giants' head coach. Time will tell if Daboll will help in Ward's development. He predictably struggled in Year 1 in a Tennessee offense without many high-end weapons. Going into Year 2, Ward will be a low-end QB2 target in fantasy with upside.
--Keith HernandezSource: NFL Network - Cameron Wolfe
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