RADIO
Mike Vrabel Offers No Reaction to The Athletic's Internal Review
Asked on Thursday about his reaction to The Athletic's internal review of his relationship with reporter Dianna Russini, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters, "No, I don't have any reaction. We're moved on and focused on Seattle and focused on the Patriots and focused on getting better this week." The investigation concluded that Russini violated The Athletic's conflict-of-interest rules by failing to disclose her relationship with Vrabel, but no clear evidence was found that she used her platform to promote Vrabel or help his teams. Asked if he feels the situation is now fully behind him, Vrabel reiterated, "[I'll] try to just say that I've moved on, and excited about this new opportunity here as we start this season." The Patriots open the 2026 season with a Wednesday night primetime rematch with the defending Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks on September 9.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
RJ Harvey has Value in PPR Leagues in Passing Role
Denver Broncos second-year running back RJ Harvey could be a key part of the team's passing game in 2026, according to Jon Heath of Broncos Wire. After the Broncos took Harvey in the second round last year out of Central Florida, the 25-year-old took on a huge role after J.K. Dobbins' season-ending foot injury and finished with 540 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns on 146 carries in 17 regular-season games, adding 47 receptions on 58 targets for 356 yards and another five TDs. His receiving skills were evident when he took a pass from quarterback Bo Nix for 21 yards and a touchdown last week. "That's where you felt the initial impact," head coach Sean Payton said of Harvey's receiving ability, "and you saw marks of that in college, and you also saw him as a runner. He's having a good camp in both areas [rushing and receiving], but it's certainly a strength of his." Denver's three-back rotation this year of Dobbins, Harvey, and rookie Jonah Coleman will limit Harvey's overall fantasy upside, but he still qualifies as a sleeper flex option in point-per-reception leagues in a Broncos offense that could be much more explosive in 2026.
Source: Broncos Wire - Jon Heath
Source: Broncos Wire - Jon Heath
An Improved Surrounding Cast Only Strengthens Josh Allen's QB1 Case
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has finished no lower than the QB2 in six consecutive seasons, making a strong claim to the greatest fantasy quarterback of all time while racking up four overall QB1 finishes over that span. With the addition of wide receiver DJ Moore and the potential return to health of tight end Dalton Kincaid, Allen could find himself leading one of Buffalo's most complete offenses in years, creating the possibility of another 4,000-yard passing campaign after falling short of that mark in each of the past two seasons. With one of the safest rushing floors the league has ever known and the potential of a vintage passing ceiling, it should come as no surprise that Allen ranks as RotoBaller's QB1 and stands alone as the only player at the position routinely going in the first two rounds of 2026 single-quarterback drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cade Otton a Potential Early-Season Streamer
Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has rarely flashed for fantasy since coming into the league as a fourth-round pick in 2022, but he has reliably done what's been asked of him, and with the Buccaneers opening the season with a receiver room at less than full strength, he could again be asked to step up. Emeka Egbuka (toe) and Jalen McMillan (knee) have both been dealing with lingering injuries, putting their Week 1 availability in question. Even if both should suit up for the Buccaneers' season-opener against the Bengals, they could each face a snap count of sorts, providing Otton with a pathway to heavier involvement and an increased target share. Cracking the top 15 of the position four times in 2025, Otton has become a prototypical streamer, and although he ranks as RotoBaller's TE24 for 2026, he has the opportunity to re-enter that conversation straight out of the gate, making him a potentially usable piece early in the year.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Drake Maye's Growth Has Stood Out to His Head Coach
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye came one vote away from winning the MVP Award in his first full season as a starter, and head coach Mike Vrabel has seen notable improvements since he took over the team in 2025. In speaking with reporters on Thursday about Maye's growth, Vrabel pointed out, "More comfort in what we're doing. More command. More understanding." Maye threw for 4,394 yards and 31 touchdowns to only eight interceptions, adding 450 yards and four scores on the ground on his way to a QB2 finish, and the Patriots spent the offseason improving his offensive line and pass-catchers, most notably adding receivers A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, both of whom have reportedly established a quick rapport with the 24-year-old signal-caller. Questions about how much a historically easy schedule played into Maye's success have lingered throughout the offseason, particularly after a significant postseason dropoff, but an improved offensive environment could serve to raise a fantasy ceiling that was already among the highest in the league, making him a potential value at RotoBaller's QB6.
Source: Mark Daniels
Source: Mark Daniels
Jadarian Price Set for an Important Early-Season Role
The Seattle Seahawks selected Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price with the final pick of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, filling one of their only obvious needs after retaining 20 of 22 starters from their Super Bowl-winning squad. With Veteran Zach Charbonnet (knee) beginning the year on the Physically Unable to Perform list after tearing his ACL in last year's Divisional Round win over the 49ers, Price is well-positioned to begin the year in something close to the every-down role last held by Kenneth Walker III, who averaged 139 yards and more than a touchdown per game during a three-game postseason run that resulted in a Super Bowl MVP Award. Price's biggest competition for touches early in the year will come from George Holani and Emanuel Wilson, two players who started a combined two games in 2025 and lack the rookie's upside. As RotoBaller's RB22, Price has week-winning potential to begin the year and the opportunity to lock down the Seahawks' primary running back spot, making him a player to target in the early-middle rounds of drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Cardinals, Michael Wilson Agree on Three-Year Extension
The Arizona Cardinals reached an agreement on Wednesday with standout wide receiver Michael Wilson on a three-year extension that keeps him in Arizona through the 2029 season, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. Financial terms of the extension were not disclosed by Schefter. Wilson is expected to sign the deal on Thursday. The 26-year-old earned a new deal after setting career highs across the board in his third NFL season in 2025 in catches (78), targets (126), receiving yards (1,006), and touchdowns (seven) in 17 games played for the Cardinals. The former third-rounder in 2023 from Stanford took advantage of Arizona's pass-happy offense under former coordinator Drew Petzing, and he also benefited from Marvin Harrison Jr. missing time due to various injuries. But Wilson proved last year that he can thrive in a bigger role in the Cardinals' passing attack, and he developed valuable chemistry with veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett, who is still around. The offense should be more balanced under new head coach Mike LaFleur, but even with some regression baked into his profile, Wilson is an attractive WR4/flex target for fantasy managers in 2026.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Zay Flowers Dressed for Thursday's Practice
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (lower body) is dressed for practice on Thursday, according to Cordell Woodland of 105.7 The Fan. It will be Flowers' first practice since the team's joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings. The 25-year-old did some sprinting off to the side during Wednesday's practice, but now he is ready to rejoin the rest of the team for the first time in a week. His lower-body injury has never appeared to be serious, so as long as he does not suffer a setback going into practices next week, Flowers should be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, Sept. 13. Flowers is coming off a second straight Pro Bowl appearance and second straight 1,000-yard receiving season in 2025, catching 86 of his 118 targets for a career-high 1,211 yards and five touchdowns in 17 starts. In half-PPR scoring, he was the WR7 overall, which was quite impressive when considering the down year that quarterback Lamar Jackson had. In a new offense that could be beneficial for his volume, Flowers has a clear path to WR1 utility again in 2026, and RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 14 player at his position.
Source: 105.7 The Fan - Cordell Woodland
Source: 105.7 The Fan - Cordell Woodland
Malik Willis' Passing Progress Raises His Fantasy Ceiling
Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis already had the rushing ability to make himself interesting in fantasy. What happened in August gave managers a little more reason to trust the rest of his game. Miami's own camp reports repeatedly pointed to Willis processing faster and getting the football out on time, with some of his best work coming late in the summer. He produced multiple explosive throws on Aug. 17, looked sharp and in rhythm during practice a week later, then closed camp with a three-play stretch that produced three touchdowns. Willis also handled his only preseason drive well, completing four of five passes for 43 yards while leading Miami 93 yards for a touchdown against Washington. The receiving corps remains a concern, and one strong camp doesn't erase how little starting experience Willis has. His legs provide a useful fallback after he rushed for 123 yards and two scores in limited action last season. RotoBaller now has Willis at QB20. The passing progress makes that late-round gamble a lot easier to see paying off.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Joe Burrow Thinks This Year's Bengals Team is "Different"
Speaking on teammate Ja'Marr Chase's new podcast, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow said he is extremely optimistic about the 2026 season and has high hopes for the team, according to Kevin Patra of NFL.com. "I just want to win this year," Burrow said. "I just want to win. The rest will take care of itself. I think we'll break a bunch of records eventually, but I think we're going to have a really good team that has a chance to win every game that we step foot on the field for. I don't know about you, but I could really feel it in my bones, in my soul in OTAs this year -- different from years past." Burrow has also compared this Cincy squad to his 2019 LSU squad that won the national championship and has said he is "trying to manifest" another Super Bowl run. The 29-year-old three-time Pro Bowler is one of the few QBs who has top-five fantasy upside at the position strictly because of his arm and his elite pass-catching duo of Chase and Tee Higgins. As long as Burrow can stay healthy, he should bounce back as a high-end QB1 in fantasy football in 2026.
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra
Anthony Richardson Sr. Will be Colts' Backup QB
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced on Thursday that Anthony Richardson Sr. will be the team's No. 2 quarterback behind starter Daniel Jones to start the 2026 season, according to Stephen Holder of ESPN. Richardson requested a trade in the offseason, but the Colts did not end up moving him, and he will open the 2026 campaign as the direct backup to Jones, who is coming off a torn Achilles tendon late last season. The 24-year-old Richardson, the former fourth overall pick in 2023 from the University of Florida, beat out Riley Leonard for the QB2 job in training camp and the preseason. Richardson's rushing abilities are elite, but he has been injury-prone early in his career and has not developed as a passer the way the Colts hoped he would. Through 17 games (15 starts), Richardson posted a 50.6% completion percentage with 2,400 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. He added 115 carries for 634 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. While the 24-year-old's dynasty/keeper value has plummeted, he could quickly become attractive again for his rushing prowess if Jones goes down with another injury in 2026.
Source: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
Source: ESPN.com - Stephen Holder
Cam Skattebo Considered Retirement After Rookie Injury
New York Giants running back Cam Skattebo considered retirement after the serious injury that ended his rookie season. Skattebo said he had always told himself that suffering a major injury would be enough to make him stop playing football, but his thinking changed once he actually went through it. The 24-year-old dislocated his right ankle and fractured his fibula against Philadelphia last October, requiring surgery and ending his season after eight appearances. He had rushed for 410 yards and five touchdowns on 101 carries while adding 24 catches for 207 yards and two more scores. Skattebo ultimately decided he wasn't ready to walk away, and the long rehab has already brought him back to game action. He started New York's preseason opener in August and carried four times for 19 yards. After briefly wondering whether football was still worth it, Skattebo is now preparing for his second NFL season.
Source: Up & Adams
Source: Up & Adams
Omarion Hampton Set Up for Year 2 Breakout
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton enters Year 2 with a setup that looks a lot friendlier than the one he had as a rookie. Hampton was limited to nine games by ankle injuries in 2025, but still rushed for 545 yards and four touchdowns while catching 32 passes for 192 yards and another score. Mike McDaniel is now running the offense, and Hampton spent camp looking like a natural fit. He was one of the standouts in the joint practice with San Francisco, running through defenders and earning praise from Justin Herbert. The line is not completely worry-free after Tyler Biadasz suffered a season-ending ACL injury, but Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are both back in the starting group after missing major time last year. Hampton also sits first on the depth chart ahead of Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal. RotoBaller has pushed him all the way to RB6 and No. 11 overall in its Sept. 2 half-PPR rankings. If he stays healthy, the breakout case is getting harder to ignore.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Hurts Admits he Grew Apart From Former Receiver
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts admitted in an interview with GQ magazine that he grew apart from former wide receiver A.J. Brown before the Eagles traded him to the New England Patriots in the offseason, according to ESPN. "Nothing happened, people just grow apart," Brown told NBC Sports' Maria Taylor in June. "Nothing happened between me and him, or our families, wives, anything. Nothing like that ever happened. Life happens, and you just look up sometimes and you just, you find yourself drifting away, and that's fine. And I think both parties accepted that." Brown told reporters last month, when the Eagles and Patriots took part in joint practices, that he and Hurts had not spoken since Brown was traded. Hurts and Brown's relationship goes back a ways, with the two growing so tight that Hurts became godfather to Brown's daughter, Jersee. Hurts was a factor in Brown's frustrations near the end of his tenure in Philly, based in part on Brown not being targeted as much as he felt he should be. "I've got a lot of love for him and always have," Hurts said. Hurts and the Eagles' offense are looking to bounce back in 2026 under a new offensive coordinator, while Brown could rebound as a true WR1 in fantasy with his move to New England.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Justice Hill's Handcuff Value Gets a Boost
Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill enters Week 1 with a much cleaner path behind Derrick Henry. Rookie Adam Randall was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return during final cuts, leaving Hill and Rasheen Ali as the only other active backs on the initial 53-man roster. Baltimore's own roster breakdown called Hill a prized backup and identified Ali as the No. 3 back. That is a meaningful change after RotoBaller questioned earlier in August whether Randall could eventually become the better two-down handcuff. Hill was limited to 10 games last season by toe and neck injuries, finishing with 93 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries while adding 21 catches for 169 yards and another score. He still profiles better as a passing-down option than a direct replacement for Henry's massive early-down workload, and Ali could absorb some carries if Henry misses time. For now, though, the depth chart is cleaner. With Randall unavailable for at least four games, Hill opens the year with a stronger claim to Baltimore's No. 2 role.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
