Fantasy Football News

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray is heading into his sixth year with the team in 2026, and although future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce is back for another season, the 27-year-old could have a bigger role on offense. The former fifth-rounder (162nd overall) in 2021 out of Duke caught 21 of his 37 targets for 178 yards (his fewest since his rookie season) and zero touchdowns in 16 games (six starts). It was a disappointing showing for Gray after he had career highs in catches (40), receiving yards (437) and touchdowns (five) the year before. He's a versatile contributor for the Chiefs, leading all offensive players in 2025 with 125 special teams snaps. Gray can also occasionally contribute a big play on offense, but unless Kelce misses time with injury, which is very possible at his age, he's unlikely to attract much interest in fantasy football. RotoBaller currently has Gray ranked as the No. 38 fantasy TE heading into the 2026 season.

Washington Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo, who signed a three-year deal with the Commanders in free agency in March, thinks he has found the right landing spot to take his game to the next level, according to Zach Selby of the team's official website. "I feel like this is the place where I can finally just unleash," Okonkwo said. The 26-year-old has already "developed a strong connection" with quarterback Jayden Daniels, and Okonkwo has been impressed with his new QB. "He's a dog," Okonkwo said. "He gets the ball out super accurate." The former fourth-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2022 caught at least 50 passes in each of his last three seasons and had five total touchdowns. He should be more comfortable playing in D.C., which is only a few miles away from where he went to college at the University of Maryland. Daniels has connected in the past with TEs involved in the passing game, as he targeted Zach Ertz 91 times back in 2024. Okonkwo is a candidate to see an uptick in production in his first year in Washington for a team that lacks depth at receiver behind Terry McLaurin. He'll be a TE2 sleeper to target in upcoming fantasy football drafts.

The Tennessee Titans rewarded pass-rusher Jeffery Simmons with a contract extension this offseason that made him the highest-paid interior defensive lineman ever (three years, $105.8 million), but ESPN's Turron Davenport reports that new head coach Robert Saleh plans to reduce Simmons' workload to keep him fresher for higher-leverage rushing situations. The 28-year-old former 19th overall pick out of Mississippi State in 2019 was a first-team All-Pro last year after recording a career-high 11 sacks to go along with 67 tackles (39 solo), 17 tackles for loss, and 21 QB hits, but Simmons could be even more efficient in 2026 with a fresher body. Saleh is well aware of Simmons' past snap counts, which have hovered around 81% since 2020. The Titans boosted their pass-rushing group around Simmons via offseason additions, so they should be better suited as a group to get after the opposing QB under Saleh. Simmons said he's pushing to be in the best shape of his life for the 2026 season, maintaining his meal plan from last offseason that allowed him to cut down on body fat while adding muscle and explosiveness. He had a cleanup procedure on his right elbow in February, but all signs point to him being a full-go for the regular-season opener in early September.

Tennessee Titans new head coach Robert Saleh has liked what he's seen from second-year tight end Gunnar Helm this offseason, according to Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com. "Gunnar looks good, man," Saleh said. "He looks like a legit dude - from what he was a year ago to what he is now, especially physically. Again, once pads come on, we'll be able to decide all that, but like all these guys, hopefully they take a big jump and find a way to grab the bull by the horns and take advantage of their opps." The 23-year-old former fourth-rounder last year out of the University of Texas is determined to improve on his rookie-year numbers of 44 catches for 357 yards and two touchdowns on 55 targets in 16 games (10 starts). He ranked fourth on the team in catches with 44, which set a franchise record for rookie TEs, and he ranked fourth on the team in receiving yards. Helm has focused on improving his pad level, his second-level blocking, and his diet, and he was impressive during offseason OTAs and minicamp. With Chig Okonkwo now in Washington, Helm could be primed for a Year 2 breakout in offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's scheme. Fantasy managers should target Helm as a low-end TE2 with upside for more.

Cameron DaSilva of Rams Wire reports that retired defensive tackle Aaron Donald was spotted on Friday working out at the Los Angeles Rams' facility. There has been speculation this offseason that Donald will come out of retirement in 2026 to join All-Pro pass-rusher Myles Garrett as the Rams seek another Super Bowl ring. The 35-year-old reportedly went through several drills for around an hour in Los Angeles, fueling more rumors that he could make a comeback this year. The last time the 35-year-old 10-time Pro Bowler, eight-time All-Pro, and three-time Defensive Player of the Year spoke about it, he said he was "flirting" with the possibility of an NFL return, but nothing has been decided yet. In his final season with the Rams in 2023, Donald recorded 53 tackles (28 solo), eight sacks, 16 tackles for loss, and 23 QB hits in 16 regular-season starts. Despite being an interior D-lineman, he was one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL during his 10 years in the league, racking up a whopping 111 sacks, all with the Rams. L.A.'s defense already has one of the best pass-rushing groups in the league after they added Garrett, so a Donald return would make the Rams even more of a Super Bowl favorite for the upcoming season.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (ankle) is healthy enough to be back at minicamp, but his dynasty outlook still looks bleak after a rough first season in Buffalo. Palmer caught 22 of 37 targets for 303 yards and no touchdowns in 12 games, missing five contests before landing on Injured Reserve ahead of the playoffs. He said in June that he was close to his pre-injury form. That helps, though the target picture got worse. Buffalo traded for DJ Moore, Khalil Shakir remains in place, Keon Coleman is pushing for a larger role, and fourth-round rookie Skyler Bell adds another younger option. Palmer has topped 600 receiving yards once in five seasons, and even a contract running through 2027 does not guarantee enough volume to matter. RotoBaller ranks him WR126 in dynasty and WR113 for redraft. There is no reason for contenders to chase him, and rebuilders have better places to park a roster spot. Palmer is a sell if there is still a buyer, but otherwise he is a deep-league hold through camp rather than an automatic cut.

Carolina Panthers running back Trevor Etienne is still only 22, but there is not much reason to buy the dip after a quiet rookie season. The 5-foot-8, 198-pound fourth-round pick played all 17 games in 2025 and saw just 23 offensive touches, rushing 20 times for 94 yards and catching three passes for 13 yards. Most of his work came on special teams, where he returned 31 kickoffs and 20 punts. The backfield has only gotten tighter. Chuba Hubbard remains the lead back, Jonathon Brooks (knee) was back on the field during offseason work, and Carolina added AJ Dillon in March. Brooks is still being managed after missing all of last season, so Etienne is not completely buried, but he has yet to show that he can earn a regular offensive role. RotoBaller now has him outside its top 75 dynasty running backs and at RB84 for redraft. That makes him a reasonable hold in deeper dynasty leagues, especially for managers with room to wait on a young back. He is not a player contenders or rebuilders should be actively targeting, though, and can be left undrafted in ordinary redraft formats.

Miami Dolphins rookie wide receiver Caleb Douglas has a path to snaps, but that alone does not make him a redraft sleeper. Miami selected him 75th overall after he posted 54 catches for 846 yards and seven touchdowns at Texas Tech, his second straight season with at least 54 receptions and 840 yards. At 6-foot-4 with a 4.39-second 40, Douglas brings a size-speed profile that stands out in an unsettled receiver room. The opportunity is real after the Dolphins released Tyreek Hill and traded Jaylen Waddle. So is the competition. Malik Washington, Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell, Jalen Reagor, and fellow rookies Chris Bell (knee) and Kevin Coleman Jr. are all fighting for work. Miami is also replacing Tua Tagovailoa after releasing him and signing Malik Willis. Douglas is currently WR107 and 265th overall in RotoBaller's PPR rankings. That is deep-league territory, not a player fantasy managers need to force onto standard rosters. Douglas is worth tracking through training camp, especially if he earns regular outside snaps, but he can stay undrafted in most 12-team leagues for now.

Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. does not need a weekly role to justify his price near the end of drafts. The Raiders traded up to take him 122nd overall after he piled up 1,296 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns on 195 touches at Arkansas, including 28 receptions. He is now listed at 6-foot-2, 228 pounds after clocking a 4.33-second 40 at the combine, and the team viewed him as a natural fit for Klint Kubiak's wide-zone scheme. Ashton Jeanty is not about to lose the backfield. He handled 321 touches as a rookie, and Washington may have to live on scattered change-of-pace work while Jeanty is healthy. The appeal comes from the depth chart behind him. Dylan Laube, Chris Collier, and undrafted rookie Roman Hemby offer little proven NFL production, leaving Washington with a real chance to enter the season as the primary backup. RotoBaller ranks him RB55 and 191st overall in PPR, a price that asks for very little. Washington is not a standalone flex play yet, but he is a worthwhile late-round handcuff for Jeanty managers and a reasonable injury-away bet for anyone taking shots at running back depth.

Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson has carved out a real role in the offense, but it has not translated into much dependable fantasy value. He played all 17 games last season and finished with 50 carries for 200 yards and three touchdowns, adding 24 catches for 263 yards and two more scores on 33 targets. That is decent production for Buffalo's third back, though 74 total touches are not enough to make him someone fantasy managers need to draft. James Cook III remains firmly in control of the backfield, and Ray Davis would likely handle most of the early-down work if Cook were to miss time. Johnson should continue to mix in on passing downs and in change-of-pace situations, but that role is more useful to the Bills than it is to fantasy lineups. He is also 28 and entering the final year of his contract, so there is not much dynasty appeal either. Johnson belongs on the watchlist in deep PPR leagues, but he can be left undrafted in most formats.

Although Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner is expected to lead all of the team's TEs again in 2026, second-year TE Elijah Arroyo is "poised for a much larger sophomore season," according to Justin Melo of Seahawks Wire. The Seahawks took Arroyo with the 50th overall pick in the second round last year out of the University of Miami. The 23-year-old was limited to just 13 regular-season games (four starts) due to injuries in 2025, but he still produced 15 catches for 179 yards and a touchdown on 26 targets as depth at the position. Seattle ran two tight-end sets on almost 30% of their offensive plays last year, but that was also with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak running the show. Kubiak is now the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. Still, Barner and Arroyo should be on the field together a fair amount, opening the door for Arroyo to be more involved in his second season in the NFL as the Seahawks look to defend their title. Ultimately, whether Arroyo can stay healthy could determine whether he'll have a Year 2 breakout in Seattle. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 37 fantasy TE this year.

Jared Koch of Sports Illustrated lists Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson as the team's No. 4 wideout with training camp approaching, behind Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins, and Jaylin Noel. Tank Dell (knee), who missed all of last season due to a devastating knee injury suffered in 2024, could also surprise some people by climbing up the WR totem pole in Houston. The 26-year-old Hutchinson had his best year in 2025 in his third season in the NFL, catching 35 of his 57 targets for 428 yards and his first three touchdowns in 17 regular-season games (six starts). Higgins and Noel, both second-year wideouts, continue to separate themselves from the rest of the pack and are fully expected to take on bigger roles in the passing attack to support stud No. 1 WR Collins. Steady volume and consistent playing time are going to be hard to come by for Hutchinson, who was a sixth-rounder in 2023 out of Iowa State, in 2026. In standard 12-team fantasy leagues, Hutchinson should go undrafted.

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane will be the team's clear lead back again in 2026, but Mike Masala of Dolphins Wire writes that the battle between Ollie Gordon II and Jaylen Wright for the RB2 role will be "one of the more underrated competitions happening" at training camp this summer. Gordon is extremely physical at 6-foot-2 and 230-plus pounds. The 22-year-old former sixth-rounder last year out of Oklahoma State had 70 carries as a rookie for 199 yards (2.8 yards per attempt) and three touchdowns in 17 games (one start), adding just seven receptions for 32 yards and another score. Wright also had exactly 70 rushing attempts, but he was more efficient with 4.1 yards per carry in fewer games played (10). If Achane were to miss any time due to injury in 2026, Gordon would most likely operate as the between-the-tackles runner because of his size, with Wright taking on more of a pass-catching role out of the backfield. Both Gordon and Wright are attractive deeper-league handcuffs with different strengths. RotoBaller has Gordon ranked as the No. 80 fantasy RB entering his second year in the NFL.

DenverBroncos.com's Susanna Weir suggests that Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton, who has logged back-to-back seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards, could "benefit from more one-on-one matchups after the offseason acquisition of receiver Jaylen Waddle. "Courtland is an elite playmaker, so anytime you have a playmaker on the other side of you, it just makes it easy," Waddle said. "It's someone that the defense has to be looking for, and vice versa." The 30-year-old former second-rounder in 2018 out of SMU was a Pro Bowler for the second time in 2025 after finishing with 74 receptions on 124 targets for 1,017 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. Sutton has three 1,000-yard campaigns in his career and has found the end zone 25 times in the last three years. But that was as Denver's clear alpha and No. 1 wideout. He could be more of the 1B to Waddle's 1A in 2026, and although the Broncos' offense was extremely pass-happy in 2025, that could be changing a bit in Sutton's ninth year in the league. Waddle's presence will certainly give Sutton more one-on-one looks on the outside, but the reality is that his fantasy stock is down with serious target competition coming. RotoBaller has Sutton ranked as a low-end WR3/high-end WR4.

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton appears to be excited about adding speedy wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to his offense in 2026, and he's been impressed with him this offseason, according to Susanna Weir of the team's official website. "He's someone who picks things up real quick," Payton said in June. "You can just feel his instincts, his quickness and his ability to not only run fast but stop fast. So, he's doing well." Payton said there was a "crystal-clear vision" for the former sixth overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2021 when they sent a first-rounder to Miami to acquire Waddle this offseason. He had three 1,000-yard seasons in his first five years in Miami and has averaged 81 catches for 1,098 yards and six touchdowns per year. Payton loves the versatility and flexibility that the 27-year-old brings to the fold. The Broncos already have Courtland Sutton, who has been their clear WR1 for years, but Waddle brings a different dynamic and could immediately become quarterback Bo Nix's most targeted wideout as Denver's offense looks to become more dynamic and explosive. Waddle's 15.0 yards per catch since 2022 are the third-most in the NFL, and he led the league in 2022 with 18.1 yards per catch. In his new digs, Waddle's fantasy stock is back on the rise, and he should be targeted as a low-end WR2 with upside in 2026.

When asked about his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon suffered on Dec. 7 of last year, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones said on Friday that he's "doing everything," according to James Boyd of The Athletic. "Cleared to do everything. I think it's just about, at this point, sharpening that," Jones said. When asked if he still thinks about his Achilles, he said, "You're still thinking about it. I think (you) probably will until you get playing." The Colts are expected to ease the 29-year-old signal-caller in at the start of training camp later this month, but head coach Sean Steichen expects Jones to participate in 11-on-11 drills sooner rather than later. Barring a setback in camp or the preseason, Jones figures to be ready for Week 1 of the 2026 regular season as he looks to run it back after a strong first season in Indy in 2025. The Colts gave him a two-year, $88 million deal this offseason despite his Achilles injury. Jones stabilized the Colts' offense last year, but coming off a major injury and losing receiver Michael Pittman Jr. should have fantasy managers concerned in two-QB superflex formats. Alec Pierce could also be unavailable for the start of the year due to having offseason ankle surgery. RotoBaller has Jones ranked as the No. 24 fantasy QB for 2026.

Chris Amaya of the Express News writes that Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson "should be the undisputed starter at tight end" again in 2026, especially after he signed a four-year, $52 million extension with the team last year. Ferguson didn't provide Dallas with a ton of big plays down the middle of the field last year, but he finished with 82 receptions for 600 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games (10 starts) to finish as the TE7 in half-PPR scoring. The 27-year-old has a safe floor in fantasy in one of the most pass-happy offenses in the NFL, but his average depth of catch has dropped from 10.7 yards in 2023 to 7.3 yards per reception last season. It's also a bit concerning that his involvement dropped down the stretch in 2025. Ferguson has plenty of talent, but the target competition with one of the best WR duos in the league of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens is real. He's a two-time All-Star, but you'll need to remember that he didn't have a single touchdown grab in 14 starts in 2024, so TD regression should be expected. RotoBaller has Ferguson ranked as the No. 13 fantasy TE for the 2026 season.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver KaVontae Turpin established himself as an elite returner this past season. He earned himself a trip to the Pro Bowl with his excellent work on special teams. He's valuable in leagues that count return yardage, but is unlikely to have much value outside of that. Turpin finished with 26 receptions, 396 receiving yards, and two touchdowns across 15 games last season. The Cowboys have brought in some competition for the third and fourth wideout roles. Turpin might get lost in the shuffle offensively, but should remain a star in the return game.

Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox signed a new three-year extension with the organization this offseason. It was a bit surprising to see the Bills commit to a three-year deal with Knox, but it goes to show how much they value him on this roster. Knox is coming off a decent season in 2025. He recorded 36 receptions, 417 receiving yards, and four touchdowns across 17 games last season. Those aren't bad numbers for someone who is stuck behind Dalton Kincaid on the depth chart. The expectation is that Knox will continue being the primary backup tight end in Buffalo. He should be considered a touchdown-dependent TE2 while Kincaid is healthy. Dynasty managers who don't have a ton of depth at tight end should consider stashing Knox. The 29-year-old is capable of making plays when given the chance, but unfortunately, his opportunities are limited.

Chicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond is looking to rebound with his new organization. Raymond signed with the Bears this offseason after spending the last five seasons with the Detroit Lions. Raymond posted decent numbers during his first few years in Detroit, but has been lackluster lately. Over the last two seasons, Raymond has failed to surpass 300 receiving yards in either season. The 31-year-old was likely brought in as depth to compete with Zavion Thomas and Jahdae Walker for the third wideout role. Whoever wins the job is unlikely to have a ton of targets anyway. Raymond belongs on the waiver wire in basically all fantasy formats right now.