Fantasy Football News

Jason Sanders • K • Jets

Jason Sanders to Kick for the Jets on Sunday

Kicker Jason Sanders, who is on the practice squad, will make the start for the New York Jets in Sunday's Week 1 season opener against the Tennessee Titans over Blake Grupe in a mild surprise, head coach Aaron Glenn told Rich Cimini of ESPN. Sanders initially won a training camp kicking battle over Cade York for the Jets' placekicker job, but New York decided to bring in Grupe for added competition, and it looked like Grupe had taken the job after Sanders was moved to the practice squad. The 30-year-old Sanders was injured and did not play at all in 2025. The former seventh-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2018 from New Mexico is an 84.6% kicker on his 221 total field-goal attempts in his seven seasons with the Dolphins, making 33 of his 48 attempts from 50-plus yards. In his most recent season in 2024 in Miami, Sanders went 37-for-41 on field-goal attempts (90.2%) and 26-for-28 on his extra points in 17 games. For now, he has the job in New York over Grupe, but any little slip-up and the Jets could give Grupe a shot. Fantasy managers should avoid the kicking situation in the Big Apple.

Sep 11

Pat Freiermuth • TE • Steelers

Pat Freiermuth Facing More Competition for Targets

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth no longer has the top spot to himself on the team's depth chart. Freiermuth and Darnell Washington are now listed together with the first team after Washington spent August behind him. That isn't great news for a player who already saw his volume fall last season. Freiermuth went from 78 targets, 65 catches and seven touchdowns in 2024 to 54 targets, 41 catches and four scores a year ago. Washington was more involved at the same time, posting career highs with 31 receptions and 364 yards, and Pittsburgh gave him a new five-year contract in June. The competition doesn't stop there. Michael Pittman Jr. was added alongside DK Metcalf, while second-round rookie Germie Bernard gives Aaron Rodgers another receiver to work with. Freiermuth will still have a role, and Pittsburgh can get both tight ends on the field together. Finding steady targets every week looks tougher, though. He is better treated as a touchdown-dependent TE2 until we see how this passing game shakes out.

Sep 11

Christian McCaffrey • RB • 49ers

Christian McCaffrey Played Through Cramping in Season-Opening Win

San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said that running back Christian McCaffrey dealt with some cramps during the season-opening win on Thursday over the division-rival Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, but made it through fine, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. McCaffrey did not have a huge Week 1 performance, but he did enough to help the Niners pull off a blowout win over a Rams defense that came into the 2026 season expected to be one of the best units in the league. The 30-year-old had 10 carries for 68 yards and caught five of his eight targets for 20 yards. It was a notable reduction in his workload after finishing as the RB1 in fantasy in 2025 with a career- and league-high 413 touches in 17 regular-season starts. Rookie Kaelon Black actually had four more carries than CMC, who did not do much in training camp due to undisclosed tightness. McCaffrey might not see as hefty a workload in 2026, but if he stays healthy again all year, he still has the potential to be a league-winner in San Fran's offense. He is a must-start for a Week 2 matchup against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Sept. 20.

Sep 11

Elic Ayomanor • WR • Titans |

Carnell Tate • WR • Titans

Elic Ayomanor Opens Year Behind Rookie Receiver

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor enters Week 1 in a much different spot than he occupied for most of his rookie season. Ayomanor started 14 games last year and played 80% of the offensive snaps, turning 89 targets into 41 catches for 515 yards and four touchdowns. He was still involved throughout camp this summer, so this is not a case of him disappearing completely. The problem is what Tennessee put in front of him. The Titans signed Wan'Dale Robinson, then spent the fourth overall pick on Carnell Tate, and their latest depth chart has Calvin Ridley, Robinson and Tate as the starting three. Ayomanor is listed behind Tate. That makes last year's volume tough to project again, especially with several other receivers still competing for snaps. RotoBaller has Ayomanor at WR108 entering the season. There could still be weeks when he works his way onto the field, but fantasy managers should treat him as a deep-league watch-list player until Tennessee shows it plans to use him regularly.

Sep 11

Jonathon Brooks • RB • Panthers

Jonathon Brooks on Field for Third Straight Practice

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks (groin) was back in uniform and practicing with teammates Friday, according to Mike Kaye. That makes three straight practices for Brooks after he was still working off to the side earlier this week. He was officially limited Wednesday and Thursday, but the direction here has been positive. Brooks said Wednesday he expects to play against Chicago, and head coach Dave Canales said he's "very confident" the third-year back will be available. Friday's final injury report will tell us whether Brooks carries a designation into Sunday. Brooks hasn't played a regular-season snap since tearing his right ACL for the second time in December 2024, though he did get into two preseason games this summer. Chuba Hubbard sits atop Carolina's depth chart, and offensive coordinator Brad Idzik said this week that Hubbard, Brooks and AJ Dillon have all earned roles and can be mixed and matched. Brooks looks increasingly likely to play, but his workload is still the part fantasy managers have to be careful with in Week 1.

Sep 11

Jeremiyah Love • RB • Cardinals

Jeremiyah Love Expected to Play in Week 1

Arizona Cardinals rookie running back Jeremiyah Love (ankle) is expected to play Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers, according to Josh Weinfuss. Love has been trying to get back from the high-ankle sprain he suffered against Las Vegas on Aug. 13, and things have moved in the right direction this week. He was limited at practice Wednesday and Thursday after missing the remainder of the preseason. Love only got one game in before the injury, but he looked the part, rushing 11 times for 58 yards and catching all three of his targets for another 14. Arizona used the third overall pick on him in April, so there is obviously plenty of fantasy interest here. The bigger question is how much the Cardinals want to put on his plate right away. Tyler Allgeier is also available in the backfield, and Love has essentially missed a month of work. Still, this is another encouraging report for fantasy managers who drafted the rookie. Barring a setback, he now appears to be on track to make his NFL debut Sunday.

Sep 11

Devin Singletary • RB • Giants

Devin Singletary Still Without a Clear Role in Giants Backfield

New York Giants running back Devin Singletary made the 53-man roster, but his fantasy value still took a hit heading into Week 1. The Giants kept four running backs, and their current depth chart has Cam Skattebo first with Tyrone Tracy Jr., Najee Harris and Singletary all behind him. Harris was only added in August, which made an already crowded room even harder to sort out. Singletary did have some decent preseason moments, including 40 yards and a touchdown on eight carries against Miami, but there is still no clear path to steady touches. He handled 119 carries for 437 yards and five touchdowns last season, adding 18 catches for 151 yards. That was useful depth work, not enough to force the Giants into carving out a role now that Skattebo is back atop the depth chart and Harris is in the mix. RotoBaller has Singletary at RB81 entering the season. Making the roster keeps him relevant, but fantasy managers can leave him on waivers until this backfield gives us something more concrete.

Sep 11

Zachariah Branch • WR • Falcons

Zachariah Branch Not Projected to Start Early in Rookie Season

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Zachariah Branch is not listed as a projected starter on the team's initial depth chart, dropping him off the fantasy radar in most redraft leagues. As a third-round rookie, we shouldn't be completely shocked that Branch won't get the start in Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, if there were any receiver room where he could make that leap, this would be the one. There are plenty of targets up for grabs behind No. 1 receiver Drake London. While Branch, a Georgia product, spent this summer competing for that No. 2 role, it ended up going to veteran Olamide Zaccheaus. Meanwhile, Jahan Doston projects as the third receiver on the depth chart, leaving Branch buried all the way down in the No. 4 role. This offense has so much uncertainty at the quarterback position that it's hard to envision Branch getting onto the redraft radar at any point during his rookie season. In the meantime, he's expected to operate as the Falcons' punt returner.

Sep 11

Jauan Jennings • WR • Vikings

Jauan Jennings Faces a Tougher Path to Targets in 2026

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jauan Jennings could have trouble carving out a substantial role with his new team. Jennings went from being the de facto No. 1 receiver in San Francisco to the No. 3 receiver in Minnesota, and in doing so, he'll also deal with a quarterback downgrade from Brock Purdy to Kyler Murray. Jennings is a great depth signing for the Vikings, who now have extra insurance in case Justin Jefferson or Jordan Addison goes down. However, he faces an uphill climb to achieving fantasy relevance. His path to getting on the fantasy radar would likely require an injury to Jefferson or Addison, and even then, he'd still be the No. 2 receiver in an offense with inconsistent quarterback play. In all likelihood, Jennings is headed for a similar role as Jalen Nailor, who was the Vikings' No. 3 receiver last year and caught 29 passes for 444 yards and four touchdowns while ranking as the WR61 in PPR leagues.

Sep 11

Jerry Jeudy • WR • Browns

Jerry Jeudy Losing Ground to the Browns' Youth Movement

Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jerry Jeudy is quickly falling out of favor as some of his younger teammates ascend into substantial roles. Jeudy had a miserable fantasy campaign in 2025, catching 50 passes for 602 yards and two touchdowns. While part of his subpar season can be blamed on quarterback play, Jeudy deserves to take on a substantial amount of accountability. He has ranked as the WR47 or lower in four of his six NFL seasons, serving as a major letdown to fantasy managers who trusted him with the Broncos or Browns. Now, Cleveland's front office is losing faith in him, as they drafted KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston to be the future of their receiver room. Jeudy may still earn the start in Week 1, but his vastly reduced role and poor quarterback play mean that he belongs on the bench (or even the waiver wire) in most fantasy football leagues.

Sep 11

Makai Lemon • WR • Eagles

Makai Lemon an Early Fade After Quiet Camp

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon has a bright future in the NFL, but for now, he should be avoided in most redraft leagues. The Eagles spent a first-round pick on Lemon to replace A.J. Brown, and he responded by turning in a very disappointing camp/preseason and also battling a hamstring injury. As a result, he will open the season in the No. 3 spot on the depth chart, rather than the No. 2 role for which he was originally projected when the Eagles drafted him. As Lemon opens the year behind DeVonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, and Dallas Goedert, he faces an uphill battle to play meaningful snaps right away. This isn't uncommon for rookie receivers, especially those who deal with injuries or a slow acclimation period in their first training camp. We're still optimistic that Lemon will be an every-week fantasy contributor in the future, but for now, he can be left on waivers in all redraft leagues with 12 or fewer teams.

Sep 11

DJ Giddens • RB • Colts

DJ Giddens Off the Fantasy Radar Almost Entirely

Indianapolis Colts running back DJ Giddens' fantasy value has taken an enormous hit this offseason. He was once projected to be the clear-cut No. 2 running back and an intriguing handcuff behind Jonathan Taylor, but he instead fell to third on the depth chart and is now at risk of playing solely on special teams. In past years, the Colts have shown a willingness to feed Taylor on almost every rushing play, leaving very few carries for the No. 2 or 3 players on the depth chart. This year, Giddens lost his backup role to Seth McGowan after the former had a quiet training camp and the latter made a very positive impression. In the event of an injury to Taylor, Giddens' ceiling is a low-end RB3/flex in deeper leagues, and that's only if McGowan struggles. There's a nearly impossible path to production for Giddens, who can be avoided in all redraft leagues and dropped to waivers in most dynasty formats.

Sep 11

Tyrone Tracy Jr. • RB • Giants

Tyrone Tracy Jr. has Uncertain Role Heading into Week 1

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. is expected to split the backup role with Devin Singletary and Najee Harris. After the third-year back fumbled and missed a pass-protection rep that left his starting quarterback, Jaxson Dart, leveled, Tracy appears to have lost ground in the backfield. The Giants' depth chart listed second-year Cam Skattebo as the RB1, with Tracy, Singletary, and Harris all listed as RB2s. In 15 games last season, Tracy had 176 carries for 740 yards and two touchdowns, and added 36 receptions for 288 yards and two touchdowns. With a new coaching staff in place, Tracy's role appears uncertain for Week 1, and fantasy managers should have low expectations for his outlook against the Dallas Cowboys.

Sep 11

Jordan Mason • RB • Vikings |

Aaron Jones Sr. • RB • Vikings

Aaron Jones Sr. Could Lose Snaps to Backfield Mate in 2026

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. is expected to split the backfield with Jordan Mason this season. Last season, Jones had 160 touches for 747 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games, while Mason had 173 touches for 809 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games. Mason has reportedly had a strong training camp, looks fast and explosive, and has a shot at the starting role in Minnesota. With Kyler Murray under center and a favorable schedule for running backs, both players can produce, but Mason has more workhorse upside. Jones has also missed 11 games over the last three seasons, making him a riskier option. Both will limit each other's fantasy value in a committee, but Mason's strong training camp and career efficiency give him the best chance to eventually take over this backfield.

Sep 11

Jordan James • RB • 49ers |

Kaelon Black • RB • 49ers

Jordan James Off Fantasy Radar After Losing RB2 Role

San Francisco 49ers running back Jordan James was a healthy scratch in Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams. After battling rookie Kaelon Black in training camp, James appeared to lose the backup role and was inactive for the season opener in Melbourne, Australia. James has played only three games in his NFL career and has yet to record a stat. With him as the clear RB3 and the team's ability to use fullback Kyle Juszczyk and Deebo Samuel Sr. as emergency running backs, James does not appear likely to have a role this season unless both Black and star Christian McCaffrey are injured. Fantasy managers can safely drop the second-year back, with Black the clear backup in San Francisco.

Sep 11

De'Zhaun Stribling • WR • 49ers

De'Zhaun Stribling Likely to Miss Time

San Francisco 49ers rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) will likely miss time, according to Ian Rapoport. Stribling limped off the field, went to the medical tent, returned, and then went down with a non-contact injury that appeared to be significant. The good news is that head coach Kyle Shanahan deemed it an ankle injury and that his Achilles tendon was intact. The rookie receiver was held without a target against the Los Angeles Rams but led the 49ers wideouts in snaps after three drives, playing more than Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, and Demarcus Robinson, all of whom scored touchdowns in Week 1. While we won't know the full diagnosis until the team returns to the States, fantasy managers shouldn't drop the young, talented receiver.

Sep 11

Isiah Pacheco • RB • Lions

Isiah Pacheco Droppable After Landing on Injured Reserve

Detroit Lions running back Isiah Pacheco (knee/back) will enter the 2026 season on injured reserve. After a sprained MCL in early August, Pacheco dealt with a back injury that head coach Dan Campbell said was more concerning than the knee. With the former Chiefs' back set to miss at least the first four games of the season, fantasy managers in 10- or 12-team leagues should consider dropping him. He had 118 carries for 462 yards and one touchdown last season, averaging six half-PPR fantasy points per game. Once healthy, Pacheco will compete for a backup role behind star running back Jahmyr Gibbs. Even if he suffers an injury, a committee with Sione Vaki or Jacob Saylors, or a free-agency move by the Lions, would be considered as well. There are more high-upside running backs on the waiver wire, and the injuries have set him back.

Sep 11

Demarcus Robinson • WR • 49ers

Demarcus Robinson Gets TD Grab In Season Opener

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Demarcus Robinson had two receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown on Thursday night against the Rams. Even though he saw only three targets, Robinson spent a surprising amount of time on the field, finishing second behind Mike Evans in snap count and routes run. With Evans, Deebo Samuel Sr., and De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) thought to be ahead of him on the depth chart, little was expected of Robinson before the season began. Depending on Stribling's injury status, Robinson may continue to see regular work, though his production relative to his snap share in Week 1 suggests he won't be a focal point on the offense. Robinson is capable of the occasional splash play, but it is hard to see him as a consistent source of fantasy points, even with the Dolphins on deck for Week 2.

Sep 11

Deebo Samuel Sr. • WR • 49ers

Deebo Samuel Sr. Catches TD In Reunion With 49ers

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. was productive in his first game back with the team in their season opener against the Rams despite his limited role. Samuel entered the game from the bench and finished with six catches for 48 yards and one touchdown on seven targets. The versatile veteran also handled one carry for 12 rushing yards and two kickoffs for 74 return yards. Samuel ranked third in snap share among the 49ers' wide receivers behind Mike Evans and Demarcus Robinson, and likely would have finished behind De'Zhaun Stribling (ankle) had the rookie not exited the game due to an injury in the second quarter. The vague receiver roles and frequent rotations make it hard to predict how and when Samuel will be used, but if Stribling misses time, he should see greater involvement. Samuel might be a flex play in Week 2, when the 49ers face off against the Miami Dolphins.

Sep 11

Mike Evans • WR • 49ers

Mike Evans Scores TD In 49ers Debut

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans made good on the hype surrounding his signing in Thursday night's 27-7 win over the Los Angeles Rams. Evans brought in six of his seven targets for 49 yards and one touchdown in the season opener. Evans was involved early and often on pivotal plays, converting four third downs in the first half (three on the first drive alone). His lone missed target came on a third-and-three just before halftime. Evans' lone catch in the second half was a two-yard touchdown that helped the 49ers pull away. With his size and abilities as a receiver, it is easy to see Evans becoming a preferred target for quarterback Brock Purdy in the weeks to come. In Week 2, Evans will get a plum matchup against the Miami Dolphins at home.

Sep 11

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