RADIO
Justin Herbert Well-Positioned for a Fantasy Resurgence
Los Angeles Chargers seventh-year veteran Justin Herbert has become one of the most polarizing quarterbacks in the league in recent years, but for those who have always believed in his talent, the situation he now finds himself in makes him an obvious target in 2026 drafts. 2025 first-round pick Omarion Hampton comes into the year at full health after missing eight games as a rookie, as does an offensive line that played poorly enough through its own injury struggles to earn Herbert a token MVP vote. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel brings excitement into the building, and a heavy investment at both fullback and tight end should lead to more big-play opportunities through heavy play-action usage. Unable to crack the top nine since his QB2 finish of 2021, Herbert is well-positioned to rejoin the fantasy elite, and at RotoBaller's QB8, he can still be found in the middle rounds of single-quarterback drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Pieces in Place for C.J. Stroud to See a Modest Fantasy Rebound
Since throwing for more than 4,100 yards and 23 touchdowns as a rookie in 2023, Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has seen those numbers drop in each subsequent season, passing for only 3,041 yards and 19 scores in 2025. When the Texans kick off training camp on July 29, it will be the next opportunity for Stroud to put the ugly finish of last year behind him, having thrown four interceptions while completing less than 43% of his passes in a season-ending playoff loss to the Patriots. While he is no longer a player to target in 2026 drafts, a more cohesive offensive line and continued growth from a young group of wide receivers could allow Stroud to re-enter the streaming conversation and provide a steady and predictable fantasy floor. 2025 draft picks Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are expected to take more agency in the Texans' offense after each appearing in all 17 games as rookies, while the potential return of Tank Dell after a devastating 2024 leg injury would reunite Stroud with one of his favorite targets. At RotoBaller's QB23, Stroud is likely to begin the year on waivers in most single-quarterback redraft leagues, but an early-season schedule that includes games against the Bengals, Cowboys, and Titans could see him making an immediate, unexpected impact.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sam Darnold Lacks the Upside to Make Him a Target in Single-QB Drafts
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold has finished in low-end QB1 territory in each of the past two seasons, first as QB9 in a 2024 season with the Vikings that saw him revive his career, then as QB14 in 2025. While the Seahawks have been praised for their remarkable roster continuity, returning 20 of 22 starters from a Super Bowl-winning team, their biggest change heading into 2026 is one likely to have a direct impact on Darnold. Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has taken the top job in Las Vegas, and stepping into his place is former 49ers tight ends coach Brian Fleury. With 2026 marking Fleury's first time calling plays, it stands to reason that Darnold will less frequently be presented with the easy answers of Kubiak's under-center, play-action-heavy offense or that of Kevin O'Connell from the previous season. Darnold has proven himself more than capable of running high-level offenses, but when paired with one of the league's truly elite defenses, his fantasy ceiling will ultimately be lowered by the lack of a need to consistently keep pace in high-scoring shootouts. At RotoBaller's QB22, Darnold can provide a steadying presence as the second quarterback in superflex leagues, but in single-quarterback formats, there are higher-upside options still available in his area of drafts.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Improved Consistency in 2026 Could Make Caleb Williams a Fantasy League-Winner
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams finished as the fantasy QB5 in 2025 while leaving a lot of meat on the bone. His 58.1% completion rate ranked 32nd out of 33 qualifying quarterbacks, finishing ahead of only J.J. McCarthy, but much of his accuracy struggles can be explained by the same propensity for hunting big plays that is responsible for his heightened ceiling. Twice in 2025, Williams finished a week as the overall QB1, and he landed in the top 10 in more than half his starts, but a more balanced approach in his second season with Ben Johnson should lead to more consistency and a spot among the most reliable fantasy contributors at the position. Even in saying goodbye to DJ Moore, the team's leading wide receiver in each of the past three seasons, Chicago still boasts one of the most dynamic trios of pass catchers in the league in receivers Luther Burden III and Rome Odunze and tight end Colston Loveland. With all the pieces around him to take yet another step forward, Williams is RotoBaller's QB7, but he is one of a handful of players who could ultimately threaten to finish 2026 as the overall QB1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
A Healthy Joe Burrow is Still More Than Capable of Winning Leagues
In an era where rushing quarterbacks rule the day, Cincinnati Bengals signal-caller Joe Burrow is one of the few true pocket passers still capable of delivering a QB1 finish. While he is not totally incapable of scrambling to move the chains, his 257 rushing yards in 2022 remain a career high, while his five rushing scores from that same season also look to be a bit of an outlier. Meanwhile, in his three healthy seasons, he's averaged 4,668 yards and 37 touchdowns through the air, twice finishing as a top-four fantasy quarterback. Obviously, those three healthy years only account for half of his career, with durability being his biggest knock since tearing his ACL as a rookie and missing at least seven games in two subsequent seasons. However, when things are going right in Cincinnati, as they appear to be heading into 2026, Burrow remains one of the elite fantasy difference-makers, and he enters his age-30 season as RotoBaller's QB5.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Bryce Young a Non-Factor in 2026 Single-QB Drafts
By fantasy finish alone, Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has shown steady improvement in each of his three seasons, rising from QB23 as a rookie to QB20 in Year 2 and a QB19 finish last season. Obviously, his actual path has not been as linear, with a performance-based benching in 2024, and he now enters a critical fourth season. Young demonstrated some of the highest highs of his career in 2025, throwing for 448 yards and three scores in a Week 11 overtime win over the Falcons, but he also failed to reach 200 passing yards in 12 of 17 outings. With few notable additions on the offensive side of the ball and the Panthers slated to face a first-place schedule in 2026, much will be asked of Young as he looks to earn a long-term extension. And even if he proves capable of taking another small step forward, in a year with so many fantasy-viable options at the position, Young is not a player who should factor into draft plans in single-quarterback leagues. He enters the year as RotoBaller's QB26.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Shough Looks Like a Prime Redraft Sleeper Entering 2026
The 40th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough took over as his team's starter under center in Week 9 of his rookie season. The 26-year-old held his own in his first taste of NFL action, completing 67.6% of his pass attempts for 2,384 yards and 10 touchdowns while rushing for 195 yards and three scores across 11 games (nine starts). From Week 9 through the end of the season, Shough ranked as the fantasy QB12 by measure of per-game scoring. Entering 2026, Shough is the unquestioned QB1 in New Orleans and has some new weapons at his disposal after the Saints added wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (undisclosed) in the 2026 draft and running back Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency. If Shough can continue his development as a passer while also adding some extra fantasy juice with his legs, he could be a steal for fantasy managers at his current redraft ADP of QB21.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Drake Maye Building Chemistry With New Wideout Quickly
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye said on Thursday that he is quickly building chemistry with new wide receiver A.J. Brown before training camp begins, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN. "It has been awesome," Maye said. "I'm really looking forward to playing with him. I'm looking forward to getting to camp and building some chemistry. And I know there's already some there for me. You just gotta throw it near him, and he'll make a play." Although Brown had 1,003 receiving yards in 2025 in his final season with the Philadelphia Eagles, his relationship with QB Jalen Hurts and head coach Nick Sirianni soured to the point where they could not continue. The Patriots sent Philly a first-round pick in exchange for Brown this offseason, so they have a lot riding on Brown and Maye forming a strong bond in 2026 and beyond. On paper, Brown should thrive with Maye, who was the most accurate deep-ball passer in the NFL in 2025. Maye, meanwhile, has darted up to top-five status at his position in fantasy after a strong first full season as the Patriots' starter, which included a trip to the Super Bowl. RotoBaller has Maye ranked as the No. 4 fantasy QB for 2026.
Source: ESPN Boston - Mike Reiss
Source: ESPN Boston - Mike Reiss
Brock Purdy Is a Smart Dynasty Buy for Contenders
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy played only nine games last season, but the production held up when he was on the field. He threw for 2,167 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions while adding 147 rushing yards and three more scores. That is 23 total touchdowns in nine starts. Purdy will never offer the rushing ceiling of the elite fantasy quarterbacks, though he has already shown he can deliver strong numbers within Kyle Shanahan's offense. He is 26, signed through 2030, and has thrown 84 touchdown passes in 49 career games. San Francisco also gave him a new group of weapons. Mike Evans and Christian Kirk were added, Ricky Pearsall returns, and the 49ers selected De'Zhaun Stribling with the 33rd overall pick. George Kittle's recovery from a torn Achilles remains the biggest concern around the offense. RotoBaller ranks Purdy as the dynasty QB14, placing him near the front of the QB2 tier. Rebuilders do not need to force a deal, but contenders looking for a stable Superflex starter should be asking what it takes to acquire him.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Lamar Jackson's Dynasty Value on the Rise with New Coaching Staff in Baltimore?
Thanks largely to hamstring and back injuries that caused him to miss four games, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson put together an underwhelming season by his own lofty standards in 2025. Across 13 games, the 29-year-old threw for 2,549 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 349 yards and two scores. After a QB1 finish in 2024, Jackson fell to QB16 in per-game scoring in 2025. Entering 2026, Jackson will be working with a new offensive coordinator in Declan Doyle and a revamped wide receiver corps that includes 2026 draftees Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt. As he enters his age-29 season, Baltimore may look to utilize Jackson's legs less often in order to keep him healthy. Even still, Jackson has proven he's the most dangerous dual-threat quarterback in fantasy football when Baltimore's offense is fully operational. With a new coaching staff around him, Jackson remains an elite dynasty asset.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Trevor Lawrence Having the Best Offseason of his Career?
John Shipley of Sports Illustrated writes that Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence "just had the best offseason he's had with the Jaguars ever." Lawrence looked "as confident and in command" of head coach Liam Coen's offense as ever, displaying "improved accuracy to each level of the field" while also improving as a vertical passer and gaining chemistry with receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who disappointed in Year 2 in 2025 after an impressive rookie showing. It's now time to see if Lawrence's improvements in the spring can carry over to training camp this summer as he heads into the sixth year of his NFL career. The 26-year-old former first overall pick out of Clemson in 2021 hit the 4,000-yard passing mark in 17 regular-season starts in 2025 for the third time in his career, delivering a career-best 29 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions. After rehabbing from offseason shoulder surgery last year, Lawrence is at full health and could be on the verge of a career year in his second season in Coen's offense. Not only is Lawrence looking great, but this is perhaps the best offense he's had yet in the NFL in terms of weapons around him. RotoBaller has Lawrence ranked as the No. 9 fantasy QB in 2026.
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Source: Sports Illustrated - John Shipley
Patrick Mahomes' Goal is to Play in Week 1
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) told Caroline Fenton on Yahoo Sports Daily on Wednesday that he's still aiming to be ready for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Monday Night Football against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Sept. 14. "That's my goal," Mahomes said. "I've said that since the beginning is being ready to go Week 1. I can't predict the future, and I know that it's a long process. It's not just my decision, but at the same time I'm going to give the doctors and the coaches every single opportunity I can to let me be out there Week 1." The 30-year-old two-time MVP and six-time Pro Bowler tore his ACL in Week 15 of last year, but he remains on schedule to be ready for the start of the 2026 season and took part in the offseason program on a limited basis. We should get a better read on Mahomes' availability for the start of the regular season when training camp kicks off in a couple of weeks. Even if Mahomes is ready to roll for Week 1, fantasy managers should temper expectations for a signal-caller entering his age-31 season coming off a major knee injury. RotoBaller has Mahomes ranked as the QB13 as he heads into his 10th year in the league.
Source: Yahoo Sports Daily
Source: Yahoo Sports Daily
Michael Penix Jr. a Dynasty Hold Until Camp Brings Clarity
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (knee) is still difficult to price before training camp. He threw for 1,982 yards, nine touchdowns, and three interceptions in nine starts last season, then a partially torn left ACL ended his year in Week 11. This was his third ACL surgery. Penix made it back for individual and seven-on-seven work in the spring, but Atlanta kept him out of full-team periods while Tua Tagovailoa ran the offense. The expectation was that Penix would be ready for 11-on-11 work in camp, pending medical clearance. Until that happens, there is not much of a competition to judge. The fantasy profile has its own problem. Penix completed 60.1% of his passes and added only 70 rushing yards, so he needs the arm to carry the value. Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts Sr. give him enough help if he wins the job. RotoBaller has Penix at QB29 in dynasty, which is low enough to hold through camp but not cheap enough to ignore the knee and Tua. Superflex buyers should wait for clarity rather than paying for his previous upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Geno Smith's Battery Case Now Considered "Inactive"
New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith's battery case is now considered "inactive" by the Davie Police Department, according to Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic. Smith was accused of battery in Florida in June, but it's no longer an active investigation, and the veteran signal-caller shouldn't face any discipline from the NFL in 2026. The 35-year-old two-time Pro Bowler had a season to forget in 2025 with the Las Vegas Raiders, going 2-13 with 3,025 passing yards, 19 touchdowns, and a league-high 17 interceptions in 15 starts. The Jets, who took Smith in the second round in 2013 out of the University of West Virginia, decided it was a good idea to trade for Smith after moving on from the failed Justin Fields experiment. Perhaps New York is hoping Smith will secure the services of the first overall pick in 2027 for the second straight season in new coordinator Frank Reich's offense. Smith might not be as bad as he was in 2026 in Vegas, but he should be going undrafted in all but deep two-QB superflex formats as he embarks on his 13th year in the NFL.
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Source: The Athletic - Zack Rosenblatt
Jordan Love an Intriguing Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate Ahead of 2026
Across 15 games in 2025, Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love completed 66.3% of his pass attempts for 3,381 yards, 23 touchdowns, and six interceptions. The 27-year-old has established himself as an efficient and effective NFL quarterback, leading Green Bay to the playoffs in all three of his seasons as a starter. However, Love's lack of rushing upside combined with the Packers' run-heavy offensive approach has limited his fantasy viability. Love finished as the QB18 in per-game fantasy scoring in 2024 and the QB21 by the same metric in 2025. Still, Love may finally be fully healthy in 2026 after battling knee, thumb, and concussion issues over the past two seasons. He should also get more out of key pass-catchers in tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) and Jayden Reed, who combined to miss 19 games last season. Love may not offer high-end QB1 upside, but he may be worth buying low on in dynasty formats ahead of what could be a resurgent 2026.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
