Jun 24, 2026, 10:00 AM ET

Selected with the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has been stuck with the underdog label for most of his career, and even in dynasty leagues, he remains an undervalued asset despite routinely proving himself among the most valuable at the position. In his first season as a full-time starter, Purdy finished as the QB6 in 2024, and while significant injuries to his number one receiver and running back led to issues of consistency in 2025, he still gutted his way to a QB14 finish in 15 games, closing the season with 31.2 points per game in the final two weeks of the fantasy playoffs. 2025 saw him dealing with a serious turf toe injury for much of the year, but returning in Week 11 and playing the final seven games, he averaged 23.8 points per game, again going nuclear with a 37.7-point average in the fantasy playoffs and QB1 finishes in Weeks 16 and 17. With Christian McCaffrey coming off a 450-touch season, George Kittle already questionable for the start of the year as he recovers from a torn Achilles, and new number one receiver Mike Evans turning 33 before the start of the season, banking on health in San Francisco may not be the soundest strategy, but if the unit can avoid catastrophic derailment, Purdy should prove to be a steal in 2026 and beyond as RotoBaller's dynasty QB13.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 24, 2026, 9:50 AM ET

As Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson struggled through the 2025 season, tied to some of the league's poorest quarterback play, he fell as low as WR7 in consensus dynasty rankings. Still managing to maintain fringe top-five status while finishing the year as WR25 is a testament to Jefferson's greatness, and dynasty managers who either held through the lows or were able to acquire him on even a partial discount should feel a sense of optimism. While new Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray has a checkered history of supporting number one receivers, he represents a massive improvement over what Minnesota got out of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer in 2025. While playing his first five years with Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold, two quarterbacks capable of simply keeping an offense on track, Jefferson finished no lower than WR5 across four healthy seasons, twice gracing the top two and leaving dynasty managers to split hairs about whether he or Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase was more worthy of the overall WR1 ranking. With an influx of talent at wide receiver in recent years, Jefferson currently sits as RotoBaller's dynasty WR5, but the 27-year-old former Offensive Player of the Year remains one of the true cornerstones of the position and should be treated as a priority trade target in any leagues where he is no longer viewed as such.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 24, 2026, 9:39 AM ET

After one of the most productive collegiate seasons in recent history, tight end Harold Fannin Jr. was a third-round pick of the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft, and, along with the Colts' Tyler Warren, he was one of only two rookie tight ends to earn 100 targets. With a shakeup to the coaching staff and Cleveland spending two top 40 picks on potential target competition in receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, Fannin is generally not viewed on the same level as the fellow standouts from his class, Warren and Chicago's Colston Loveland, regularly going a full two rounds later than either in dynasty startups. The Browns deployed 12 personnel at the league's highest rate in 2025, but new head coach Todd Monken has traditionally fallen more in line with the league average, and with the team parting ways with veteran tight end David Njoku, Fannin is likely to more frequently find himself as the lone tight end in three-receiver sets. While the talent he put on display at small school Bowling Green was proven legitimate in his first year in the NFL, the situation he faces heading into year two is not as favorable as that of Warren or Loveland, though at RotoBaller's TE5, he is still a legitimate TE1 and a player that dynasty managers can feel comfortable locking into a onesie position for years to come.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 24, 2026, 9:25 AM ET

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs was a popular breakout candidate heading into the 2025 season, and while his 58 receptions and 566 receiving yards were both career lows, it's easy to see why there's renewed hype heading into 2026. After leading the team in targets in each of the past five seasons, the departure of Michael Pittman Jr. via trade has created an opportunity for Downs to see the largest role of his career, and early reports out of minicamp would suggest he's ready to take advantage. After seeing minimal usage in two-receiver sets throughout his first three years in the league, Downs was regularly spotted working on the outside, indicating a role beyond the slot-only usage that has defined his career. It's worth noting that after signing a four-year, $114 million deal, presumed number one receiver Alec Pierce has been absent from practices, creating a heightened need for a second outside presence, and at only 5'9", it may still be unreasonable to expect an every-down role from Downs. That said, the depth chart behind the two homegrown talents is incredibly thin, with journeyman Nick Westbrook-Ikhine next in line for starter's reps. At only 24 years old, the best football of his career is likely still ahead of him, and with the burns of last year's WR48 finish potentially fresh in the minds of some dynasty managers, Downs can still be acquired at a reasonable cost.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 24, 2026, 9:13 AM ET

After a red-hot finish to his 2024 rookie season, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan suffered a frightening neck injury in the 2025 preseason and was limited to only four games in his sophomore campaign. Topping 100 yards in a Week 17 loss to the Dolphins, he reminded fantasy managers of his league-winning finish from the previous season, and now heading into his third season, a healthy McMillan could be primed for an expanded role and a more consistent outlook. With six-time Pro Bowler Mike Evans not on the roster for the first time since 2013, the Buccaneers are left with massive shoes to fill on the outside, and McMillan has both the size and versatility to handle some of that responsibility. Multiple reports out of Buccaneers OTAs and minicamp listed McMillan as an early standout, and with his dynasty cost yet to truly reflect the opportunity before him, he remains a low-stakes trade target with proven upside. McMillan is currently RotoBaller's dynasty WR63, though that ranking is certain to rise if the buzz around him continues to grow when the team reconvenes for training camp.--Patrick McGrath
Source: RotoBaller

Jun 23, 2026, 9:26 PM ET

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (illness) was recently cleared after missing the end of the 2025 season due to blood clots, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. Olave is expected to stop taking blood-thinners at the end of June and be ready to rock for the start of training camp at the end of July. Despite missing a game last year, the 25-year-old former 11th overall pick in 2022 out of Ohio State had a career-high 1,163 receiving yards, a career-high 100 catches (156 targets), and a career-best nine touchdowns in 16 games played in his fourth year in the NFL. Head coach Kellen Moore said earlier this offseason that Olave didn't have any issues in his recovery from blood clots, so he should be a full-go for training camp and the start of the 2026 regular season this fall. The Saints added rookie Jordyn Tyson in the first round back in April, but Olave should remain the team's unquestioned WR1 in an offense on the upswing under Moore and second-year quarterback Tyler Shough, who exceeded expectations in his rookie campaign. In what should be another pass-happy offense, Olave has a stable floor as a low-end WR1 target for fantasy managers in 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Sports Illustrated - Albert Breer

Jun 23, 2026, 9:14 PM ET

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated writes that we should "shoehorn" wide receiver/defensive back Travis Hunter "as a spot player whose focus is shifting to defense." A lot was expected of Hunter, the former Heisman Trophy winner at the University of Colorado, after he was taken second overall by the Jags last year, but he ended up playing in only seven games in his rookie season due to a knee injury. The 23-year-old two-way player spent most of his time on offense, but he was a disappointment for fantasy managers with only 28 receptions on 45 targets for 298 yards and one touchdown. The Jaguars have been adamant that Hunter will continue to play on both sides of the ball in his sophomore season in 2026, but with Jacksonville having more of a need in their secondary on defense, the expectation is that most of his work will come on the defensive side of the ball. On offense, Hunter could become more of a gadget player than a mainstay. It's a major hit to Hunter's short-term fantasy value as he looks to battle for targets in a crowded WR room alongside Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Parker Washington. Hunter was being taken as WR2 with upside last year around this time, but he's fallen to No. 73 in RotoBaller's WR rankings in 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Sports Illustrated - Albert Breer

Jun 23, 2026, 9:05 PM ET

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) said on Tuesday that he is "definitely on track" to be ready to play in Week 1 of the 2026 regular season in early September, according to David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. Kittle said nothing is 100% certain right now, but he said, "I have a chance." The 32-year-old seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro said he hasn't had any setbacks in his recovery from the torn Achilles tendon he suffered in the postseason loss on Jan. 11, and he told NBC Sports' Florito Maniego that he is "running over 16 mph." Kittle did not practice with the rest of the team during organized team activities or mandatory minicamp during the spring, but that could change come training camp this summer. The nine-year veteran has four 1,000-yard receiving seasons in his career and has scored 52 touchdowns in 124 regular-season games, but durability concerns make him a pretty big fantasy risk as he heads into Year 10. Kittle played in just 11 regular-season games in 2025 and caught 57 passes for 628 yards and seven touchdowns on 69 targets. Because we don't know for sure whether he'll be a full-go for Week 1, fantasy managers should consider him as more of a high-end TE2 in upcoming drafts.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The San Francisco Standard - David Lombardi

Jun 23, 2026, 6:58 PM ET

Tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. and the Atlanta Falcons agreed to a three-year, $54 million contract extension on Tuesday that includes $36 million fully guaranteed, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN. It's the largest three-year contract for a tight end in NFL history. Pitts gets a massive extension after breaking out for 88 receptions (118 targets) for 928 yards and a career-high five touchdowns in 17 starts in his fifth year in Atlanta. The former fourth overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft out of the University of Florida had 1,026 receiving yards in his first NFL season, but it came with just one touchdown, and he continued to disappoint fantasy managers the following three seasons with nine combined touchdown receptions in 44 games played. Pitts is now the third-highest-paid TE in the NFL behind George Kittle and Trey McBride in terms of annual average salary. While Pitts is a clear top-10 fantasy tight end going into 2026, fantasy managers who have been burned by him before recognize the bust potential, especially with the Falcons' uncertain QB position between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. (knee).--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter

Jun 23, 2026, 2:43 PM ET

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Devontez Walker was a standout wideout this spring for the Ravens, continually stretching the field, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN. Walker, who was drafted in the fourth round in 2024 out of the University of North Carolina, has pressure on him this year after the Ravens drafted Ja'Kobi Lane in the third round and Elijah Sarratt in the fourth round in April. Walker is competing for the WR3 role behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman in 2026, and so far, he has made the most of his limited opportunities during his first two seasons in the league, scoring four touchdowns on his seven career catches. The 25-year-old pass-catcher only caught six of eight targets for 136 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games (three starts) for the Ravens last year. There is an opportunity for Walker in the Ravens' new offense in 2026, but he can be ignored in 12-team fantasy leagues to begin the year.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley

Jun 23, 2026, 2:32 PM ET

Miami Dolphins tight end Greg Dulcich has emerged in spring offseason workouts as one of the primary targets for new quarterback Malik Willis, according to Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN. Willis is in the process of trying to build chemistry with an entirely new cast of skill players in Miami, but during team drills this offseason, "there was clear trust" in Dulcich, who was one of the best TEs in the NFL last year at making plays after the catch. After returning from Injured Reserve in Week 8, he finished the 2025 campaign averaging the second-most yards after catch per reception (7.6). The 26-year-old former third-rounder (80th overall) by the Denver Broncos in 2022 out of UCLA played in only 10 games (three starts) in 2025 in his first year in Miami, catching 26 of his 33 targets for 335 yards and one touchdown. Dulcich has struggled with the injury bug in his four years in the NFL, but if he can stay healthy in 2026, he will have a chance to be one of the most targeted offensive weapons for Willis in an offense that features an unproven group of receivers. Dulcich will be considered a breakout sleeper candidate in his fifth year in the league.--Keith Hernandez
Source: ESPN.com - Marcel Louis-Jacques

Jun 23, 2026, 2:23 PM ET

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan has an "opportunity to take on a larger role" in the team's offense in 2026 following Mike Evans' departure to the San Francisco 49ers in free agency this offseason, according to Bucs Report. McMillan was limited to just four games (two starts) in 2025 in his second year in the league after he fractured three vertebrae and suffered two herniated discs in his neck in a preseason game. In his four games played, the 24-year-old made a difference, catching 12 of his 15 targets for 178 yards, although he didn't find the end zone. McMillan caught 37 passes for 461 yards and eight touchdowns on 58 targets in 13 regular-season games as a rookie in 2024 after being taken in the third round out of the University of Washington. Seven of his TDs came in his final five games of the year. With Evans now out of the picture, the Bucs are looking for stability on the outside, and head coach Todd Bowles has praised McMillan's work ethic and resilience. Because of the nose for the end zone that he showed as a rookie, and with increased opportunity in Year 3, McMillan is worth a late-round dart throw in fantasy drafts in 2026.--Keith Hernandez
Source: Bucs Report

Jun 23, 2026, 2:15 PM ET

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) could start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list this summer, but he should be "full-go" by the time the team visits the division-rival Minnesota Vikings in the 2026 regular-season opener in September, according to Matt Schneidman of The Athletic. Kraft was arguably the league's best player at the TE position in 2025 before he suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 9, as he had 32 catches on 44 targets for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight starts. The 25-year-old former third-round pick (78th overall) in 2023 out of South Dakota State has looked swift while rehabbing on a side field during offseason workouts, and he said he recently hit 21.5 mph on foot. As long as Kraft doesn't suffer any sort of setbacks during training camp and the preseason, he'll be a popular breakout candidate at the TE position after his strong showing in eight games a year ago. The Packers let receiver Romeo Doubs walk in free agency and traded Dontayvion Wicks to the Philadelphia Eagles, so even more targets could be coming Kraft's way in 2026. RotoBaller currently has him ranked as the No. 5 fantasy TE.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Athletic - Matt Schneidman

Jun 23, 2026, 2:08 PM ET

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and other offensive players seem to be fans of new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, who will be calling plays for the first time in his career under new head coach Jesse Minter in 2025. "It's a different system than what I'm accustomed to being in, and I feel like there's going to be a lot of explosiveness this year," Jackson said. "The way [offensive coordinator] Declan [Doyle] calls plays and his creativity with his mind -- how detailed he is -- it's mind-blowing. I'm excited." The two-time MVP QB will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing and injury-plagued 2025 season in which he threw for only 2,549 yards, 21 touchdowns, and seven interceptions in 13 starts. Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver called Doyle "a human computer." With Jackson lined up more under center under Doyle, he'll be an obvious bounce-back candidate in 2026 if he can avoid the nagging injuries that dogged him last year. Despite a down year in 2025, Jackson isn't going to come at much of a discount as an obvious top-five fantasy QB because of his elite dual-threat abilities at the position.--Keith Hernandez
Source: BaltimoreRavens.com

Jun 23, 2026, 1:48 PM ET

Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr.'s undisclosed injury this offseason doesn't appear to be very serious, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. Fannin was seen walking without a limp during offseason workouts recently. The 21-year-old second-year tight end sat out of offseason practice in May and June with his undisclosed injury, but the Browns appear to be playing it safe with their leading pass-catcher from a year ago. After being selected with the 67th overall pick in the third round in 2025 out of Bowling Green, Fannin impressed with 72 receptions on 107 targets for a team-high 731 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games (13 starts). Fannin's participation level for the start of training camp at the end of July will be worth watching, but currently, it doesn't seem like his injury will keep him from being ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season. Even though Cleveland's QB situation is not ideal, Fannin will enter Year 2 in the NFL as a low-end TE1 in fantasy football drafts after his big rookie season.--Keith Hernandez
Source: The Cleveland Plain Dealer - Mary Kay Cabot