Fantasy Football News

A second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Seattle Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo finished his rookie season with just 15 receptions for 179 yards and one touchdown on 26 targets across 13 games (four starts). The 23-year-old spent the majority of the year behind Seahawks tight end AJ Barner on the team's depth chart at the position. Seattle also recorded the NFL's third-lowest pass rate as a team in 2025, which likely held down the fantasy production of all of its pass-catchers outside of star wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. While Barner remains with the Seahawks entering 2026, Arroyo is a more explosive athlete and may be the higher-upside pass-catcher of the two. Seattle may also be forced to turn to the air a bit more in 2026, as the team was forced to rework its backfield over the offseason. For dynasty managers in the midst of a rebuild, buying low on Arroyo could be a move that pays dividends long-term.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker had the most productive season of his career in 2025, recording 57 catches for 696 yards and five touchdowns on 92 targets across 17 games. With star Raiders tight end Brock Bowers battling injury for most of the year and veteran wideout Jakobi Meyers being dealt at the trade deadline, Tucker took on a higher-volume role in his team's offense. Las Vegas added a pair of veteran wideouts in Jalen Nailor and Dareke Young in free agency, neither of whom profiles as a significantly high-volume target earner. Still, Bowers should be healthier in 2026, and young Raiders wideouts Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr. could take on larger roles as well. Even in his emergent campaign last season, Tucker averaged an underwhelming 1.19 yards per route run. In dynasty formats, managers could be wise to try to take advantage of a potential sell-high window on Tucker ahead of 2026.

A second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech struggled to produce as a rookie. Across 16 games (five starts), the 23-year-old recorded 20 catches for 224 yards and two touchdowns on 29 targets. In fairness to Bech, the offensive environment around him in Las Vegas was arguably the NFL's worst in 2025. Entering 2026, the Raiders have a new play-caller in Klint Kubiak and two new quarterbacks in Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza. The team also made only modest additions to its wide receiver room in free agency, signing veterans Jalen Nailor and Dareke Young. As underwhelming as Bech's production as a rookie was, he should have another chance to make an impression in 2026 and a more competent supporting cast to help him reach his ceiling. Per Michael Canelo of Sports Illustrated, Bech has "already been making noise" at Raiders spring workouts. In dynasty formats, rebuilding dynasty managers may want to explore buy-low trades for Bech.

After recording 1,112 scrimmage yards and 17 touchdowns on 187 touches across 12 games for the University of Washington in 2025, running back Jonah Coleman was selected in the fourth round of the 2026 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Entering training camp, Coleman likely profiles as the RB3 in Denver behind veteran J.K. Dobbins and 2025 second-rounder RJ Harvey. If Dobbins and Harvey stay healthy, Coleman's usage in 2026 may be limited. However, Dobbins has a long track record of injury issues, as he's cracked 200 touches in just one season since entering the NFL in 2020. Harvey averaged just 3.7 yards per carry as a rookie last season and was much more effective as a receiver out of the backfield, which could be the role the Broncos envision him playing long-term. With a steady rookie season, Coleman could emerge as Denver's lead rusher heading into 2027, and an injury to Dobbins could open a path to playing time even sooner. In dynasty formats, Coleman profiles as a priority stash candidate entering 2026.

Across 14 games in 2025, New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton recorded 37 catches for 538 yards and one touchdown on 63 targets. Slayton remains a steady downfield presence, as he's averaged 15.1 yards per reception over the last four seasons. However, he was unable to step into a higher-volume role last season, even after star Giants wideout Malik Nabers (knee) went down with a season-ending knee injury in Week 4. Entering 2026, New York has a new coaching staff in place that may not be as partial to Slayton. The Giants signed veteran wideouts Darnell Mooney, Calvin Austin III, and Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency in addition to using a third-round pick in the 2026 Draft on wide receiver Malachi Fields. As Slayton enters his age-29 season, he may be in line for a significantly reduced role in his team's offense. In dynasty formats, managers may want to see whether they can move Slayton for any value.

New Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael may place a greater emphasis on involving running back James Cook III in the team's passing game, according to Matt Parrino of syracuse.com. Cook III recorded 44 catches for 445 yards and four touchdowns in 2023, but he's finished with fewer than 35 receptions and 300 receiving yards in each of the past two seasons. The 26-year-old saw his largest overall workload in 2025, topping 300 carries for the first time and recording 342 touches overall. Carmichael was a part of many offenses with the New Orleans Saints, which heavily featured running back Alvin Kamara as a pass-catcher, and could bring a similar flavor to Buffalo. If Cook III can up his receiving workload without seeing a significant drop-off in rushing production, he may have overall fantasy RB1 upside in 2026.

Los Angeles Chargers running back Keaton Mitchell has averaged more than six yards per rushing attempt through his first three seasons in the league, but injuries and a sub-200-pound frame have limited him to fewer than 60 carries every year. Landing in a Chargers offense, where new coordinator Mike McDaniel values speed above perhaps any other trait, Mitchell has a chance to see the largest workload of his career. Having run a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Combine, Mitchell is a player who only gets faster when the pads come on. Per Next Gen Stats, his 14.49 MPH average run speed per carry in 2025 led all players with at least 50 attempts and was more than a full mile per hour faster than the next player on the list, Miami's De'Von Achane. While it's unreasonable to expect a similar level of impact from Mitchell, Achane was one of the league's most explosive players in McDaniel's offense, and if the 24-year-old former undrafted free agent can see even a modest uptick in usage in that same system, he could see weekly fantasy viability as a flex-worthy starter. All indications are that Los Angeles' backfield will run through 2025 first-rounder Omarion Hampton, but Mitchell has both the ability and the environment to develop into one of the most efficient change-of-pace backs in the league, and at RotoBaller's dynasty RB80, he's a low-cost trade target who could see his value rise considerably in the coming years.

Despite the fact that he has not played sustained meaningful football since 2023, Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks continues to pick up steam heading into the 2026 season. With best ball drafts and some early redraft leagues already underway, Brooks has been one of the fastest risers by ADP, and the bull case is easy to see. Brooks was the first running back selected in the 2024 NFL Draft after a final collegiate season at Texas in which he topped 1,400 yards from scrimmage and double-digit touchdowns while showcasing his versatility in the passing game. Carolina's leading rusher from 2025, Rico Dowdle, is no longer with the team, and reports out of the non-contact setting of minicamp have some believing that Brooks could push veteran Chuba Hubbard for a starting role. Hubbard was unimpressive for much of 2025, but it's important to remember that he was dealing with a lingering calf issue for most of the year, and while Brooks represents unproven upside, two catastrophic knee injuries have limited him to only 23 total snaps and nine rushing attempts in his short career. With a rising swell of support for Brooks, there's little question about which Panthers running back to roster in dynasty leagues, but for 2026 redraft leagues, with their ADPs creeping closer and closer together, Brooks has the potential to disappoint if Carolina opts to give first crack at starting duties to a healthy Hubbard.

Veteran wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. has been an underneath target hog for most of his six-year career, and with the Pittsburgh Steelers trading for him this offseason, the 2020 second-round pick lands in an Aaron Rodgers-led offense seemingly primed to take advantage of his skill set. In his first season with the Steelers, Rodgers finished last in the league in intended air yards per attempt, and heading into his 22nd season at age 42, there's little to suggest a drastic change of approach for 2026. While the Steelers lost running back Kenneth Gainwell to free agency and released tight end Jonnu Smith, two of Rodgers' favorite short-area targets from 2025 have been replaced by Pittman and second-round rookie Germie Bernard. Given the temperamental quarterback's longstanding distrust of rookies, Pittman could be in line for a massive target share. Two-time Pro Bowler DK Metcalf will still man the outside, but with his downfield skill set aligning closer to those of prime Rodgers than the quick-release check-down maestro of later years, he could become more of a secondary read behind Pittman. Ranked as RotoBaller's WR38, four receiver spots behind Metcalf, Pittman could ultimately prove to be the higher-scoring Steelers receiver, and in full-PPR leagues, he represents one of the better values in the later rounds of drafts.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf has seen his yards per reception and total receiving yards drop in each of the past two seasons. His 850 yards in 2025 marked a career low, while his 59 catches were the fewest since his 2019 rookie season. Once one of the most feared vertical threats in the game, Metcalf's strengths did not look necessarily aligned with those of a 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers in their first season together, and changes coming to Pittsburgh's offense could further amplify that disconnect. Rodgers finished 33rd of 33 qualifying quarterbacks in intended air yards per attempt in 2025, and ahead of his second season with the Steelers, the team traded for Michael Pittman Jr. and spent a second-round pick on Germie Bernard, two receivers that will allow him to continue working in the short to intermediate areas of the field. Metcalf led the team with 99 targets in 2025, but the rest of the receiver room was made up of Calvin Austin III, Roman Wilson, Scott Wilson, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Ben Skowronek, and Adam Thielen, six players who combined for only 127 targets. For context, Pittman has averaged 126 targets of his own over the past five seasons. At RotoBaller's WR38, Metcalf will not destroy teams in 2026 if he's unable to live up to ADP, but as he approaches 29 years old, he finds himself in an offense ill-equipped to take advantage of his unique skill set with a new surrounding cast that will reduce the need to do so.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton has finished as the WR13 or better in each of the past two seasons, and while changes are coming to the Broncos' offense in 2026, enough continuity remains for the veteran wideout to see sustained success in his ninth season. First time offensive coordinator Davis Webb has been tasked with play calling duties, but with head coach Sean Payton still overseeing the operation, Denver should remain a high-volume passing offense, and while the team traded away multiple picks to acquire dynamic receiver Jaylen Waddle, Sutton's red zone connection with quarterback Bo Nix should continue to provide scoring opportunities. Since Nix assumed starting duties in 2024, Sutton has seen 38 red zone targets, converting nine into touchdowns. Sutton's 25 total touchdowns since 2023 rank sixth in the league over that span, and while Waddle is a true threat to lead the team in targets, he's seen less than half of Sutton's touchdown total over the past three seasons. While another top 13 finish is likely out of the question, Sutton's touchdown upside could still lead to plenty of usable weeks, and at RotoBaller's WR35, he represents tremendous value if his role remains even close to what it has been with Nix as starter.

With the start of NFL training camps rapidly approaching, veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. remains without a home for the 2026 season. Across 16 games for the Washington Commanders in 2025, Samuel Sr. recorded 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns on 99 targets. The 30-year-old also provided modest production as a rusher, collecting 75 yards and a score on 17 carries. Samuel Sr. is not the same explosive player he once was at his peak. Still, he was a reasonably productive player last season who should presumably have a job in 2026 if he wants to keep playing. Samuel Sr. finished as the WR34 by per-game PPR scoring in 2025, but he's currently coming off the board as the WR64 by redraft ADP. Even with age-related regression and role uncertainty baked in, Samuel Sr. has a solid chance to outperform his current ADP in 2026.

A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor recorded 41 receptions for 515 yards and four touchdowns on 89 targets across 16 games as a rookie. While Ayomanor operated with subpar quarterback play from Cam Ward, he had the advantage of being one of Ward's top targets for much of the year. Entering 2026, the Titans have a much stronger pass-catching corps. The team signed wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency, selected wide receiver Carnell Tate fourth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, and should get more out of veteran wideout Calvin Ridley, who missed 10 games in 2025. As a result, Ayomanor could see a significantly diminished role in 2026 and beyond. In dynasty formats, managers may want to explore selling high on the second-year wideout.

For the majority of his time with the Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals running back Tyler Allgeier was one of the NFL's most qualified backups behind Falcons superstar Bijan Robinson. When Allgeier signed with the Cardinals in March, it looked like he might get his opportunity to start. However, Arizona followed up the signing by using the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on running back Jeremiyah Love. As a result, Allgeier appears destined for RB2 duties once again in his new home. Still, the 26-year-old proved he can be effective in a reserve role in Atlanta, recording 514 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 143 carries in 2025. Arizona could also choose to bring Love along slowly by opting for more of a committee backfield approach in 2026. Even if Love takes over as the Cardinals RB1 right away, Allgeier remains one of the top handcuff options for fantasy managers. As the RB49 by current redraft ADP, Allgeier may be worth targeting in the later rounds of drafts.

Cleveland Browns rookie first-round wide receiver KC Concepcion showed off his elusiveness and his ability to make tough catches at times while making several plays during an offseason program that favors the passing game, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. The Browns got Concepcion the football in a variety of ways, from deep shots to screens to run plays. Drops continued to be somewhat of an issue for the 24th overall pick this spring, but the Browns aren't too concerned. "KC came in with the right mindset. He was ready to work on what he thought was an issue coming in the draft, which were his drops," wide receivers coach Christian Jones said. The Athletic's Zac Jackson reported last week that the 21-year-old could play all over the formation in 2026 in his rookie year, which corroborates Oyefusi's story, potentially making him one of the most dangerous wideouts the Browns have in new head coach Todd Monken's scheme. The problem is that Jerry Jeudy is still around, and fellow rookie Denzel Boston could also command a strong share of targets from either quarterbacks Deshaun Watson or Shedeur Sanders. Concepcion's upside is very high in the short and long-term, but Cleveland's less-than-ideal QB situation could hold him back. Target him as a WR4/flex with upside in single-year fantasy drafts.

After missing his entire rookie season in 2024 with a knee injury, Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy was handed his team's starting job entering 2025. The 23-year-old missed seven games with ankle, hand, and concussion issues, and he was highly ineffective when healthy. Across his 10 starts, McCarthy completed 57.6% of his pass attempts for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. McCarthy is still very young, and he carries some dual-threat potential for fantasy managers after rushing for 181 yards and four touchdowns in 2025. He enters 2026 in a battle with veteran quarterback Kyler Murray for the Vikings QB1 role. While Minnesota has not named a starter, Murray is the presumptive favorite. Still, Murray has been highly injury-prone in his career, missing at least nine games in two out of the last three seasons. Given how far McCarthy's stock has fallen, he could be worth a buy-low dart throw for dynasty managers entering 2026.

After spending the first three years of his NFL career with the Green Bay Packers, running back Emanuel Wilson is entering his first season with the Seattle Seahawks in 2026. Wilson was a productive player while mostly playing a backup role in Green Bay in 2025, recording 595 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns on 140 touches across 17 games. Entering 2026, the Seahawks running back room is in a state of flux after losing Kenneth Walker III to the Kansas City Chiefs in free agency. The team used its first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on running back Jadarian Price, and steady veteran Zach Charbonnet (knee) will be part of the backfield mix once he fully recovers from his torn ACL. However, Charbonnet may miss the start of the regular season, and Price may not be ready to take on a RB1 workload right away as a rookie. As the RB62 by average draft position in redraft leagues, Wilson is a low-cost flier for fantasy managers who could be a significant piece of his team's offense in the early portion of 2026.

Tennessee Titans rookie first-round wide receiver Carnell Tate impressed from the start of offseason workouts with "his swift route-running and consistent catching ability," according to Turron Davenport of ESPN. Tate was especially a standout during organized team activities, where he found the end zone three times in practices open to the media. "He's polished," cornerback Alontae Taylor said of Tate. "For a rookie to come in, doing some of the things that he's doing is really, really exciting. Come Sundays, he's going to be very exciting to watch." It explains why the Titans took a chance on the Ohio State product with the fourth overall pick in April as they look to give second-year quarterback Cameron Ward more weapons in the passing game. Even though the Titans also added receiver Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency in March, Tate could quickly become Tennessee's No. 1 wideout in 2026 in his first year in the NFL. In his three seasons with the Buckeyes, Tate caught 121 passes for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns in 39 games played. With high-end upside, both short and long-term, Tate will immediately be a WR3/flex target for fantasy managers this fall.

A fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson recorded 446 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns on 98 touches across 15 games as a rookie. The 21-year-old did the majority of his damage as a receiver out of the backfield, as he finished with more receiving yards (271) than rushing yards (165). Entering 2026, Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (ankle) will likely block Sampson from seeing significant early-down and goal-line work. However, Sampson profiles as the unquestioned RB2 in Cleveland following the offseason departure of veteran back Jerome Ford. Between his handcuff appeal and standalone value in PPR-scoring leagues, Sampson may be undervalued by current redraft ADP as the 53rd running back off the board.

ESPN's Rich Cimini writes that New York Jets rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. was the team's most impressive rookie during spring workouts, "all but solidifying a spot in the three-receiver package." Cooper has proven to be a smooth route-runner who has adjusted nicely to an NFL-style offense. Cimini thinks that the first-rounder (30th overall) will be even better when the pads come on during training camp due to his physical style and run-after-the-catch abilities. In his final season with the Indiana Hoosiers in 2025, Cooper caught 69 passes for 937 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns in 16 games, and he led the Big Ten with 21.2 yards per reception in his junior year in 2024. Because of his ability to line up anywhere on the football field, Cooper has the potential to become New York's WR2 sooner rather than later in his first year in the NFL behind Garrett Wilson, who is returning from a season-ending knee injury in 2025. The upside is clear with Cooper, but in an offense being led by quarterback Geno Smith, who led the NFL in interceptions with the Las Vegas Raiders last year, consistency could be a glaring issue. RotoBaller currently has Cooper ranked as the No. 57 fantasy WR as he heads into his first year in the NFL.