RADIO
James Cook III Carries RB1 Upside Into Week 1
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III returns to Houston after rushing for 116 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries against the Texans last November. Cook went on to lead the NFL with 1,621 rushing yards in 2025, averaging 5.2 yards per carry while scoring 12 times on the ground. He also caught 33 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns, giving him another path to production in a difficult Week 1 matchup. Houston allowed only 1,593 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns last season while holding opponents to 4.0 yards per carry. Cook's lead role remains secure, even with Ray Davis and Ty Johnson behind him, and Johnson enters the weekend questionable with a hamstring injury. RotoBaller ranks Cook RB11 for Week 1. His volume and big-play ability keep him in the low-end RB1 range despite the strength of Houston's front.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Josh Allen Brings Elite QB1 Ceiling to Houston Rematch
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen opens 2026 as RotoBaller's QB3 after another season built on elite dual-threat production. Allen threw for 3,668 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2025 while adding 579 rushing yards and 14 scores. Houston presents an immediate challenge. The Texans recorded 47 sacks last season and dropped Allen eight times in November's 23-19 loss, when he finished without a passing touchdown and threw two interceptions. Buffalo has since added DJ Moore to a group that already includes Khalil Shakir and Dalton Kincaid, giving Allen another proven option against a defense that allowed only 5.3 net yards per pass attempt in 2025. The matchup is difficult, but Allen's rushing floor and goal-line role keep him firmly among the elite QB1 options for Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Look For Solid Game From Jayden Reed In Week 1
Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said he wants to get his top three wide receivers on the field as much as possible this season, so Jayden Reed, Christian Watson, and Matthew Golden should all benefit from that. 26-year-old Jayden Reed should stand to gain from the positive time-share news and looks like a nice target for Week 1 and the matchup at Minnesota. The Vikings' top cornerbacks are Byron Murphy Jr. and Isaiah Rodgers. At 5-foot-11 and 187 pounds, Reed can line up on the outside or in the slot to create mismatches. With Jordan Love at quarterback, expect him to find Reed early and often in this game. All three receivers make for good plays, but Reed and Watson specifically. Last season, Reed caught just 19 of his 22 targets for 207 yards and one touchdown in seven regular-season games. Expect Reed to get this season off to another good start against the Vikings.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Tucker Kraft Agrees to Four-Year Extension with Packers
The Green Bay Packers and tight end Tucker Kraft have agreed to a contract extension, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. With Kraft's rookie contract set to expire after the 2026 season, the Packers were able to lock him in for four more years, with the contract now running through 2030. Rapoport reports that Kraft will average $19.66 million over the first three years, and the overall deal is a four-year contract worth $75 million, with a maximum value of $92 million. Kraft will receive a $26.5 million signing bonus. Kraft (knee) suffered a torn ACL last November, but is not on the injury report heading into a Week 1 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings. It is unclear if Kraft will be on any kind Of pitch count. Kraft ranks as RotoBaller's No. 5 tight end for Week 1.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Michael Mayer Cashes In On Contract Extension
The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a three-year contract extension with tight end Michael Mayer that is reportedly worth $45 million, with $30 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. The $15 million per year ranks fourth among current tight ends, according to Rapoport. Mayer will slide into the starting lineup after Brock Bowers is set to miss 1-2 weeks this season. Mayer played in 13 games last season and caught 35 passes on 50 targets for 328 yards and one touchdown. Mayer makes for a good play in week 1 as the Raiders take on the Miami Dolphins in a home matchup. The Notre Dame product will look to maximize his value after receiving a lucrative deal and show that he is worthy of being paid as the No. 4 tight end on an annual basis.
Source: Ian Rapoport
Source: Ian Rapoport
Isaac TeSlaa a Risky Deep-League Wide Receiver Option in Week 1
Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa had a strange rookie season in 2025. The 24-year-old logged just 16 catches and 27 targets across 17 games, but he averaged 14.9 yards per reception and scored six touchdowns on his limited looks. As a big-bodied wideout with excellent contested-catch ability, TeSlaa profiles as a downfield and red zone weapon. However, it may remain difficult for him to see consistent target volume as long as Lions wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams and tight end Sam LaPorta are healthy in 2026. In Week 1, TeSlaa and the Lions will host the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans featured a stingy pass defense last season, allowing the fifth-fewest total passing yards (3,336) and 12th-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.8) in the NFL. Detroit's offensive weapons around TeSlaa also enter the year fully healthy and ready to go. The second-year wideout carries some upside and is worth monitoring in deeper leagues, but fantasy managers should avoid starting TeSlaa in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jake Bates a Must-Start Kicker in Week 1
Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates put together a top-eight fantasy season in 2025, converting 27 out of his 34 field goal attempts and leading the NFL in both extra-point attempts (56) and makes (54). In their 2026 season opener, the Lions are set to host the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans was a mid-pack defense in terms of scoring in 2025, ranking 14th in the NFL in points allowed per game (22.5). However, the Lions enter the year nearly fully healthy on offense. On paper, Detroit could field one of the most dangerous scoring attacks in the league. Bates also won't have to deal with any weather conditions on Sunday while kicking inside the domed Ford Field. All in all, Bates profiles as a must-start kicker option in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jameson Williams a High-Upside WR2 Option in Week 1
Across 17 games in 2025, Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams recorded 65 catches for 1,117 yards and seven touchdowns on 102 targets. Williams got off to a slow start to the year, but he saw a significant uptick in target share after Lions tight end Sam LaPorta suffered a season-ending back injury in Week 10. LaPorta has returned heading into the 2026 season, which adds a layer of uncertainty to Williams' target outlook heading into the year. However, the 25-year-old drew positive reviews for his work in training camp, and his explosive ability down the field allows him to provide high-end fantasy production on a relatively low number of looks. In Week 1, Williams and the Lions will face a New Orleans Saints defense that allowed the fifth-fewest total passing yards (3,336) and 12th-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.8) in the NFL. Still, Williams should see his chances to make big plays in a Detroit passing game that forces defenses to protect against all areas of the field. Williams carries some risk, but he ultimately profiles as a solid WR2 option for fantasy managers in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sam LaPorta Looking to Kickstart Bounce-Back Campaign in Week 1
Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta had his 2025 campaign cut short after he suffered a season-ending back injury in Week 10. However, the 25-year-old is back to full health entering 2026 and profiles as a key piece in the potentially potent Lions passing attack. In Week 1, the Lions will host the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans fielded a strong pass defense in 2025, allowing the fifth-fewest total passing yards (3,336) and 12th-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.8) in the NFL. However, the team lost a key piece of its coverage unit against tight ends in linebacker Demario Davis, who signed with the New York Jets in free agency. Now that he's healthy, LaPorta has a chance to reclaim his status as the number two option in the Lions' passing game behind star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. All in all, LaPorta profiles as a solid TE1 option for fantasy managers in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Amon-Ra St. Brown a Must-Start Wide Receiver in Week 1
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has established himself as one of the most reliable pass-catchers in the NFL, recording three consecutive seasons with at least 115 catches, 1,250 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns. Entering 2026, St. Brown once again profiles to be the lead target-earner in a Lions passing game that projects to be a dangerous unit. In Week 1, Detroit will host the New Orleans Saints. The Saints fielded an underrated pass defense in 2025, allowing the fifth-fewest total passing yards (3,336) and 12th-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.8) in the NFL. However, the Lions' passing offense finished ranked third in total passing yards last season, and St. Brown projects as a strong bet to see 8-10 targets on Sunday. Heading into the season opener, St. Brown profiles as a high-end WR1 option for fantasy managers.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Trey McBride Kicks Off TE1 Campaign On Sunday
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride's success in 2025 made him not only the most productive player at his position, but one of the top receivers overall. McBride's 1,239 receiving yards ranked sixth in the NFL, and his 126 receptions trailed only league-leader Puka Nacua's 129. With Michael Wilson's rise in 2025 and Marvin Harrison Jr. healthy to start 2026, McBride might not reach the same season-long heights that he did last year, but he will still operate as Arizona's primary receiver and be a top option at tight end every week. His first game to make a mark is coming on Sunday against the Chargers. Los Angeles gave up the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2025, but McBride's role in the Cardinals' offense makes him a must-start in Week 1.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Jacob Saylors Remains a Stash-Worthy Running Back in Week 1
Entering 2026, Detroit Lions running back Jacob Saylors appears poised to open the year as his team's RB2 behind superstar back Jahmyr Gibbs. Saylors appeared in 16 games for Detroit in 2025 but saw most of his action on special teams, recording just 11 rushing yards on two carries. However, with Lions running back Isiah Pacheco (back, knee) on Injured Reserve, Saylors will likely be the one to spell Gibbs when he needs a breather early in the season. In Week 1, Saylors and the Lions will host the New Orleans Saints. The Saints were around league-average as a rush defense in 2025, ranking 19th in total rushing yards allowed (2,050). Still, while Saylors will likely see a few touches and some third-down snaps, he's unlikely to see a fantasy-relevant workload as long as Gibbs remains healthy. Saylors is worth rostering as a handcuff running back option, but fantasy managers should avoid starting him in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jahmyr Gibbs an Elite Running Back Option in Week 1
Entering 2026, Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs was widely viewed as the consensus 1.01 in fantasy drafts. The 24-year-old had a monster year in 2025, recording 1,839 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns on 320 touches across 17 games. Gibbs may be in line for an even larger role in the Lions' offense this season. The team traded away veteran running back David Montgomery over the offseason, and replacement RB2 Isiah Pacheco (knee, back) is on Injured Reserve to open 2026. In Week 1, Gibbs and the Lions will host the New Orleans Saints. The Saints fielded a decent run defense in 2025, allowing the sixth-fewest total rushing touchdowns (12) and ranking 19th in the NFL in total rushing yards allowed (2,050). However, New Orleans lost a big piece of its defensive line earlier this summer when defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (knee) went down with a torn ACL. Gibbs should see plenty of touches as both a rusher and a receiver in Week 1 and profiles as a high-end RB1 option for fantasy managers against the Saints.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Wilson Looking To Follow Breakout Season With Strong Start To 2026
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Michael Wilson broke out in 2025, recording 78 catches for 1,006 yards and seven touchdowns on 126 targets. His efforts during Marvin Harrison's injury-related absences were recently rewarded with a three-year, $75 million contract extension. Such a substantial investment suggests a potential changing of the guard at the top of the depth chart, but that can't be taken for granted now that Harrison is healthy. We will get our first look at how the receiving work will be divided in Sunday's season opener against the Chargers. With Jeremiyah Love (ankle) a game-time decision and Arizona a nine-point underdog, it is fair to assume the team will lean into the pass, in which case Wilson should see enough targets to be a viable fantasy option. Given the uncertainty of his role relative to Harrison, both receivers can be expected to eat into each other's work, making Wilson no more than a WR3 candidate in Week 1.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Jared Goff a Low-End QB1 Option in Week 1
Across 17 games in 2025, Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff completed 68.0% of his pass attempts for 4,564 yards, 34 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Goff has consistently led potent Lions' passing attacks in recent years, recording three consecutive seasons with at least 4,500 passing yards and 30 touchdown passes. Entering 2026, Detroit has once again assembled a formidable group of offensive weapons around Goff. In Week 1, the Lions will host the New Orleans Saints. New Orleans fielded a fairly formidable passing defense in 2025, allowing the fifth-fewest total passing yards (3,336) and 12th-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.8) in the NFL. Still, Goff has all his top pass-catchers healthy to start the season and has traditionally provided fantasy managers with a very high production floor when playing at home. In Week 1 against New Orleans, Goff profiles as a low-end fantasy QB1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
