RADIO
Darnell Washington Unlikely to Factor into Fantasy Plans for 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington caught a career-high 31 passes for 364 yards in 2025, but his activity in Thursday's preseason opener, while many of the team's starters were given the night off, is an indication that he is not viewed as a critical piece of the team's passing attack. Both Washington and sixth-year veteran Pat Freiermuth started the game with Mason Rudolph under center, with the latter catching one of his two targets for two yards while Washington was kept off the stat sheet. One of the most physically imposing players in the league, Washington is a dominant blocker at 6'7" and 264 pounds, but in a Mike McCarthy offense that favors three-receiver sets, he may see his receiving work limited after taking steps forward in that regard under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. At RotoBaller's TE37, Washington should not factor into 2026 draft plans, and with the position as deep as it's ever been, he may not even enter into the streaming conversation as he might have in past seasons.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jalen Nailor Could Deliver Spike Weeks from the Flex Spot in 2026
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor played only eight snaps in the team's preseason opener on Thursday night, coming off the field with the rest of the starters after a successful scoring drive led by quarterback Kirk Cousins. Nailor signed a three-year, $35 million deal in free agency, and while there has been little doubt about how the team views him as part of the offense, his usage on Thursday all but cemented his status as a top receiver along with Tre Tucker. A sixth-round pick of the Vikings in 2022, Nailor spent the past two seasons as Minnesota's WR3 behind Jordan Addison and four-time All-Pro Justin Jefferson. While he's never reached 450 receiving yards in a season, he posted an impressive 15.3 yards per reception in 2025, and he should find production as a perimeter player in Klint Kubiak's play-action-heavy system. The presence of All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers will help to create spacing on the outside, but will also cap Nailor's target share, and consistency could be an issue in 2026, particularly with the expectation of a quarterback change at some point in the season. That said, Nailor has the potential to bring spike weeks to the flex spot and is practically free in drafts as RotoBaller's WR64.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Keon Coleman's Solid Training Camp Could Put Him Back on Dynasty Radars
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman has disappointed through his first two seasons after the team selected him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Some offhand remarks by owner Terry Pegula further painted Coleman as an early offseason faller and a potential drop candidate in dynasty leagues, and the fantasy community buried him even deeper following the Bills' trade for DJ Moore and the drafting of Skyler Bell. By most accounts, however, Coleman has had a productive training camp, regularly seeing time with the first-team offense as part of a four-man rotation that includes Moore, Khalil Shakir, and Joshua Palmer. A complementary role with lowered expectations could allow for further development and consistency, and while he still has not worked his way back into the 2026 redraft discussion, the perception around Coleman makes him a low-cost dynasty trade add-on who still has a chance to revive his career under a reshuffled coaching staff.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
De'Von Achane Unstoppable in Preseason Opener
Miami Dolphins Pro Bowler De'Von Achane was the only running back in the league to reach double-digit fantasy points in all of his 2025 starts, and in Friday night's preseason opener, it took him only one drive to reach that mark. Achane touched the ball on half of the team's 14 plays on a 93-yard drive to open the game, and his first five runs went for at least five yards before he was given two goal-line carries, punching in the second for a one-yard touchdown. With Achane's stock falling throughout draft season, tied to an offense of which little is expected in 2026, the impressive scoring drive was as assuring as anything fantasy managers could have asked for. The RB5 in 2025, Achane is currently being drafted as the RB7 and frequently falling out of the first round of 2026 drafts, but Friday's competitive action served as a reminder that he remains one of the most electric players in the league and could still prove to be a league-winner.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Malik Washington Draws Early Targets
Playing with the first-team offense in Friday night's preseason opener, Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington led the team with three catches on his three targets. Quarterback Malik Willis and the starters looked sharp, opening the game with a 14-play, 93-yard touchdown drive before the backups took over and inefficiency reigned for the rest of the night. Washington was targeted on the first two plays of the game, a four-yard catch followed by an eight-yard completion to move the sticks and get the drive rolling. Of Willis' four completed passes, only one went away from Washington, a 28-yard deep shot to rookie Caleb Douglas. While the Dolphins offense has been panned for much of the offseason, little more could be asked of the first unit in their limited action, and if Washington's chemistry with his new quarterback can carry into the regular season, he could prove to be an incredible value as RotoBaller's WR86, particularly in PPR leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Ja'Marr Chase Catches One Pass In Preseason Win
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase caught his only target on a crossing route for 16 yards in the 16-14 win against the Detroit Lions in the team's preseason opener on Friday night. Chase saw a huge dip in production last season with fewer than 1,500 yards and 10 touchdowns, but he should easily surpass those numbers with his quarterback Joe Burrow back throwing the rock. Chase had a historic season the last time the duo was healthy, racking up over 1,700 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns in 2024. The 26-year-old has let it be known that his personal goal for the season is to score 23 touchdowns, so fantasy managers could be in for another monster season as the star receiver is firmly in his prime. Chase may get more reps next week against the Chicago Bears, but he certainly does not need them to be a dominant fantasy star. Chase should be viewed as one of the best options to finish as the overall WR1 this season.
Source: UnderdogNFL - Twitter
Source: UnderdogNFL - Twitter
Chase Brown Locked In As Bengals' RB1 In Preseason Opener
Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown handled five carries for 16 yards in the 16-14 victory over the Detroit Lions in the preseason opener on Friday night. Brown didn't catch a pass in this game, but it's well established that his pass-catching ability is a key part of the Bengals' offense. Backup running back Samaje Perine mixed in for one carry and two catches, but he only played about 30.8% of the snaps compared to Brown's 69.2%. The 26-year-old back is fresh off a season with over 1,000 rushing yards and six touchdowns, along with 69 receptions and five receiving scores. Brown is one of the most dynamic running backs in one of the league's most friendly offensive environments and should be considered a strong RB1 for the 2026 season. Brown will look to keep his momentum going in next week's preseason game against the Chicago Bears.
Source: Yahoo Fantasy Sports - Twitter
Source: Yahoo Fantasy Sports - Twitter
Joe Burrow Efficient In First Preseason Appearance
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow completed five of six passes (83.3%) for 39 yards and took one sack in the 16-14 win against the Detroit Lions in the team's preseason opener on Friday night. Burrow only played the first two drives of the game, then handed over the reins to backup quarterback Joe Flacco. The 29-year-old QB is coming off a season in which he was limited to just eight games due to injury, but he was once again a top-end fantasy contributor when healthy. Burrow's modest stat line is expected for a preseason game. The most important takeaway from this contest was that Burrow came away from it without any injuries. It remains to be seen how much he will play in next week's contest against the Chicago Bears, but whether he plays or not, he will be a locked-in fantasy QB1 for the 2026 season.
Source: James Rapien - Twitter
Source: James Rapien - Twitter
Dak Prescott Has Been the Offensive Star in Training Camp
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott looks like he's in midseason form and has been sharp in training camp. He's throwing accurately, placing the ball beautifully, and has been on point with the Cowboys' three top receivers: CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson. The Cowboys' franchise quarterback is coming off one of the most productive seasons of his NFL career in 2025, totaling 4,552 yards and 30 touchdowns, with 10 interceptions, averaging 19.6 fantasy points per game. With Prescott looking great and Lamb and Pickens healthy, he could be a solid option at quarterback, especially in six-point touchdown leagues.
Source: Matthew Lenix - Blogging With the Boys
Source: Matthew Lenix - Blogging With the Boys
Ollie Gordon II Outplays Backfield Mate in Preseason Opener
Miami Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon II had seven carries for 39 yards in the 20-7 preseason loss to the Washington Commanders. Gordon split carries and snaps with Jaylen Wright, while starter De'Von Achane handled every snap for the first-team offense. The second-year back outperformed Wright in their first preseason action, averaging 5.6 yards per carry to Wright's 3.7. While Achane is expected to be the Dolphins' workhorse back in 2026, Gordon has a chance to win the backup running back job if he can string together solid production over the rest of the preseason. Currently ranked RB83 in RotoBaller's position rankings, Gordon could be a player to snatch late in deeper leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jalen Tolbert Doesn't Play With First Team in Preseason Opener
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jalen Tolbert caught just one pass on three targets for 27 yards in the team's 20-7 preseason loss to the Washington Commanders. Tolbert's 27-yard reception came on the second drive, and backup Quinn Ewers targeted him three times on Friday. On the team's 14-play opening drive, Tolbert played zero snaps, while rookie Caleb Douglas and Malik Washington spent most of their time with the first team. Jalen Reagor served as the third receiver in 11 personnel, while Tolbert and Tutu Atwell did not play on that opening drive. With rookie Chris Bell (knee) expected to be a factor this season as well, Tolbert's fantasy value is too low to consider drafting at this time.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Geno Smith Day-to-Day With Sore Ankle
New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith (ankle) did not play in the team's preseason opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After the game, head coach Aaron Glenn said Smith was dealing with ankle soreness that developed after their joint practice and that he didn't want to risk his starting quarterback while injured. In his place, rookie quarterback Cade Klubnik looked good, completing five of seven passes for 56 yards on the team's opening drive, which ended in a field goal. While Smith is expected to start this season, if the team struggles with him under center, they could turn to the rookie to finish the year. With reassurance that Smith should be okay moving forward, he will look to change the trajectory of the Jets' franchise in 2026.
Source: Zack Rosenblatt - The Athletic
Source: Zack Rosenblatt - The Athletic
Steelers and Keeanu Benton Agree to Four-Year, $72 Million Contract
The Pittsburgh Steelers and defensive tackle Keeanu Benton have agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract. The deal keeps Benton in Pittsburgh through the 2030 season and makes him the highest-paid Steelers defensive tackle in franchise history. In his third season, Benton recorded 5.5 sacks, 51 tackles, and six tackles for loss in 17 games. Benton is currently listed as a backup behind veteran Cameron Heyward and Derrick Harmon, who is expected to take a leap in his second season. While the massive contract extension is somewhat surprising given his current role, Benton will aim to have a strong 2026 season to prove the team right.
Source: Ian Rapoport - ESPN/NFL Network
Source: Ian Rapoport - ESPN/NFL Network
Gunnar Helm Sees Just One Target in Preseason Opener
Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm hauled in his only target for 16 yards in the team's 19-13 win over the San Francisco 49ers. Helm caught a screen pass on third-and-long and took it for a first down. The bad news was that a split was evident between him and former New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger. Helm played 14 of 21 first-team snaps, while Bellinger played 13 of 21. His past relationship with offensive coordinator Brian Daboll is likely to make him a factor in this offense, and we should continue to see a split between the two. The second-year tight end was hoping for an expanded role after Chig Okonkwo joined the Washington Commanders, but that appears not to be the case entering 2026. While some lists have Helm as a strong late-round fantasy draft pick, it may be best to pass on him and look for other options this season.
Source: Jim Wyatt
Source: Jim Wyatt
Caleb Douglas Runs with First Team in Preseason Opener
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Caleb Douglas ran with the first-team offense during Friday's preseason contest against the Washington Commanders. He finished the game with two targets, one catch, and 28 receiving yards. The final box score doesn't nearly tell the full story. Not only did Douglas run his routes with the first-team offense (including quarterback Malik Willis), but he also made a spectacular one-handed catch while being covered. This natural playmaking ability should allow Douglas to climb up the depth chart rather quickly. Ever since being drafted in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft out of Texas Tech, the 22-year-old has been pushing for a larger role. As it stands, he's in the mix to fetch high-value targets in a relatively depleted receiver room that also features Malik Washington, Jalen Tolbert, and Tutu Atwell, as well as rookies Douglas, Kevin Coleman, and Chris Bell (knee). Douglas is a solid bench option for 2026 fantasy football, and he could emerge as a deep-league flex if the Dolphins offense can put together sustained drives.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
