RADIO
Jaylen Warren a Steady RB2 Option in Promising Week 1 Matchup
Across 16 games in 2025, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren recorded 1,291 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns on 251 touches across 16 games. The 27-year-old profiles as a weapon as both a rusher and a receiver, as he's recorded at least 45 targets and 300 receiving yards in three consecutive seasons. In 2026, Warren will likely split touches with fellow Steelers running back Rico Dowdle. However, Warren is listed as the starting running back on Pittsburgh's depth chart ahead of the team's Week 1 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta surrendered only 12 rushing touchdowns as a team in 2025, but the Falcons ranked 24th in the NFL in total rushing yards allowed (2,146). Atlanta will also be starting third-string quarterback Cooper Rush on Sunday, which could lead to Pittsburgh operating with a run-heavy game script for most of the afternoon. Warren should see plenty of touches in Week 1 and profiles as a low-end RB2 option for fantasy managers against Atlanta.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Pittman Jr. a High-Floor, Low-Ceiling WR3 Option in Week 1
After spending the first six years of his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is entering his first season with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026. In Pittsburgh, Pittman Jr. is the WR2 on paper behind DK Metcalf. However, Pittman Jr. typically operates in the short and intermediate areas of the field, which may make him a high-volume target for the Steelers' 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In Week 1, Pittsburgh is set to host the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta fielded a middling pass defense in 2025, allowing the 15th-most passing yards (3,773) and 20th-most passing touchdowns (27) in the NFL. The Falcons will be starting third-string quarterback Cooper Rush (back) on Sunday, so the game could devolve into a low-scoring, run-heavy affair. Still, Pittman Jr. profiles as a high-floor, low-ceiling WR3/flex option for fantasy managers in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Jesus Luzardo Hopes to Pitch Next Week
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo (shoulder) was scratched ahead of his scheduled start against the Atlanta Braves on Saturday. An MRI came back negative for any structural damage, and Luzardo is hopeful to get back on the mound next week, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. The southpaw is dealing with some shoulder stiffness after throwing a complete game during Monday's outing. The Phillies will give him rest and hope that Luzardo can return to the mound at some point next week. The expectation is that Luzardo will return at some point during the four-game series against the New York Mets next weekend. Fantasy managers will need to continue checking back for updates throughout the week.
Source: Todd Zolecki
Source: Todd Zolecki
Nathan Eovaldi is Activated from Injured List
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (elbow) was activated off the 10-day Injured List on Saturday. Eovaldi is back in the mix after going down on August 10 due to right elbow inflammation. The Rangers will have Eovaldi return to the pitching staff as a reliever. There's a chance that he'll build up towards a starter workload again, but for now, Eovaldi will be used out of the bullpen. The 36-year-old figures to be used in a multi-inning role, which likely won't result in a ton of fantasy value. The right-hander could become a cut candidate, with him unlikely to return to the starting rotation in time to help fantasy managers in the playoffs.
Source: Rangers PR
Source: Rangers PR
Aaron Rodgers a Risky Superflex Start in Week 1
Entering 2026, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is set to begin his 22nd NFL season. Across 16 games with the Steelers in 2025, the 42-year-old completed 65.7% of his pass attempts for 3,322 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. In Week 1, Pittsburgh will host the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta fielded a mid-pack pass defense in 2025, finishing the year ranked 15th in the NFL in passing yards (3,773) and 20th in passing touchdowns (27) allowed. However, the Falcons are also set to start third-string quarterback Cooper Rush (back) against Pittsburgh on Sunday. As a result, the Steelers may choose to lean into a run-heavy attack in what projects to be an excellent matchup for their defense. Rodgers offers zero fantasy value as a rusher at this point in his career, so he needs a high volume of pass attempts to provide high-end fantasy production. In everything other than the deepest two-QB leagues, Rodgers profiles as a risky start for fantasy managers in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Yordan Alvarez is Hopeful to Play on Sunday
According to Chandler Rome, Houston Astros manager Joe Espada said the team is hopeful that outfielder Yordan Alvarez (ankle) will be back in the lineup for Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Alvarez missed his second straight game on Saturday after sustaining an ankle injury during Thursday's contest. It sounds like a minor issue that isn't going to require Alvarez to land on the Injured List. Fantasy managers will need to check back ahead of the first pitch for another update on Alvarez. Yainer Diaz served as the designated hitter during Saturday's loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. The expectation is that Diaz would remain there if Alvarez is unable to play.
Source: Chandler Rome
Source: Chandler Rome
Ashton Jeanty a High-End RB2 Option in Favorable Week 1 Matchup
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty gave fantasy managers a scare when he suffered an ankle injury in a training camp practice late in the summer. However, the 22-year-old is off the injury report and will be active in the Raiders' season opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Jeanty operated as a three-down workhorse in 2025, recording 975 rushing yards, 346 receiving yards, and 10 touchdowns on 321 touches across 17 games. He's expected to play a similar role in 2026 and should have a better offensive ecosystem around him under the Raiders' new head coach and play-caller, Klint Kubiak. Jeanty also has a favorable matchup on paper in Week 1 against Miami, which allowed the seventh-most rushing yards (2,251) in the NFL in 2025. The Raiders may take a touch or two off of Jeanty's plate given the time he missed with the ankle injury, but he still profiles as a high-end RB2 option for fantasy managers in Week 1.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kaelen Culpepper is Dealing with Shoulder Injury
Minnesota Twins shortstop Kaelen Culpepper (shoulder) was removed from Saturday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. He was pulled from the contest after getting hit by a pitch in the upper back. The X-rays came back negative, so the team is considering Culpepper day-to-day with a shoulder contusion, according to Aaron Gleeman. Ryan Kreidler took over for Culpepper at shortstop for the rest of Saturday's game. The expectation is that Kreidler will see the bulk of the playing time there until the rookie shortstop is back in the mix. Fantasy managers should check back ahead of Sunday's contest for another update on his status.
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Source: Aaron Gleeman
Mike Washington Jr. Carries Deep-League Appeal into Week 1
A fourth-round pick out of Arkansas, Las Vegas Raiders rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. recorded 1,296 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 195 touches in his final collegiate season. After an impressive showing in the preseason, Washington Jr. is now set to open his first NFL season as the RB2 in Las Vegas behind star Raiders back Ashton Jeanty. When Jeanty is fully healthy, Washington Jr. may struggle to earn a fantasy-relevant workload. However, Jeanty suffered an ankle injury late in training camp that has limited his availability in practice over the last few weeks. While Jeanty will be active for the Raiders' season-opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Washington Jr. may see a few extra touches. In deeper league formats, Washington Jr. profiles as a low-end flex option in a favorable Week 1 matchup against Miami.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Astros Considering Moving Carlos Correa to Second Base
According to Ken Rosenthal, the Houston Astros are considering moving third baseman Carlos Correa (ankle) over to second base. Correa has been sidelined since undergoing left ankle surgery in mid-May. The organization is hopeful that Correa will be able to return for the final week of the regular season. He has been playing third base in Houston, but the Astros would like to shift him over to second base. If Correa plays second base, Jose Altuve can serve as the designated hitter. Most fantasy leagues might end before Correa gets back to the field. If not, Correa could be worth stashing in deep leagues for the final stretch of the season.
Source: New York Times
Source: New York Times
Jalen Nailor Offers Flex Value in Week 1
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor is ready to make his team debut against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1. After four years with the Minnesota Vikings, Nailor signed a three-year deal with the Raiders this past offseason. He'll now get a chance to establish himself as a top target in an offense after being stuck behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison in Minnesota. Nailor could see an uptick in workload with tight end Brock Bowers (knee) being unavailable for this game. Both Nailor and quarterback Kirk Cousins are new to this organization, so it could take time to build chemistry. Fantasy managers should be able to put in Nailor as a flex option for this weekend, but don't expect much more than that.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Kirk Cousins has Superflex Appeal in Week 1
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins is ready to make his team debut against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The veteran quarterback will have a tough task ahead of him this weekend. The Raiders' top target, tight end Brock Bowers (knee) is ruled out for this game, which is bad news for this offense. Now, Cousins will need to rely on newcomer wide receiver Jalen Nailor, Tre Tucker, and backup tight end Michael Mayer as his primary targets. The 38-year-old can handle himself under center, but he can only do so much with the options that he has alongside him. Fantasy managers in one-quarterback leagues can avoid Cousins, but the veteran single-caller could be an option in superflex formats.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Georgia Tech's Jaylen Mbakwe Taken Off On Stretcher
Georgia Tech wide receiver Jaylen Mbakwe was taken off the field on a stretcher before halftime on Saturday and is being checked for a head/neck injury. Per reports, the junior wide receiver crashed into teammate Jordan Walker's knee. Mbakwe was motionless on the field but gave a thumbs-up on his way out of the stadium and is being taken to Brady Hospital, a Level I trauma center. Walker had to be carried off the field, though he presumably would've used the cart if it had been available.
Source: Iro Gorawara Of The Athletic
Source: Iro Gorawara Of The Athletic
Parker Washington Unlikely to Agree on Extension Before Season Starts
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington is unlikely to get a contract extension done before the beginning of the season, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports. There was speculation that the two sides would get a deal done, but it looks like they'll wait for now. Washington is entering the final year of his rookie contract, so a strong performance on the field could land him a big payday. The 24-year-old is coming off a breakout season where he recorded 58 receptions with 847 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 16 games with the Jaguars last season. We'll see if the two sides are able to get a deal done before Washington hits free agency.
Source: Cameron Wolfe
Source: Cameron Wolfe
Judge Seals Video Altercation in Josh Jacobs Case
According to ProFootballTalk, Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has requested that the judge seal the video of the altercation in his case. This situation makes it tricky for the NFL going forward. They could tell Jacobs he can't play until the video is released to the public. Otherwise, the league risks another Ray Rice situation, where the media somehow releases the video while they continue to let Jacobs play. For now, Jacobs is on paid leave, and he'll remain there until the NFL determines the correct discipline under the Personal Conduct Policy. It will be difficult for the league to decide on a punishment when Jacobs is having the judge seal the evidence.
Source: Pro Football Talk
Source: Pro Football Talk
