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Josh Allen to Sit Along with Most of Bills' Starters
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen and most of the team's starters will sit out Saturday's preseason matchup with the Cleveland Browns, according to NFL reporter Cameron Wolfe, who adds that a few young starters may play. A perennial MVP candidate and one of the most prolific fantasy quarterbacks of all time, Allen enters his ninth season as RotoBaller's QB1 following six straight finishes as a top two quarterback, with 2025 accounting for his fourth QB1 finish in that span. While Allen hasn't topped 4,000 passing yards since 2023, the arrival of wide receiver DJ Moore should raise his passing ceiling, while he remains a threat to score a rushing touchdown every week. Representing fantasy's safest option at the position, Allen is currently being drafted around the middle of the second round in single-quarterback leagues.
Source: Cameron Wolfe
Source: Cameron Wolfe
Rhamondre Stevenson Projected as the Patriots' Lead Back to Begin the Season
The New England Patriots recently completed two joint practices with the Eagles ahead of Saturday night's preseason matchup, and while the stout interior of Philadelphia's defensive front allowed for very little running room, veteran running back Rhamondre Stevenson did manage to pop a handful of outside runs, and team writer Evan Lazar sees him emerging as the team's lead back to begin the season. While Lazar notes that second-year back TreVeyon Henderson will still have a major role in a change-of-pace capacity, particularly if he can continue to make strides in pass protection, he believes that Stevenson has more consistently made plays between the tackles while seeing the bulk of the work with quarterback Drake Maye and the first team offense. Stevenson missed three games in 2025, but he outscored Henderson by half a fantasy point per game and was the back most commonly on the field during New England's four-game postseason run. Even still, he is currently being drafted as the RB28, almost two full rounds behind Henderson.
Source: Evan Lazar
Source: Evan Lazar
Geno Smith 7-of-7 with a Touchdown in Jets Return
It had been almost 10 full years since veteran quarterback Geno Smith last started a game for the New York Jets, but in his 2026 preseason debut, he offered a glimpse of what his second stint with the team could look like. Smith was 7-of-7 on his lone drive of the night, completing passes to six different receivers, including a 13-yard touchdown to tight end Jelani Woods to cap off a 10-play, 69-yard drive against the Pittsburgh Steelers. A second-round pick of the Jets in 2013, Smith went 12-18 as the team's starter and never truly found his footing until he landed with Seattle as a free agent and earned the starting job in 2022. Following three redemptive seasons with the Seahawks, Smith led one of the league's worst offenses with the Raiders in 2025, but after a low-stakes trade brought him back to the Jets, he has, by all accounts, put together an eye-opening training camp. A near-perfect preseason debut should see his draft cost rise, but at his current ADP of QB37, Smith could prove to be a severely underrated fantasy quarterback with every-week usability.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
RJ Harvey Catches a Touchdown in Limited Work with Starters
Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey had a short but successful outing in Friday night's preseason matchup with the Packers. With his work limited to the first drive of the game, the second-year back gained five yards on his only carry, but added 25 yards on two receptions, including a 21-yard touchdown strike from quarterback Bo Nix to cap off a six-play, 65-yard scoring drive. Harvey caught five touchdown passes as a rookie, and the backfield receiving role looks to still be his amid what has the potential to develop into a formidable three-man committee with veteran J.K. Dobbins and rookie Jonah Coleman. With all three backs likely to earn work in first-year playcaller Davis Webb's offense, individual fantasy ceilings will likely be capped, though Harvey's pass catching should help to establish a consistent floor, and he could provide safe value as RotoBaller's RB34.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Omar Cooper Jr. Runs with Starters in Second Preseason Game But Finishes with Only One Catch
New York Jets rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. got some run with the team's first-team offense during Friday's preseason win over the Steelers, but he stayed in the game well beyond most of the starters, who were pulled after a 10-play, 69-yard touchdown drive to open the night, and he didn't crack the stat sheet until the final series of the second quarter. Cooper ended his night with a single catch for nine yards, with the game serving as a continuation of what has been a quiet training camp. A first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the rookie has yet to secure anything close to a locked-in starting role, still competing with Isaiah Williams, who led the team with five targets on Friday, for the primary slot role in three-receiver sets. One of the least hyped first-rounders in recent memory, Cooper is being drafted as the WR65 in 2026 lineup leagues.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Bo Nix Near-Perfect in Preseason Debut
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix and most of the team's starting offense worked only two series in Friday night's preseason loss to the Packers, but they made their efforts count, ending both drives with points. On the night, Nix was 6-of-9 for 76 yards with a touchdown, connecting with five different pass-catchers, including a 35-yard strike to his newest receiver, Jaylen Waddle. Nix has finished as the fantasy QB7 in each of his first two seasons, leading the league in pass attempts in 2025 while adding 356 yards and five touchdowns on the ground, and despite the team trading for a true number-one receiver in Waddle, he is currently being drafted as the QB15. As one of the most potentially mispriced quarterbacks to be found in the closing rounds of 2026 drafts, Nix offers a safe floor and legitimate week-winning upside, though the Broncos face one of the league's most daunting opening schedules with games against the Chiefs, Jaguars, Rams, 49ers, Chargers, and Seahawks across the first six weeks.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Will Sheppard Leads Green Bay in Receiving on Friday Night
Most of the Green Bay Packers' starting offense played only one series in Friday's preseason win over the Broncos, a 12-play, 63-yard touchdown drive to open the night, and so it was 24-year-old wide receiver Will Sheppard who led the team with six catches for 47 yards, adding a touchdown grab of his own in the second quarter. An undrafted free agent out of Colorado in 2025, Sheppard spent the majority of his first season on the Packers' practice squad before signing a reserve/future contract in January, but following the departures of Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks, he is competing for a depth role in 2026. Behind a locked-in trio of Christian Watson, Matthew Golden, and Jayden Reed, the Packers still have a capable group of pass-catchers in Savion Williams, Bo Melton, and Skyy Moore, so even if Sheppard earns a spot on the initial 53-man roster, any contributions in 2026 project to be minimal. Still, Sheppard's showing on Friday night could help him land with a wide receiver-needy team if he's unable to stick in Green Bay. Either way, he is not a player who needs to factor into fantasy draft plans.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
John Metchie III Leads Team in Receiving, Builds Momentum Toward WR3 Role
Carolina Panthers wide receiver John Metchie III caught six of seven targets for 77 yards in Friday's 34-17 preseason loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Metchie showed a strong rapport with backup quarterback Kenny Pickett and led the Panthers in targets, catches, and receiving yards. Xavier Legette (ankle) had his ankle "rolled up on" during Wednesday's practice and did not play Friday, opening an opportunity for Metchie. Legette is also dealing with foot soreness and is day-to-day, according to Panthers head coach Dave Canales. Metchie made the most of Legette's absence with a strong showing. However, he did not get any work with the first-team offense and didn't log his first catch until the second half. Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker are the unquestioned starters and top wideouts for the Panthers. With third-round rookie Chris Brazzell (knee) out for the season, Metchie is battling Legette, Jimmy Horn Jr., and David Moore for Carolina's WR3 gig. If Metchie can win Carolina's WR3 role, he becomes a late-round flier in deep leagues and remains a dynasty stash for now.
Source: Pro Football Focus
Source: Pro Football Focus
Jonathon Brooks Sees Large Role on Friday With Starters, Punches in TD
Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks rushed for 18 yards on five attempts during Friday's 34-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. His longest run on the day was for 11 yards, and he punched it in from the one-yard line for his first touchdown in the NFL. With Chuba Hubbard (hamstring) out, Brooks played nearly every snap with the first-team offense on Friday. The 23-year-old has been running with the starters in Carolina's first two preseason games and has been healthy after being limited to just three games in his first two NFL seasons. Hubbard remains week-to-week, but Panthers head coach David Canales believes Hubbard will be available for the regular season opener against the Bears. Brooks currently has a Yahoo Fantasy ADP of 74, which could continue to rise after a strong preseason showing.
Source: Adam Schefter of ESPN
Source: Adam Schefter of ESPN
Rico Dowdle Splits First-Team Work in Preseason Debut
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Rico Dowdle turned five carries into 18 rushing yards and caught his lone target for two yards in a 17-0 preseason loss to the New York Jets. While teammate Jaylen Warren took the field first with the starters, Dowdle ultimately played 10 snaps to Warren's nine and finished with one additional touch. The seventh-year pro handled the entirety of Pittsburgh's second drive before splitting work with Warren on the third possession. Dowdle is unlikely to command a workhorse role as long as Warren stays healthy, but he should still see plenty of opportunities both on the ground and through the air as a reliable pass-catching option for quarterback Aaron Rodgers. He profiles as a fantasy RB3 with upside if the Steelers' offense takes a step forward under new head coach Mike McCarthy.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jaylen Warren Makes Preseason Debut as Steelers' Starter
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren handled five carries for 17 yards in a 17-0 preseason loss to the New York Jets. Warren, who rested alongside backfield mate Rico Dowdle in last week's preseason opener, drew the start Friday night and played nine total snaps. He and Dowdle alternated drives over Pittsburgh's first two possessions before splitting the work on the third. Neither player was particularly efficient in the contest as the Steelers struggled to run the ball all night, but it was nonetheless encouraging to see Warren get some action as the team's lead back. Fantasy managers should anticipate a relatively even split between Warren and Dowdle heading into the regular season, with a hot-hand approach potentially dictating the workload early in the year. The 27-year-old will have one more opportunity to tune up Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Kaleb Johnson Sees Expanded Role in Second Preseason Game
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson handled 10 carries for 39 yards and caught both of his targets for 15 yards in a 17-0 preseason loss to the New York Jets. Johnson, who was surprisingly limited to just two touches in last week's win, was featured heavily on Friday night and received the vast majority of Pittsburgh's opportunities out of the backfield. While he couldn't find much daylight, the second-year pro ran hard and showcased his ability as a pass-catcher. Johnson took over for starters Jaylen Warren and Rico Dowdle in the second quarter and remained involved into the early stages of the fourth. At this point, it's clear that Johnson is competing for a depth role, and potentially a roster spot, alongside fellow running backs Lew Nichols, Eli Heidenreich, and Travis Homer. His final preseason opportunity will come Thursday night against the Buffalo Bills.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Jordan Love Looks Sharp in Preseason Tune-Up
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love handled the first drive of the Packers' 33-13 victory over the Denver Broncos in the second preseason game for both clubs. Love was a solid 5-of-7 passing for 56 yards, engineering a 12-play drive that ended with a touchdown strike over the middle to running back MarShawn Lloyd for 11 yards. Love also completed two passes to Christian Watson, a 19-yard completion to Matthew Golden on a fourth down in Broncos' territory, a short seven-yard completion to Drake Dabney, and the score to Lloyd for Love's final throw of the night. Overall, Love had a sharp drive and looks ready for the 2026 NFL season. With the Packers condensing their pass-catching corps this offseason by letting Romeo Doubs test free agency and trading Dontayvion Wicks to Philadelphia, the hope is that this clearout brings more work for players like Watson, Golden, Tucker Kraft, and Jayden Reed. Love is a high-end QB2 for fantasy this season, as the Packers will no doubt be efficient, but are at the mercy of head coach Matt LaFleur's playcalling when it comes to pass volume.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
MarShawn Lloyd Scores TD, Tallies 28 Yards in Preseason Win
Green Bay Packers running back MarShawn Lloyd played nine snaps for the Packers in the team's first three drives of their 33-13 win over the Denver Broncos in both teams' second preseason tilt. Lloyd capped off the team's first drive with a receiving touchdown on an angle route over the middle with plenty of daylight to trot in for the 11-yard score. After the third drive, Chris Brooks was the primary running back for the Packers and Lloyd's day was done. Lloyd's night ended with six carries for 17 yards to go with his 11-yard touchdown score on his only target. With Josh Jacobs (groin) returning to practice this week but not playing in this preseason game, the pecking order seems firmly established with Lloyd being Jacobs' primary backup. Lloyd seems like a near-lock to be the primary backup and contingency plan if Jacobs cannot play. Consider Lloyd a solid handcuff at the end of fantasy drafts and a worthwhile stash in case he works into more carries this season for Green Bay.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Drew Allar Shows Flashes in Preseason Loss
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Drew Allar completed 11 of 23 passes for 110 yards and added four rushing yards on one carry in a 17-0 preseason loss to the New York Jets. Allar took over for Will Howard in the second half on Friday night but was unable to replicate the success of his pro debut a week earlier. Although the Steelers struggled to get anything going offensively, Allar did flash his arm talent while under pressure on a 38-yard downfield completion to rookie tight end Lake McRee. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh was unable to capitalize on the momentum, missing a 44-yard field goal later in the possession. The Penn State product should see plenty of action in next week's preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
