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Bucky Irving Could be Set For Reduced Workload to Improve Efficiency
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles has already declared running back Bucky Irving (shoulder) as healthy following offseason shoulder surgery, but there are still some reasons for concern if you're considering drafting him in fantasy football. Irving burst on the scene as a rookie in Tampa in 2024 with 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 207 carries while also catching 47 passes for 392 yards as a receiver, but he had an injury-plagued 2025 and finished with 588 rushing yards and just one TD while adding 30 receptions for 277 yards and three more scores. He's looking to return to the 1,000-yard mark in 2026, but will that be possible following the addition of Kenny Gainwell? Pewter Report's Scott Reynolds writes that there's a reason why Bowles has called Irving and Gainwell 1A and 1B. Gainwell is very talented, and the Bucs gave him a two-year, $14 million deal in free agency. He has impressed new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, and he will "see plenty of snaps and touches" this fall to "reduce Irving's workload so he can be more effective with fewer plays." It's how the Bucs' backfield operated when Irving and Rachaad White shared the workload in 2024. Between durability concerns and the loss of volume to Gainwell, Irving is shaping up as a volatile low-end RB2 target in 2026 fantasy drafts.
Source: Pewter Report - Scott Reynolds
Source: Pewter Report - Scott Reynolds
Griffin Jax Is Back on Track as a Mixed-League Rotation Add
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Griffin Jax bounced back from a rough outing with six strong innings against Toronto on Wednesday, July 22. He allowed one run on three hits and one walk, struck out five, and earned his sixth win. Jax had been tagged for seven earned runs by Boston in his previous start, but the response brought his season line to a 3.89 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, and 82 strikeouts over 81 innings. The move from the bullpen has stuck, with Jax now up to 16 starts in 27 appearances. He also carries SP/RP eligibility, making those innings easier to fit into fantasy lineups. Jax appears on 53% of Yahoo rosters, while RotoBaller ranks him as a 10-team addition. One blowup should not erase the larger body of work. Jax should not remain available in competitive mixed leagues.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Rashee Rice Cleared for Start of Training Camp
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (knee) has been cleared for the start of training camp next week, head coach Andy Reid told Matt McMullen of Chiefs.com. Rice will be ready to rock, along with star quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee), in training camp practices next week after he had a minor clean-up procedure on his right knee in May. As long as the 26-year-old former second-rounder in 2023 out of SMU isn't in anymore danger of being suspended by the league to begin the 2026 season, his ADP should continue to rise after playing in just 12 regular-season games the last two years combined due to injuries and suspension. Rice caught 79 of his 102 targets for 938 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games (eight starts) as a rookie, and he has clear WR1 upside as Mahomes' top target if he can stay active for an entire season again. The Chiefs will be leaning on the Mahomes-Rice connection a ton if both players are healthy in 2026. Right now, Rice is a bargain based on his current WR2 ADP, but that could change fast now that he's fully healthy for training camp.
Source: Chiefs.com - Matt McMullen
Source: Chiefs.com - Matt McMullen
Curtis Mead Undervalued Despite 17-Homer Breakout
Washington Nationals third baseman Curtis Mead is batting .258 with 17 home runs, 48 RBI, 48 runs, and six steals across 279 at-bats. He went 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored Monday at Colorado before going hitless Tuesday and sitting Wednesday. Even with the quiet finish to the series, Mead is 22-for-55 (.400) with three homers in July. Mead's Yahoo roster rate has climbed to 52%, but that still leaves him available in nearly half of leagues. He also qualifies at first and second base, giving managers several ways to fit his bat into the lineup. RotoBaller ranks Mead 15th among its latest waiver options, first at third base, and recommends him in 10-team formats. The breakout is no longer speculative. Mead should be rostered wherever he remains available.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Patrick Mahomes Fully Cleared for Training Camp Practice
Updating a previous report, Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said on Friday that quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) has been fully cleared to participate in the start of training camp practices next week, according to Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. A previous report from ESPN's Jeremy Fowler suggested that Mahomes was hoping to take part in 11-on-11 team work next week after being limited to seven-on-seven drills during the offseason program while rehabbing a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee from late last season. It appears that Mahomes has gotten the clearance. The 30-year-old three-time Super Bowl MVP and two-time regular-season MVP still has boxes to check, but barring a setback during camp and the preseason, he figures to be KC's starting QB for Week 1 against the division-rival Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. Going up against Denver's stout defense out of the gates will be a good test of Mahomes' health if he plays. We've learned not to bet against Mahomes at this point, but his redraft and dynasty stock going into 2026 is as low as it's ever been as he returns from a serious knee injury. Draft him as a low-end QB1 with upside if the Chiefs' offense can bounce back.
Source: The 33rd Team - Ari Meirov
Source: The 33rd Team - Ari Meirov
Bogdan Guskov An Underdog At UFC Abu Dhabi
Bogdan Guskov will look to get back in the win column when he takes on former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Guskov is stepping in on relatively short notice after former title challenger Khalil Rountree Jr. was forced to withdraw. "Hitman" was last seen in action in December at UFC 323, where he fought Jan Błachowicz to a majority draw. DraftKings sees Guskov as a big underdog with a salary of $6,700.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Seth McGowan Needs the RB2 Job to Matter
Indianapolis Colts running back Seth McGowan has a simple path to fantasy relevance: beat DJ Giddens for the job behind Jonathan Taylor. The seventh-round rookie ran for 725 yards and 12 touchdowns at Kentucky, with another 126 yards on 19 catches. There is some appeal here. McGowan has the size for short-yardage work, and Taylor handled 323 carries last season. The problem is that Indianapolis has not promised meaningful weekly touches to its backup, and Giddens owns better draft capital after going in the fifth round a year earlier. RotoBaller still has McGowan at rookie RB11, but neither Colts reserve is being drafted inside the top 70 backs. That makes McGowan a deep dynasty stash, not a redraft sleeper. Until he wins the RB2 job, he is mostly an insurance bet with no standalone value.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Patrick Mahomes Hoping to Take Part in 11-on-11 Workouts Next Week
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) is hoping to take part in 11-on-11 team drills when the team starts up training camp practices next week. Mahomes' rehab from a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee late last season has gone well this offseason, but he was limited to seven-on-seven work during the offseason program. Regardless of what Mahomes does on the field this summer, Fowler says that the Chiefs are going to be extra cautious with the star signal-caller. The 30-year-old two-time MVP and six-time Pro Bowler wants to eventually get back into a normal practice routine, and he still would like to get some action in a preseason game as well before being a full-go for the Week 1 regular-season opener on Monday night against the division-rival Denver Broncos. Mahomes has yet to be cleared for 11-on-11 work in camp, and he has some boxes to check before being ready for the season opener in early September, but all signs right now point to him having a realistic shot to get there. Coming off a serious knee injury in a Chiefs offense that is looking to regain its identity, Mahomes is considered a low-end QB1 in fantasy with more risk than ever before.
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Source: ESPN.com - Jeremy Fowler
Magomed Ankalaev Returns At UFC Abu Dhabi
Former light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev will look to return to the win column when he faces off against Bogdan Guskov in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday. This will be Ankalaev's first fight since losing the light heavyweight belt to Alex Pereira. Ankalaev was originally scheduled to fight Khalil Rountree Jr. in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi, but Rountree Jr. was forced to pull out of the fight due to injury. DraftKings sees Ankalaev as a big favorite with a salary of $9,500.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Stefon Diggs Is a Cheap Bet for Contenders
Free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs is still waiting on a team after catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns with New England last season. The production says there is something left. The empty depth-chart line is why the price has cratered. RotoBaller ranks him WR68 in dynasty and WR62 for PPR redraft, with the newest all-position dynasty list placing him 145th overall. The NFL has closed its conduct investigation without discipline, and multiple teams have reportedly checked in, but no landing spot means no target projection. That makes Diggs more useful to contenders than rebuilders. He is worth a cheap inquiry in dynasty and a late redraft stash, not a player to draft as though last year's role will follow him. Once he signs, the market may move quickly. Until then, managers are buying the possibility of a role, not the role itself.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Ramazan Temirov Looks To Remain Unbeaten In The UFC
Ramazan Temirov will look to remain undefeated when he takes on former title challenger Steve Erceg in the co-main event of UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Temirov was last seen in the Octagon more than a year ago at UFC Vegas 103, where he defeated Charles Johnson via unanimous decision. Temirov is known for his knockout power, and every knockout he's scored has come in the opening round. DraftKings sees Temirov as a slight underdog with a salary of $8,000.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Jeremiyah Love May Not be Guaranteed a Full-Time Role
Between Arizona Cardinals rookie first-round running back Jeremiyah Love and free-agent pickup Tyler Allgeier, it will be tough to predict how the backfield touches will shake out to begin the 2026 season. Donnie Druin of Sports Illustrated writes that it doesn't feel as though the Cardinals "will fully name one ball-carrier as a labeled starter." The Cardinals' backfield is going to look much different this year in new head coach Mike LaFleur's offense after both James Conner (ankle, foot) and Trey Benson (knee) suffered season-ending injuries early in 2025. Both Conner and Benson are still around, and although they figure to be No. 3 and No. 4 in the pecking order, their presence might be another reason not to go all in on Love, the third overall pick in April, as a true RB1 in 2026 in his first year in the NFL. It's hard to ignore the 21-year-old's production in his final two seasons at Notre Dame, though, as he went over 1,100 yards in both seasons with 35 total rushing touchdowns and five receiving TDs in 28 games. Love is the total package as an explosive runner with soft hands. He should have the upper hand for touches over Allgeier based on his draft capital alone, but Allgeier could continue to vulture TDs, much like he did in Atlanta. RotoBaller has Love ranked as the No. 13 overall fantasy RB for 2026.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Donnie Druin
Source: Sports Illustrated - Donnie Druin
Steve Erceg Set For UFC Abu Dhabi Co-Main Event
Former flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg will look for his third win in a row when he faces off against Ramazan Temirov in the co-main event of UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Erceg was last seen in action in May at UFC Perth, where he defeated UFC veteran Tim Elliott via unanimous decision. Before that, Erceg bounced back in the win column by beating Ode Osbourne via unanimous decision. DraftKings sees Erceg as a slight favorite with a salary of $8,200.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Kyren Williams Is a Dynasty Buy, Not a Redraft Bargain
Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams lost work to Blake Corum last season without losing his lead role. Williams finished with 1,252 rushing yards, 36 catches, and 13 total touchdowns on 295 touches, while Corum played 30.5% of the offensive snaps and handled 145 carries. The rotation helped keep Williams fresh. It also makes another 300-carry season hard to project. That makes the format matter. RotoBaller has Williams at RB16 in dynasty and RB14 in half-PPR redraft. The dynasty price is easier to buy. He is signed through 2028 and remains the more established scorer and receiver in one of the league's strongest offenses. Redraft is closer to fair value than a discount because Corum has earned weekly work. Williams still carries RB1 upside, but managers should buy the dynasty dip without pretending the committee risk disappeared.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Islam Dulatov Set For His Second UFC Fight
Islam Dulatov will look to extend his winning streak when he takes on Wellington Turman on the main card of UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Dulatov made his promotional debut in his last fight a year ago at UFC 318, where he finished Adam Fugitt via first-round knockout, extending his win streak to 12. The only time he lost was back in 2019, which was also his MMA debut. DraftKings sees Dulatov as a massive favorite with a salary of $9,800.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Omarion Hampton Is a Breakout Bet, Not a Bargain
Los Angeles Chargers running back Omarion Hampton turned nine rookie games into 737 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns, enough to keep the breakout buzz alive after two ankle injuries disrupted his season. He averaged 4.4 yards per carry and caught 32 passes, so the appeal is not tied only to early-down volume. The runway also looks cleaner in Year 2. Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal are the main backs behind him, while Mike McDaniel is moving the offense toward an outside-zone scheme. The fit is exciting. The price has already caught up. RotoBaller ranks Hampton 21st overall in dynasty and 19th in PPR redraft, where he is the RB11. Managers are paying for a healthy season and a larger workload, not finding a hidden sleeper. The ankle history keeps him from being risk-free, but Round 2 remains a fair place to bet on the breakout.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Wellington Turman In Dire Need Of Victory
Wellington Turman will try to return to the win column when he faces off against Islam Dulatov on the main card of UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Turman was last seen in the Octagon almost three years ago at UFC Austin, where he suffered a second-round submission loss to Jared Gooden, which was his third consecutive loss. Prior to that, he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Randy Brown. DraftKings sees Turman as a massive underdog with a salary of $6,400.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Ja'Marr Chase Still Sets the Dynasty Market
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase caught 125 passes for 1,412 yards and eight touchdowns last season, and the quieter scoring total did nothing to loosen his grip on the top dynasty spot. Chase still led the NFL with 185 targets. He has also cleared 1,200 receiving yards in four of five seasons, with Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins remaining alongside him in Cincinnati. RotoBaller ranks Chase first overall in dynasty, while he sits fifth overall and WR2 in its PPR redraft rankings. That is hardly a bargain, but it is not an overvaluation, either. Chase is 26, signed through 2029, and attached to one of football's best passers. Rebuilders do not need to move him simply because they are not ready to contend. Unless the return looks like a franchise-changing haul, there is little reason for any dynasty manager to sell.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Evan Engram's Name Still Outweighs His Role
Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram is still recognizable enough to tempt fantasy managers, but last season gave them little reason to chase the name. He caught 50 passes for 461 yards and one touchdown across 16 games while starting twice and playing only 42% of the offensive snaps. Denver has since added Jaylen Waddle, and fifth-round rookie Justin Joly brings another movable receiving option to the tight end room. Engram remains atop the depth chart for now. That does not guarantee the larger role he never found in 2025. RotoBaller ranks him TE35 for redraft, and he has slipped to 265th overall in its newest dynasty rankings. A rebound is possible if the playing time changes, but that is a preseason hope, not an expectation. Engram belongs on deep-league watch lists. Standard-league managers can find better late-round bets.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Damian Rzepecki Looks To Remain Undefeated
Damian Rzepecki aims to remain unbeaten as he takes on Magomed Zaynukov on the main card of UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Rzepecki was last seen in action in April at WOW 29: Valencia, where he defeated Corneliu Rotaru Lascar via unanimous decision. Known for his finishing ability, Rzepecki has gone the distance only once, and that was in his last fight. He is currently undefeated with an MMA record of 10-0. DraftKings sees Rzepecki as a big underdog with a salary of $7,000.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Magomed Zaynukov Set For UFC Debut
Magomed Zaynukov is set to make his long-awaited UFC debut against Damian Rzepecki on the main card of UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Zaynukov earned his UFC contract back in October by beating Lucas Caldas via unanimous decision on Dana White's Contender Series. In that fight, Zaynukov broke a record for most significant strikes landed in a lightweight fight. DraftKings sees Zaynukov as a big favorite with a salary of $9,200.
Source: UFC
Source: UFC
Tee Higgins Looks Better in Redraft Than Dynasty
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins remains one of the league's better touchdown bets, but his value is not identical across formats. He caught 59 passes for 846 yards and a career-high 11 scores on 98 targets last season, giving him 21 touchdowns over his last 27 games. That is the appeal. The catches are less secure. Ja'Marr Chase still owns the top spot in Cincinnati, and Higgins has missed 12 games over the past three seasons. RotoBaller ranks him WR13 for PPR redraft but WR27 in dynasty, a gap that makes sense. He can still return low-end WR1 numbers when Joe Burrow and the Bengals' passing game are healthy, which keeps him attractive near the third round. Dynasty contenders can buy at a fair WR2 price. Rebuilders should be more willing to sell after another touchdown-heavy season rather than count on his market value climbing much higher.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Arroyo Heating Up in Quest to Make Big-League Debut
Seattle Mariners second base/outfield prospect Michael Arroyo was recently promoted from Double-A Arkansas to Triple-A Tacoma and is producing with two homers and 13 RBI in just 12 games with Tacoma. Altogether in the month of July, between the two levels, Arroyo is hitting .395 with four homers, 19 RBI, and 19 runs scored. Arroyo, the No. 5 prospect in the Mariners' system, can play second base or outfield, so he offers some positional flexibility for a potential call-up to Seattle. The Mariners are well stocked at the big league level with Cole Young manning second base and boast a loaded outfield. But Arroyo, the talented right-handed hitter out of Colombia, is producing in his age-21 season, and fantasy managers would be wise to add the talented youngster whose 55-power and 55-hit tool could be on display before the end of the season.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Jacory Croskey-Merritt Is a Redraft Sleeper With Dynasty Risk
Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt made the most of 175 rookie carries, turning them into 805 yards and eight touchdowns while starting seven games. He also caught only nine passes. That gap matters more now that Washington has Rachaad White, Kaytron Allen, Jeremy McNichols, and Jerome Ford in the room. The Commanders believe he can handle more early-down work, and his league-best 53.7% rushing success rate gives them a reason to find out. An every-down role is another matter. Croskey-Merritt still has to improve as a receiver and pass protector, and Dan Quinn has already suggested a committee. RotoBaller ranks him RB43 in both redraft and dynasty. The redraft price leaves room for a useful season if he leads the ground game. In dynasty, the crowded depth chart, limited receiving profile, and seventh-round draft capital make him tougher to buy aggressively.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
TJ Rumfield a High-Floor Batting-Average Asset to Target on the Waiver Wire
Colorado Rockies first baseman TJ Rumfield has been one of the breakout success stories of the 2026 season, hitting .297/.381/.476 with 13 home runs, 52 RBI, and 45 runs scored across 409 plate appearances. The 26-year-old's underlying batted-ball metrics are underwhelming, as he's logged just a 5.3% barrel rate and a 28.2% hard-hit rate. However, Rumfield has struck out in just 14.2% of his plate appearances on the year. Between his propensity to put the ball in play and his hitter-friendly home environment in Colorado, Rumfield profiles as one of the safer sources of batting average and run production available to fantasy managers on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Yohandy Morales Racking Up Power Numbers at Triple-A Rochester
Washington Nationals corner-infield prospect Yohandy Morales continues to hit for power at Triple-A Rochester and is making a case for a potential promotion. The No. 26 overall prospect for the Nationals, Morales has been consistently producing all season at Triple-A with 21 homers, 62 RBI, and 66 runs scored with a .294 batting average. The numbers beg the question if Morales deserves a shot with the Nationals, a team with a lineup loaded with young talent. Morales was a second-round pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, and his 55-grade power makes him an option as he can play either corner infield position. Morales could be worth a look in deep leagues as a sleeper stash, as his power bat would be a welcome addition to a deep Washington lineup at the big-league level.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Keon Coleman's Price Finally Matches the Risk
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman has fallen far enough that the price finally matches the risk. He caught 38 passes for 404 yards and four touchdowns on 59 targets last season, starting only six games. A wrist injury cost him time, and being late to team meetings cost him trust and opportunities. Buffalo did not clear the runway this offseason, either. DJ Moore joined Khalil Shakir atop the receiver room, while rookie Skyler Bell added another option. Still, head coach Joe Brady praised Coleman's offseason and plans to use him both inside and outside. RotoBaller ranks him WR92 in dynasty and WR109 for redraft, so nobody is paying for a breakout. That makes him a reasonable buy-low throw-in for rebuilders and a late dart in deeper drafts. Contenders just should not enter the season needing him in the lineup.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
A.J. Ewing Remains a High-Upside Speed Threat on the Waiver Wire
Since being called up for his MLB debut in mid-May, New York Mets outfielder A.J. Ewing is hitting .274/.345/.426 with seven home runs, 25 RBI, 27 runs scored, and 11 stolen bases across 251 plate appearances. The 21-year-old has struck out in 27.1% of his plate appearances, which is a bit of a concern for fantasy managers. However, Ewing owns elite speed, which allowed him to consistently run a high batting average on balls in play throughout his time in the minor leagues. Across 124 minor league games in 2025, Ewing hit .392 on balls in play and stole 70 bases. Ewing has also drawn walks in 9.6% of his big league plate appearances, which should continue to help him make an impact on the bases. In leagues where he's not already rostered, fantasy managers should target Ewing as a speed threat with upside on the waiver wire.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Angel Genao Continues to Impress During Red-Hot July Stretch
Cleveland Guardians infield prospect Angel Genao is tearing up the International League at Triple-A Columbus during the month of July with a .426 batting average, two homers, nine RBI, and 12 runs scored. The No. 2 prospect in the Guardians' system, Genao has split time this year between Double-A Akron and Columbus with a combined .296 batting average and 11 homers with 44 RBI and 60 runs scored. With Travis Bazzana manning second base at the major league level and with Brayan Rocchio at shortstop, Genao is blocked a bit by talent at the major league level, but he continues to produce at Triple-A. He is looking like a nice addition even in shallow leagues as he is likely to make his big league debut at some point this season. When he does, his 60-grade hit tool should make him a mainstay in fantasy lineups down the stretch.
Source: Minor League Baseball
Source: Minor League Baseball
Tua Tagovailoa Is a Cheap Superflex Throw-In
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has a path to Week 1 starts, but dynasty managers should treat him as a cheap throw-in, not a reclamation project. He completed 67.7% of his passes for 2,660 yards, 20 touchdowns, and a career-high 15 interceptions in 14 starts last season. Atlanta signed him to a one-year deal while Michael Penix Jr. works back from a torn ACL. Tagovailoa took most of the first-team snaps in minicamp, though that came before Penix was cleared for full-team work. The actual competition still has to play out. RotoBaller ranks Tagovailoa as its dynasty QB33 and around QB30 for redraft, which leaves him outside the picture in standard one-quarterback leagues. He has more appeal in superflex, especially for a contender that needs an inexpensive third quarterback. Even there, the lack of rushing production and uncertain job security make him a short-term bet rather than someone to build around.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
