Sit or Start for Week 1

QBRBWRTEKD/ST

Sit Jayden Daniels vs Eagles Very few quarterbacks have the Fantasy upside that Daniels has, which is why he'll get taken as a top-six quarterback in pretty much every league (the less passing touchdowns are worth, the sooner he'll go). Round 5 would be the time to target him in one-QB drafts. Why not sooner? Exhibit A is his entire 2025 season: He had one game over 24 Fantasy points (six-point TDs), four more with 19.7 or fewer, and 10 games sidelined with knee, hamstring and elbow injuries. If Daniels can't overcome injuries, then his upside may never be realized again. However, he showed what that upside looked like when he averaged over 30 Fantasy points in his last six games as a rookie, a stretch that includes a Week 18 dud. Washington's offense will change to a more West Coast-scheme approach under new coordinator David Blough, and trusted receiver Terry McLaurin will be joined by long-time receiving weapon Stefon Diggs to help solidify the receiving corps. It's a judgment call for Fantasy managers who are squeamish about taking players with injury concerns - the more risk-averse you are, the more likely you probably won't take Daniels at his ADP, though someone else in your league will.

Player Expected Output Comp. Att. Comp % Pass Yds Rush Yds TDs INTs 19 32 59.37 202 32 1 1

Sit Jordan Love vs Vikings While Love continues to excel in Matt LaFleur's system as a real-life NFL QB, his Fantasy contributions have remained inconsistent due in large part to Green Bay's run-heavy approach, LaFleur's slow-paced offense, and a defense that has, for the most part, held its own and kept the Packers out of shootouts. Love threw for just six interceptions and a career-best 101.2 passer rating in 2026, but he only threw for 3,381 yards and 23 touchdowns. The volume just hasn't been there. His three-year averages (26.7 passing TDs, 3,643 passing yards per year) and his explosive 2023 season from a Fantasy standpoint prove that he has upside to break into the QB1 range, but it will require more passing volume. That would happen if the Packers run game suddenly became a problem, which is quite possible given what's happened to Josh Jacobs. Love will continue to be drafted in the QB2 range in 2026, but his upside is enormous. Love gets a tough one to start the season, as the Vikings defense ranked #1 against QBs in 2025.

Player Expected Output Comp. Att. Comp % Pass Yds Rush Yds TDs INTs 18 28 64.28 209 13 1 1

Risks...

Daniel Jones vs Ravens
- Jones is returning to Indianapolis and will be the Colts' starting QB as soon as he is fully recovered from the torn Achilles he suffered in December. As of early June, Jones' Week 1 availability is still a bit of a mystery, so we are not suggesting that you draft him in one-quarterback leagues. Jones was a top-eight QB for the first half of 2025, with 4.3 of his 22.6 Fantasy points per game coming on the ground. We expect much less rushing coming off the injury and we would expect some regression from his career-high 8.1 yards per pass attempt, even if he were completely healthy. While the team brought Alec Pierce back, Michael Pittman was dealt to the Steelers, so Jones' receiving corps took at least a small hit in the offseason. Once Jones is 100%, he should be a solid QB2 in most formats.

DESHAUN WATSON vs Jaguars
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we do not expect him to post quality fantasy stats this week.Watson was named the Browns starter to open Week 1 following the team's second preseason game. He should only be drafted in Superflex and two-QB leagues. If Watson could somehow regain his rushing form after tearing his Achilles tendon twice, he could enter the discussion in one-QB leagues as well. Watson finished as a top-seven quarterback per game in all four of his seasons in Houston, but has been one of the worst QBs in the NFL in three seasons with the Browns. He has played 19 games since the start of the 2022 season and has a lot to prove. With Watson's strong history as a rusher and Cleveland's improved receiving corps, not all hope is lost. But Fantasy managers need to see some positive results before believing in Watson.

JACOBY BRISSETT vs Chargers
- Brissett turned into a league-winning Fantasy quarterback in 2025, and we'll see what he does for an encore in 2026. He's not worth drafting in most one-quarterback leagues, but he's a mid-round selection in multiple-QB formats. Last year, Brissett took over for Kyler Murray in Week 6 and scored at least 20.5 Fantasy points in 10 of 12 games, averaging 22.8 Fantasy points per game over that span. The concern for the 33-year-old is that he's a stop-gap option for a Cardinals team looking for a long-term quarterback. Any struggles or a prolonged losing streak could lead Arizona to replace Brissett with either Carson Beck or Gardner Minshew, so keep that in mind. But the Cardinals are loaded offensively with Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson and rookie Jeremiyah Love, so Brissett should have the chance to produce Fantasy points for however long he starts. We know you're probably not thinking of starting him (even in DFS), but wanted to drive the point home that the Chargers ranked #2 in fantasy points allowed to opposing QBs in 2025.

KIRK COUSINS vs Dolphins
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we do not expect him to post quality fantasy stats this week.Cousins joined the Raiders, and he is expected to start until Fernando Mendoza is ready. We do not expect that to take long and would only draft Cousins in Superflex leagues. The 37-year-old threw for 373 yards and three touchdowns against Tampa last year but only had one other game all season with more than 200 yards passing. Even in Superflex leagues, he should not be drafted before the double-digit rounds.

Michael Penix Jr. vs Steelers
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). Analyzing various factors very carefully, we do not expect him to post quality fantasy stats this week.Penix faces the unenviable prospect of both recovering from a torn ACL and competing with Tua Tagovailoa for his starting job. We favor Tagovailoa in the competition and do not recommend drafting Penix except for in Superflex leagues. Even before his injury, Penix ranked as QB28 on a per-game basis and was a Fantasy afterthought. He provides almost nothing with his legs and has not yet proven to be an average NFL passer. He should still be held in Superflex Dynasty leagues but we have little hope he will ever matter for one-QB leagues.

PATRICK MAHOMES vs Broncos
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).Mahomes is coming off last year's torn ACL and LCL in his knee, which he suffered in Week 15. He practiced in full in the early days of training camp and seems ready for the start of Week 1. Mahomes is still considered a low-end No. 1 Fantasy quarterback, and he should be drafted with a mid-round pick in one-quarterback leagues. In multiple-QB formats, Mahomes is worth drafting no later than Round 3. Prior to getting injured, Mahomes was having his best Fantasy season since 2022 at 23.6 points per game. Part of that was due to him setting a career high for rushing yards (422) and rushing touchdowns (five) in just 14 games, but it's hard to imagine him relying on his legs this season due to the injury. The Chiefs also invested heavily in their backfield with the additions of Kenneth Walker III, who will try to take pressure off Mahomes in the ground game. That said, Travis Kelce is back in 2026, Rashee Rice is healthy as is Xavier Worthy, and the Chiefs have Eric Bieniemy back as the offensive coordinator (Mahomes averaged 28.4 Fantasy points per game when Bieniemy was the OC from 2018-22). Hopefully, Mahomes is healthy for Week 1 and can once again be a standout Fantasy quarterback.

Sam Darnold vs Patriots
- Darnold saw his Fantasy production decline in 2025 from his breakout season in 2024, but he's OK with that since he helped Seattle win Super Bowl LX. Now we'll see if Darnold's production can rise again in 2026. Fantasy managers shouldn't have high expectations for Darnold in one-quarterback leagues, and he's only a late-round flier in those formats. In multiple-QB leagues, Darnold is worth a mid-round selection. In 2025, his first season with the Seahawks, Darnold averaged 16.8 Fantasy points per game with 4,048 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, along with 95 rushing yards. He only had eight games with at least 20 Fantasy points in 21 games, including the playoffs. Darnold did average 22.2 Fantasy points per game in 2024 with the Vikings, but that's the only time in his eight-year career that he's averaged more than 17.5 points per game. Darnold could improve under new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, and Seattle's run game could take a step back with Kenneth Walker III gone and Zach Charbonnet injured. That said, we know by now that Darnold isn't a standout Fantasy option, and he's not someone you can trust as a starter in one-quarterback leagues to open the year.

Trevor Lawrence vs Browns
- After his breakout campaign in 2025, Trevor Lawrence is a top-12 QB worth a pick as early as Round 9 in one-QB leagues. There are signs that Lawrence can be even better as he settles into Liam Coen's offense. He was QB1 on a per-game basis in the second half of the season, averaging 27 FPPG, and scored 25.3 Fantasy points in the Jaguars' playoff loss to Buffalo. The one area of potential concern is that he ran for nine touchdowns last year, which he is highly unlikely to repeat. Even with a loss in rushing production, Lawrence has a great set of wide receivers, a solid offensive line, and a second offseason to master Coen's system, which has been outstanding for Fantasy production. You shouldn't be surprised if he finished as a top-eight option, and the fact that he's available so late makes it much easier to wait on the position.

Start DAK PRESCOTT vs Giants Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week.There might not be a better value on Draft Day than the guy throwing 34 times per game to CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, and that's why it makes sense to target Prescott with a pick in Rounds 7 or 8 in one-QB leagues. Through Week 17 last year, Prescott averaged 23.3 Fantasy points per game (six-point TDs), notching his third year in his past five with at least that average. He was especially helped by a perfect storm of that terrific receiving duo and a terrible defense that forced him to throw a lot. The result was Prescott averaging 36.8 pass attempts through Week 17 (he didn't play much in Week 18), a high number that figures to come down, but he's averaged 34.6 attempts per game over the past four seasons. Dallas' defense figures to be better in 2026, which also could bring Prescott's attempts down a little, but given the potent offensive personnel and the expected high-scoring nature of the Cowboys games this season, Prescott is set up to have another big year - but not every Fantasy manager chases him. Maybe you should.

Player Expected Output Comp. Att. Comp % Pass Yds Rush Yds TDs INTs 24 36 66.66 294 12 3 0

Start MATTHEW STAFFORD vs 49ers Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Stafford had an MVP season in 2025, and he set a career high with 46 passing touchdowns. He also added 4,707 passing yards, which was the fourth best of his career, and just eight interceptions, kicking in 1 rushing yard for good measure. Stafford averaged an NFL-best 26.1 Fantasy points per game, which was his first time over 20 Fantasy points since 2021, and we'll see if he can repeat that performance this season. He's 38, but Stafford benefits from playing with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, along with having Sean McVay as the head coach. We have some concerns about Stafford being dominant again in 2026 at his age, but he offers too much upside to ignore. He should be drafted as a low-end No. 1 Fantasy option with a mid-round pick in one-quarterback leagues, and he's a Round 3 pick in multiple-QB leagues.

Player Expected Output Comp. Att. Comp % Pass Yds Rush Yds TDs INTs 25 36 69.44 301 2 3 0

Rewards...

BAKER MAYFIELD vs Bengals
- We view Mayfield as a QB2 worth a pick no earlier than Round 12 in one-QB leagues and toward 60th overall in Superflex leagues. The truth is it remains difficult to know what to expect from Mayfield. Last year was his worst in Tampa in terms of yards per attempt, touchdown rate, and bad throw rate, but injuries could be to blame. He began training camp healthy as ever, but without Mike Evans at his disposal. While second-year receiver Emeka Egbuka will be tasked to replace Evans, there are major questions about what Chris Godwin has left in the tank. And he has another new offensive coordinator, his sixth in as many seasons. Despite those concerns, Fantasy managers shouldn't forget about his monster 2024, nor the start he had to 2025 (24.9 points per game in his first six) before injuries ravaged the offense. Lastly, Mayfield didn't get a contract extension done with the Bucs, so he'll be motivated to play for a new deal. There's a lot on the line for Mayfield and the Bucs as a whole, but Fantasy managers won't have nearly as much skin in the game, making him an easy low-risk high-reward consideration.

Drake Maye vs Seahawks
-  He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Maye will get drafted as one of the first three quarterbacks off the board on the strength of his breakout 2025 campaign and the addition of A.J. Brown. Round 4 would be the soonest we'd take him in one-QB leagues, and he'd be an early-round choice in Superflex/two-QB. He finished behind only Matthew Stafford and Josh Allen in Fantasy points per game last season (24.4 in six-point TD formats). New England has not only improved its receiving corps this offseason (Romeo Doubs joins Brown), but it has already taken steps to improve the depth of the offensive line in front of Maye via free agency and the draft. If there's any concern, it's that the Patriots' schedule will be significantly harder in 2026 with matchups against the Steelers, Seahawks, and NFC North and AFC West defenses on top of improved units in Buffalo and New York (Miami's defense still looks crushable). As long as Maye continues to embrace his rushing prowess (6.1 rush attempts per game), he should be among the top Fantasy quarterbacks out there.

Jalen Hurts vs Commanders
- Hurts will easily be drafted as a top-eight quarterback again in 2026, even with the Eagles adding a new playcaller and a refreshed receiving corps. If you want consistency, consider that Hurts has been one of Fantasy's best QBs to begin each of the past four seasons before injuries - to him or others - changed how he played. This was especially apparent in 2025 as his numbers took a massive dive once the Eagles lost right tackle Lane Johnson (and center Cam Jurgens for a shorter spell). In a perfect world, Hurts and his O-line stay healthy and his receiving corps is better than it's been in years, but life's not perfect. While the Eagles return all five starters up front, they're all a year older. And the receiving corps being different doesn't mean it's better, as losing A.J. Brown figures to make an impact. You could commit to Hurts as your starter in Round 6 in one-QB leagues and Round 2 in Superflex/two-QB, but keep your eyes on the waiver wire as the season goes on - if history is a guide, then Hurts probably won't be the QB you'll trust come December. Still, we like him this week against a generous Washington D. The Commanders ranked #30 in our Pass Defense Power Rankings.

Joe Burrow vs Buccaneers
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week.Look past Burrow's disappointing 2025 season and remember that he was the second-best Fantasy quarterback in 2024. His upside means he should be drafted as a top-five option at the position, particularly in six-point per passing TD leagues. Don't overlook Burrow in four point per passing TD leagues either, as he has twice finished top four per game in that format. In his last six games after returning from injury, Burrow averaged 24.8 points per game (six points per passing TD). That's more than what Drake Maye averaged in 2025, and it might be closer to Burrow's floor than his upside. He also stopped running after hurting his toe in Week 2. Burrow probably needs to get back to rushing for about 10 yards per game to be truly elite, but he is capable of that when healthy. As long as Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are on the field, expect big production from Burrow. One caveat: It's possible that an improved defense could decrease the pass attempts for Burrow, but we're betting on the Bengals leaning on their franchise QB.

JOSH ALLEN vs Texans
- Allen remains the consensus top QB in Fantasy after his sixth consecutive season averaging at least 25.9 Fantasy points in six-point TD leagues, excluding meaningless games he didn't play much in (like Week 18 of 2025). He's coming off a year with career highs in completion rate (69.3%) and yards per attempt (8.0), and the team added veteran wide receiver D.J. Moore, who previously boosted his quarterbacks' numbers in Carolina and Chicago and should help Allen in Buffalo. You could make the case for other quarterbacks to go first at the position, but Allen has the longevity, the rushing prowess (500-plus rush yards and 12-plus rushing touchdowns each of the past three years with Joe Brady as playcaller), and an improved receiver room to back up his case as the No. 1 quarterback. Late Round 2 in one-QB leagues feels like the earliest he should be taken, while Allen is the easy first overall pick in any format that uses multiple starting quarterbacks. Obviously, at his elite level, you are starting him EVERY week regardless of competition. Just be forewarned, that Allen and the Bills have struggled mightily against the Texans in Houston, so we'd be wary of using him in DFS line-ups at his price.

Sit Chuba Hubbard vs Bears He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).We view Hubbard as a high-end RB3 who can be drafted as early as Round 6 of full-PPR drafts. The good news for Hubbard is that Rico Dowdle left for Pittsburgh; the bad news is that he still has to hold off Jonathon Brooks and Trevor Etienne. Hubbard struggled as a rusher last year, seeing his rate of broken tackles crater and his yards after contact per rush attempt fall half a yard off his 2024 high. Hubbard's 9.7% avoided tackle rate ranked 51st out of 52 players with at least 100 rush attempts last year. Some of that could have been due to health, as he was a more efficient rusher in the first month of the season. He will probably perform like an RB2 for as long as he stays healthy and holds off the young guys, but he doesn't have a high enough ceiling to ignore the risk of the kids coming for his job.

Player Expected Output Att. Yards Rec. Rec. Yards TDs 14 44 1 2 0

Sit Kenneth Walker vs Broncos The Chiefs are banking on Walker continuing his red-hot play from last postseason's Super Bowl run with Seattle. So far, the reports from training camp have been overwhelmingly positive, fueling Walker's rise into not just Round 2 in redraft leagues, but the top 20 overall. As the feature back for the Seahawks, Walker scored at least 18.1 PPR points in all three postseason games for the Seahawks, averaging a cool 24.9 PPR points over that span. That was McCaffrey-esque. Kansas City has struggled to run the ball for years, but Walker has shown speed, vision, power and even receiving chops this preseason that the Seahawks haven't let him display consistently enough. It's true that Walker has dealt with injuries in his career and was limited to 11 games in 2024. In 2025 he made it through the full season while splitting reps, which is why he had just five touchdowns but added a career-high 1,309 total yards. In a situation where he wouldn't split reps as much and work at the goal line, a 10-score, 1,500-total-yard season is certainly reasonable. If you're willing to overlook his injury risk and the Chiefs' history of putting the offense on Patrick Mahomes' shoulders then you could reach for Walker as soon as 12th overall if you wanted to. The better plan is to consider him against each of the other RBs with a Round 2 average draft position -- if you find Walker's potential brighter than any of Saquon Barkley, Chase Brown, Omarion Hampton and Derrick Henry, then draft him ahead of any of those backs.

Player Expected Output Att. Yards Rec. Rec. Yards TDs 15 52 3 14 0

Sit TreVeyon Henderson vs Seahawks It will typically be aggressive drafters who take Henderson with a top-60 pick, particularly those who are OK with grabbing at least two other running backs between Rounds 6 and 9 as backup plans in case Henderson flops. Those same drafters will see Henderson as one of the highest upside running backs in Fantasy based on his talent. However, it's his opportunities that are very much in question, especially after the Patriots acquired stud receiver A.J. Brown in June. Yes, Henderson averaged a sick 24.3 PPR and 21 non-PPR points on 19 touches per game in three outings without Rhamondre Stevenson last year. And yes, Brown's arrival will mean defenses can't simply focus on the run game play after play. But the gamble on Henderson is whether or not he'll end up overtaking Stevenson; a gamble with long odds after the second-year back received much fewer plaudits from training camp reporters than last year. Stevenson still looks like the lead back for New England to start the season. If that changes then Henderson would be among Fantasy's biggest bargains, and if he doesn't, then he'll be among Fantasy's biggest busts for the second year in a row.

Player Expected Output Att. Yards Rec. Rec. Yards TDs 9 32 2 14 0

Risks...

Ashton Jeanty vs Dolphins
- Jeanty suffered an ankle sprain in a late-August practice and it is something to keep an eye on as we approach Week 1. He played well as a rookie with 266 carries for 975 yards and five touchdowns, and 55 receptions for 346 yards and five touchdowns on 73 targets. He averaged 14.4 PPR points per game, which is a quality campaign for a rookie. Fantasy managers just had higher expectations for him when he was a first-round pick in the majority of Fantasy leagues, but he ended up as a bust since he finished as the No. 16 PPR running back. This year, Jeanty will be a Round 2 pick in most formats, but we're hopeful he will deliver as we expected in 2025. He has a new coach in Klint Kubiak, and the quarterback play in Las Vegas should be improved with the duo of Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins. Most importantly, the offensive line should be better with a healthy Kolton Miller at left tackle and the free agent addition of center Tyler Linderbaum. We'll see if rookie Mike Washington Jr. could take some touches from Jeanty, and Kubiak favored a two-back system in Seattle with Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. But we still expect Jeanty's overwhelming talent to shine through, and he should challenge to be a top-five Fantasy running back this season.

Breece Hall vs Titans
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).Hall carries appeal as a potential workhorse for a Jets squad that improved its offensive line, but a mid-August groin strain is the latest of issues that could keep his Fantasy upside in check. That's why he should be expected to get drafted between 35th and 45th overall. Before the injury, Hill was coming off a down year and was facing the prospect of losing passing-downs snaps again on a team that figures to rank in the bottom 10 in points scored just as they have for the past seven seasons (and bottom five in six of seven). Having a healthy Braelon Allen back on the field also means a handful of carries getting taken off his plate. Although he averaged a career-high 15.2 rush attempts per game, he also lost a huge chunk of third-down work to Isaiah Davis and posted a career-low three targets and 2.3 receptions per game. That's expected to continue in 2026 -- new offensive coordinator Frank Reich has always utilized a running-downs back and a passing-downs back. New quarterback Geno Smith not only has a career RB target rate of 17.6% but also has led one RB to over 15 PPR points in six years as a full-time starter (Kenneth Walker, 16.5 in 11 games in 2024). Additions to the Jets' passing game may lighten the rushing workload as well. Landing a big contract extension takes the pressure off Hall to perform, not that it made a difference last year when he averaged 13 PPR and 10.7 non-PPR points.

CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY vs Rams
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Elevated concerns for McCaffrey's 2026 have made Fantasy managers a bit nervous to draft him in Round 1. Missing a week's worth of practice in early/middle August due to unspecified "tightness" really did not help the cause, either. Last season, McCaffrey was the No. 1 non-quarterback at 24.5 PPR points per game. In total, McCaffrey had 450 total touches in 19 games, and that's a lot of work. He also turned 30 in June, the age in which many running backs begin declining. We've been here before: After McCaffrey had 403 touches in 2019, he missed large chunks of the 2020 and 2021 seasons. Then after 417 total touches in 19 games in 2023, he was limited to four games in 2024. It's fair for Fantasy managers to be somewhat cautious with McCaffrey given his past, but the upside is hard to ignore. You can handcuff McCaffrey with the No. 2 running back in San Francisco -- we expect Jordan James to win that job in a competition with Kaelon Black and Isaac Guerendo -- to give yourself a backup plan. If you're not excited about McCaffrey, look to Chase Brown, James Cook and CeeDee Lamb as other Round 1 options.

D'Andre Swift vs Panthers
- Swift averaged about 14.4 PPR points per game in 2025, and he's being valued as a low-end RB2. Improved offensive line play and Ben Johnson's scheme should help efficiency, but workload competition and durability concerns cap his ceiling. While Swift is likely to keep the two-minute and no-huddle running back role, he may continue to split red zone work with Monangai. He also may lose early-down work to Monangai, with the potential for this backfield to develop into more of a 1A and 1B rather than Swift as the lead back. Swift profiles best as an RB2 with spike-week potential, but his situation (in a likely top-10 Bears offense) should provide him with plenty of scoring opportunities.

J.K. Dobbins vs Chiefs
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we do not expect him to post quality fantasy stats this week.Dobbins is back with the Broncos in 2026 after signing a two-year contract extension in March. He should be viewed as a high-end flex option worth drafting with a middle- to late-round pick with his value a little higher in non-PPR leagues. Drafters hope he can stay healthy after being limited to 10 games in 2025 before suffering a season-ending foot injury, but drafters are also intrigued by both RJ Harvey and rookie Jonah Coleman. Word out of Denver is that Harvey is locked into a passing-downs role and Coleman is not just a confirmed backup for Dobbins but also someone who could swipe carries away. It's why Dobbins truly carries appeal as a bench RB or at most an early-season starting option for those drafters who need a warm body for a RB2 spot. His injury history and potential competition for touches keep his Fantasy value down, but Dobbins should be a nice reward when healthy given his expected role for the Broncos this year.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt vs Eagles
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). Analyzing various factors very carefully, we do not expect him to post quality fantasy stats this week.Croskey-Merritt figures to open the preseason as the Commanders' lead running back, but definitely not their only relevant running back. That's why Fantasy managers might not be as excited to draft him until at least Round 8, potentially as a high-end bench option and not a locked-in starter. Washington re-signed veteran Jeremy McNichols, added ex-Bucs runner Rachaad White, then drafted Penn State's Kaytron Allen in Round 6. That makes for a fairly deep room -- one that can allow the offense to spread snaps around to everyone. That's been how the team operated in the early days of camp. And while Croskey-Merritt put on some good weight and has improved in his ability to help both as a receiver and as a blocker, coach Dan Quinn has lauded White for his hands and rookie Allen has flashed according to reports. Not that Croskey-Merritt hasn't flashed either -- an early August full-padded practice saw him get the most work with the first-team offense. Perhaps the most likely outcome for this backfield is for Croskey-Merritt to work as a first- and second-down back, but possibly never on third downs or in the hurry-up offense, and potentially never in goal-line situations. That's why he should be drafted closer to 90th overall than 80th.

Quinshon Judkins vs Jaguars
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).The potential for 300-plus carries makes Judkins worthy of a pick somewhere between Rounds 4-6 of Fantasy drafts, preferably on the later side as Judkins recovers from a fractured fibula and dislocated ankle he suffered in Week 16. Judkins finished as a top-26 RB per game in all formats last season despite playing fewer than 40% of the snaps in three of his 14 games. In 11 games with a normal snap share, Judkins was on pace for a whopping 314 carries. Unfortunately, Judkins notched only 26 catches in 14 games. The negatives for Judkins are the recovery from a serious injury, his lack of work in the passing game and the fear that Cleveland's offense could be putrid once again. The positives for Judkins are his playmaking ability, potential workhorse role and a rebuilt offensive line that could only be better than last year's version. It's worth noting that Judkins averaged only 3.6 yards per carry as a rookie, but his tape shows a much better player than the YPC figure would suggest. Assuming he fully recovers from his injury, Judkins looks like a No. 2 Fantasy running back with big upside but also considerable downside given the uncertain nature of Cleveland's offense and the inherent risk of drafting a player coming off surgery.

Rhamondre Stevenson vs Seahawks
- Halfway through the preseason, Stevenson appears to still have a grip on the Patriots' lead RB job ahead of second-year running back TreVeyon Henderson. Many reports out of New England indicate Stevenson remains the team's lead rusher while Henderson hasn't progressed enough, particularly in pass protection, to earn a larger piece of the pie. It's enough that Fantasy managers are settling on Stevenson in Round 6 or 7 as a low-end No. 2 RB. Last year, Stevenson hung onto a large chunk of playing time in large part because Henderson wasn't earning a bigger role. Once the end of the season came around, the Patriots fully embraced Stevenson, and he averaged an unrepeatable 26.8 PPR points per game in his final three regular-season matchups. But before that stretch, he had a tepid nine-point PPR average, and that could be much closer to where he winds up in 2026. But for however long he maintains a sizable role in the Pats offense, he'll carry value as at least a running back who can deliver short-yardage touchdowns and pick up a dozen touches per game.

Start Bucky Irving vs Bengals We view Irving as a low-end RB2 worth a pick in Round 5 of a full-PPR league. He's certainly shown more upside than that. He was RB7 in the second half of his rookie season and RB9 for the first month of 2025. But in the second half last year, Irving was the least effective rusher for Tampa Bay, and lost goalline work to Sean Tucker while losing third downs to Rachaad White. That could have been because of the shoulder injury he suffered, but it has remained an issue during offseason workouts. Kenneth Gainwell could cut into Irving's work even more than White did, particularly in the passing game. If Irving gets to 100% by the start of training camp, he will probably creep into Round 4 of most drafts. He still has the upside to beat that ADP, but there are also a lot of things that could go wrong.

Player Expected Output Att. Yards Rec. Rec. Yards TDs 15 69 2 14 1

Start Omarion Hampton vs Cardinals Hampton had an uneven rookie season in 2025 due to injury, but he played well when healthy. This year, with a healthy offensive line and a new offensive coordinator in Mike McDaniel, Hampton has the chance to be a star. He is worth drafting in Round 2 in all leagues. Last season, Hampton played in the first five games before suffering an ankle injury that cost him seven contests. In those first five games, he had three outings with at least 13 PPR points, including two games with at least 24.9 PPR points. When he returned in Week 14, the Chargers' offensive line was a mess, but Hampton still managed three of four outings with at least 14.7 PPR points before sitting out Week 18. The Chargers will have starting offensive tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt healthy for the majority of the season in 2026, and McDaniel was great with running backs during his time as the head coach in Miami with Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane. Hampton could finish as a top-five Fantasy running back this year.

Player Expected Output Att. Yards Rec. Rec. Yards TDs 18 86 3 23 1

Start Saquon Barkley vs Commanders The 29-year-old superstar remains one of Fantasy's favorite running backs, but Barkley's considered much more of a second-rounder than a first-rounder. Age is part of the reason, not just for him but for his offensive line, which includes the 35-year-old Lane Johnson at right tackle. Production is another concern as he followed up his 482-touch and 22.2 PPR per-game season with 346 touches, including the postseason, and a 14.5 PPR average. Changes to the Eagles offense (bye-bye, A.J. Brown) could mean more work for Barkley, but as he approaches 2,000 career carries, there's concern about not necessarily a downfall in efficiency but a bounceback to his 2024 success. Many will still draft and start Barkley, but sizing him up against younger backs like Omarion Hampton, Ashton Jeanty and even rookie Jeremiyah Love is worth your time before Draft Day.

Player Expected Output Att. Yards Rec. Rec. Yards TDs 19 102 3 21 1

Rewards...

Bijan Robinson vs Steelers
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Robinson is our RB2 in 2026 and is worth a top-two pick in a one-QB league. He is coming off a career year in terms of yards and receptions, but he scored four fewer touchdowns than he did in 2024, so the leap wasn't quite as pronounced in terms of Fantasy points. His 3.95 yards after contact per attempt ranked second only to De'Von Achane, and his 30% tackle avoid rate was the best in the NFL. Tyler Allgeier is gone, but Brian Robinson took his place and could work in a similar role. However, with the coaching change to Kevin Stefanski, it is possible there won't be quite as much of a split, particularly at the goalline. While we like Jahmyr Gibbs slightly better, we wouldn't fault you for taking Bijan Robinson first overall. He is arguably the best running back in football, and if the offense is more compe,tent he could score a handful more touchdowns in 2026.

DERRICK HENRY vs Colts
- Even at age 32, Henry is a surefire second-round pick in half-PPR and full-PPR leagues and certainly in consideration for the first round in non-PPR leagues. Henry finished as RB7 per game in all formats in 2025, which was shockingly one of his worst finishes in the last seven years. It seems nothing will hold him back unless his age finally catches up to him or the Ravens' offensive line struggles without star center Tyler Linderbaum. Another minor concern: If the Ravens struggle to win games, Henry could be off the field in bad game scripts. But at this point, we know who Henry is and should expect a lot of carries, a lot of touchdowns and a lot of fantasy points.

Jahmyr Gibbs vs Saints
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week.Gibbs enters the 2026 season as one of the most coveted players in Fantasy and a legitimate candidate to be the No. 1 overall pick in all one-QB formats. Even while sharing touches with David Montgomery in 2025, Gibbs leveraged heavy volume in the pass game and explosive runs to finish with three individual weeks as the highest-scoring RB. He also delivered nine games with a top-12 performance. With Montgomery traded to Houston, Gibbs could see even more volume in 2026, specifically in the red zone. Over the final eight games of the 2025 season, Gibbs saw a nearly 20% target share and averaged just under 50 receiving yards per game. He finished just shy of 100 targets (94). Gibbs shouldn't come off the board any later than No. 2 overall in half and full-PPR leagues.

Jonathan Taylor vs Ravens
-  He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Taylor remains one of the best running backs in football and should be selected in Round 1 of most drafts as a top-five running back. He is one of the true workhorse backs in the league, with 20.7 touches per game for his career. He led the NFL in rush attempts and rushing touchdowns in 2025, and no one would be surprised if he repeats in 2026. Last year, he caught a career-high 2.7 passes per game, patching one of the few weaknesses in his profile. If there were some cause for concern, it would be the 369 touches he had last year and the fact that he only averaged 3.3 yards per carry in his last seven games. We think the efficiency drop had more to do with the absence of Daniel Jones, who we expect to return early in 2026. If Taylor plays 17 games, expect him to approach 2,000 yards from scrimmage and score at least 15 touchdowns.

Sit Christian Watson vs Vikings Watson returned from injury in the middle of the 2025 season and immediately emerged as the No. 1 scoring option among Packers receivers, building on his rapport with Jordan Love. Watson averaged the 17th-most points per game among all receivers in 2025, thanks in large part to his 34% air yardage share in Green Bay's offense; in short, he was the deep threat and often considered the preferred and designed red-zone target. That role projects to repeat itself in 2026, and there's a chance for even more total volume after the Packers lost Romeo Doubs to free agency and traded Dontayvion Wicks. In 2025, Watson finished as a top-five Fantasy WR in two of his last four games and three times in just 10 total games, and he was a top-12 scorer in 40% of his games. Just before the start of training camp, Watson signed a multiyear extension with the Packers, which furthers his case to continue as Love's No. 1 target. Though he's always an injury risk given his track record, the vacated targets plus another year of built-up rapport with Love makes Watson an intriguing breakout pick for 2026 worth considering starting in Round 6. That said, it may take a couple of weeks for Watson to get going, as he faces a tough Minny defense that ranked #2 in 2025 in fantasy points allowed to WRs.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 4 52 0

Sit Marvin Harrison Jr. vs Chargers Harrison enters Year 3 of his career with a lot to prove in Fantasy and reality. Fantasy managers should treat Harrison as a high-end No. 3 Fantasy receiver worth drafting in Round 6 in full-PPR formats (maybe a round later in half- and non-PPR). The positive for Harrison is that he should benefit with Jacoby Brissett as the starter for the Cardinals. The two had limited action in 2025 due to Harrison battling a foot injury, but Brissett helped Harrison play well when healthy. There were four games where Harrison played at least 61 percent of the snaps with Brissett, and Harrison scored at least 12.9 PPR points in three of those outings while averaging 14.4 PPR points per game over that span. Harrison also averaged 8.8 targets per game in those four. New coach and playcaller Mike LaFleur should also be a positive for Harrison, but the coach will obviously do work to make sure Trey McBride and Michael Wilson get some work, and the addition of rookie rusher Jeremiyah Love should bring the pass-run ratio at least a little bit closer. We've been burned by Harrison in each of the past two seasons when he averaged fewer than 12 PPR points each year, but there's reason for optimism in Year 3. If you have better option this week we advise looking elsewhere. The Chargers ranked #3 in 2025 in fantasy points allowed to WRs.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 4 53 0

Sit Nico Collins vs Bills Collins was still very good at times in 2025, but he saw a 10% dip in his targets per route run and an even bigger drop in yards per route run. The potential return of Tank Dell could make this the most crowded receiving room Collins has dealt with, especially if Jayden Higgins or Jaylin Noel takes a step forward. Collins also had a career-high aDOT of 12.7 in 2025, which unsurprisingly lowered his YAC/reception and catch rate. This figures to be a low-volume pass offense, and C.J. Stroud has as many options as he has ever had at receiver. So, while we still think Collins is an elite wide receiver, we aren't quite as high on him as we were entering 2025. Collins is a low-end WR1 who should be drafted in the back half of Round 2 in full-PPR drafts. With little in the way of competition for targets, look for the Buffalo defense to focus on shutting him down. That may be a tough thing for the defense with some new faces and a new coordinator to do, but they did rank #1 in passing yards allowed in 2025.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 5 63 0

Risks...

A.J. Brown vs Seahawks
- Brown, who was traded to the Patriots in June, has averaged at least 14.1 PPR points for four straight seasons, but before 2025, that number was 16.7 over three seasons. Even if 2026 expectations are closer to 14.1 per game than 16.7, he'll still get drafted as a borderline top-12 Fantasy receiver in Round 3. Brown will have a shot to regain his form in his age-29 season as the No. 1 option on a Patriots offense that saw an older Stefon Diggs catch 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four TDs in 2025. Bank on Brown as a slam-dunk starter with WR1 upside. Still, we don't expect the Super Bowl champions' stingy defense in a prime time rematch against the Pats to allow Brown to beat them deep.

Emeka Egbuka vs Bengals
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).We view Egbuka as a WR2 worth a pick in Round 4 in full-PPR leagues, and he would have been considered even sooner if not for a toe injury that sidelined him for basically the entire preseason. Last year was a tale of two seasons for Egbuka. In his first nine games, he averaged 8.9 yards per target and 16.1 PPR Fantasy points per game, boosted especially by his first four NFL starts. In the second half of the season, those averages fell to 5.1 and 6.1. Injuries are to blame after a Week 5 hamstring strain seemed to stick with him all year. But he's healthy entering 2026 and with Mike Evans gone to San Francisco, Egbuka remains the favorite to lead this team in targets, but Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan and rookie Ted Hurst are all poised to see a lot of targets also.

Jalen McMillan vs Bengals
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).McMillan was set to battle Ted Hurst for the WR3 role behind Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin in training camp but an early August knee injury sidelined him without a return date. It's a similar story to last year when McMillan only played four games and topped 40 receiving yards in just one of those games. If he returns to the practice field long before Week 1 then he can be considered a late-round option in deeper PPR leagues.

Jaylin Noel vs Bills
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).Noel never reached a 50% snap share in any game as a rookie, and now the Texans have Tank Dell potentially returning from injury. However, he is only 23 years old and averaged more than 11 FPPG in the four games where he saw at least four targets. He also has appeal in leagues that reward points for return yards, as Noel had 1,134 return yards in 2025. Noel will now have renewed interest in redraft leagues with second-year receiver Jayden Higgins suffering from a torn ACL. Higgins is expected to miss the entirety of the 2026 season and Noel could emerge as the clear-cut No. 2 target for the Texans' passing game. Noel makes for an excellent upside sleeper in the double-digit rounds.

Keon Coleman vs Texans
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).Coleman scored 25.2 PPR points in Week 1 last year, then averaged 6.4 PPR points per game from Weeks 2 through 18, solidifying his reputation as a disappointing Fantasy receiver. There's no reason to believe the former second-round pick will see an uptick in targets or stats, especially with veteran D.J. Moore joining the Bills and likely working in the same places Coleman worked in 2025. Until Coleman surprises us with some consistent target volume, Fantasy managers should be able to move past him.

Malik Nabers vs Cowboys
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).With Nabers beginning training camp on time, Fantasy managers should be willing to draft the speedy superstar with an early-round pick as a must-starter. Nabers is coming back from a torn right ACL and a full meniscus repair, the kind of injuries players slog through 12 months of rehab and recovery before being "back to normal." However, Nabers looked mostly like his old self in late July, which could mean he may bounce back to the 18.2 PPR points per game he averaged as a rookie (11 in non-PPR). Some things to keep in mind: Nabers is in a new offense that figures to be a little more focused on running the ball. His playcaller, ex-Chiefs offensive coordinator and Bears head coach Matt Nagy, doesn't have a sterling track record. And he hasn't had a lot of work with young Giants QB Jaxson Dart, which honestly might be the least of our worries since Dart was solid as a passer without Nabers in 2025. Hype around Nabers could push him into early Round 2 if he suffers zero setbacks through the preseason, but until then expect him to get taken between 20th and 35th overall in redraft.

Marvin Mims Jr. vs Chiefs
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).

Michael Wilson vs Chargers
- Wilson is an easy must-draft No. 3 receiver if you buy into him as a more frequent contributor to the Cardinals offense than he was when Marvin Harrison Jr. was on the field last season. The Wilson fans in every draft will begin looking for his name in Round 7 (maybe even late Round 6 in full-PPR leagues), but everyone will be a fan of his if his draft stock hits Round 8. The story of Wilson's 2025 is crazy -- with Harrison on the field, Wilson averaged just 7.6 PPR points and 4.8 targets in 12 games; without him Wilson averaged an outrageous 25.9 PPR points and 13.6 targets. But his 2026 figures to be a lot different because the Cardinals have a new playcaller and head coach in Mike LaFleur who compared Wilson's role to that of Puka Nacua's in Los Angeles. We've already seen Harrison and Wilson share the passing downs in preseason work and both look good. The hope for Wilson is that he gets more than 4.8 chances per game to put up numbers and the ball is spread a little more evenly between him and Harrison (tight end Trey McBride is assumed to have more targets than both receivers). Arizona figures to be in passing situations a lot this year, helping Wilson's cause that much more.

Parker Washington vs Browns
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).Like Brian Thomas and Jakobi Meyers, Parker Washington is a WR3 who should be drafted in Round 7 of full-PPR Fantasy drafts. But Washington may have the widest range of outcomes of the three. In his first 39 NFL games, he had a combined 1,022 receiving yards and averaged barely six Fantasy points per game. In his last four games of 2025, including the playoffs, he had 454 receiving yards and averaged 22.2 FPPG. He could be one of the great breakouts of 2026, or he could split time as the team's WR3 with Travis Hunter. Washington set career highs across the board last year, but the difference was most stark in his yards per route run (2.08), which was more than double his career best. With a profile this unpredictable, don't be surprised if Washington's ADP is made up of a wide range of picks. Be happy to scoop him up any time you find him in Round 8 or later.

Quentin Johnston vs Cardinals
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).Johnston looked like a bust during his rookie campaign in 2023 when he averaged just 5.5 PPR points per game. He played better in Year 2 in 2024 at 11.7 PPR points per game. And he looked explosive at times in 2025 at 12.2 PPR points per game, which will hopefully carry over to this year. Johnston is worth drafting as a sleeper as early as Round 8 in the majority of leagues. In 2025, when offensive tackle Joe Alt (ankle) was healthy to open the season, Johnston averaged 19.9 PPR points in the first four games of the year. That indicates that when Justin Herbert had time to throw, Johnston was able to make plays in this offense. Alt and Rashawn Slater (knee) should be healthy for Week 1, which is a plus for Johnston and Herbert. Keenan Allen is also gone for the Chargers, so Johnston and Ladd McConkey should lead the Chargers in targets. And new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has indicated he's excited to work with Johnston this year. Once a bust, Johnston is now a playmaker for the Chargers -- and Fantasy managers -- and he could have a career season in 2026.

Rashee Rice vs Broncos
- Rice will hopefully play a full season in 2026, and he has the chance to be a top-five Fantasy receiver in all leagues. He's worth drafting as early as Round 2 in all formats. Rice has played a combined 12 games in the past two seasons due to injury and suspension, but he's been fantastic when on the field. He averaged 16.2 PPR points per game in four games in 2024 and 18.8 PPR points in eight games in 2025. Rice averaged 9.8 targets per game last season, and he should lead the Chiefs in targets this year. The receiving corps is thin, with Rice, Xavier Worthy and Travis Kelce the top three options in the passing game, and Rice should continue to get plenty of attention from Patrick Mahomes. Now, Mahomes is coming back from a torn ACL and LCL in his knee, so keep an eye on his health. And Kansas City will likely focus more on the ground game after adding Kenneth Walker III, Emari Demercado, and Emmett Johnson this offseason. Rice also underwent a clean-up surgery on his knee in May, so keep an eye on his health in training camp. But Rice's production over the past two years and his role in the offense make him an exciting Fantasy option. If he stays healthy, then Rice could be among the best Fantasy receivers this season. He gets a very difficult match-up in Week 1 against the Broncos, who were the top pass defense against WRs in 2025.

Tre' Harris vs Cardinals
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).Harris is coming off a disappointing rookie campaign in 2025, and we'll see if he can rebound in 2026. He will compete with rookie Brenen Thompson for the No. 3 receiver role for the Chargers behind Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston, and the winner of that battle in training camp is worth a late-round flier in all leagues. Last season, Harris had to contend with Keenan Allen, who is no longer on the roster. Harris struggled with only 30 catches for 324 yards and one touchdown on 43 targets, but he has the potential for more. That is, if he can keep Thompson on the bench and play a vital role behind McConkey and Johnston. If Harris falls behind Thompson to open the season, he can still turn into a waiver wire option during the year if an injury occurs, or if he surprises us with improved play compared to his 2025 production.

Xavier Worthy vs Broncos
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).Worthy went from a productive rookie in 2024 to a disappointing sophomore in 2025. How will he perform in 2026? Fantasy managers should consider Worthy a sleeper with a late-round pick in the majority of leagues. He's a good receiver to stash on your bench, and hopefully, he can have a third-year breakout. The Chiefs don't have much proven talent in the passing game after Rashee Rice, Travis Kelce and Worthy, which is why he has the chance to rebound from 2025. Last year, Worthy missed the first three games with a shoulder injury and then had to deal with Rice dominating targets once his six-game suspension ended. Kelce was there also, but Marquise Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster were getting targets as well. Those two are gone, and we'll see what kind of impact Tyquan Thornton, Jalen Royals and rookie Cyrus Allen make this year. Worthy averaged 11 PPR points per game in 2024 before dropping to 7.9 PPR points in 2025. He will hopefully emerge as a No. 3 Fantasy receiver this season, and he should be a good value pick in Round 10 or later.

Start Chris Olave vs Lions We view Olave as a borderline WR1 worth a pick in Round 3 of PPR leagues. He set career highs in almost every metric last year, but the big difference was the fact that he scored nine touchdowns in 2025 after scoring 10 in his first three seasons combined. He greatly benefitted from the midseason switch to Tyler Shough and was WR4 on a per-game basis in games Shough started. Olave got some new target competition from rookie Jordyn Tyson, which could both cut into his targets and help his efficiency. His concussion history may make him a slightly higher injury risk than most, but it isn't enough of a concern for us to avoid him. We still expect him to be the clear WR1 in this offense, even if his targets and receptions take a small hit from last year.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 8 107 1

Start Garrett Wilson vs Titans Wilson's days of regularly getting over nine targets per game seem to be over, as are his days as a potential top-12 Fantasy receiver. Rejudging him in Round 4 as a No. 2 wideout in full PPR is fair (drop him another round in other formats). That's tough news after Wilson began 2025 as one of Fantasy's hottest receivers, averaging 9.6 targets and nabbing 19 PPR points over five weeks on throws mostly from Justin Fields. An injury sidelined him for much of the rest of the season, and since then, the Jets changed playcallers, changed quarterbacks, and added two exciting pass-catchers with first-round picks. The new playcaller, Frank Reich, has helped a receiver average at least 15 PPR points three times in 10 seasons, including one time this decade. The new quarterback, Geno Smith, has never led a wide receiver to a PPR average past 15 points over most of a season in any of his six years as a starter. Even if Wilson gets good volume (7.5 targets per game?), he shouldn't be expected to put up monster numbers, just good numbers.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 7 92 1

Start Tetairoa McMillan vs Bears We view McMillan as a solid WR2 worth a pick late in Round 3 or early in Round 4 in full-PPR leagues. Considering the offensive environment, McMillan had a very good rookie season. He accounted for 30.7% of his team's receiving yards, which tied for sixth best in the NFL with Amon-Ra St. Brown. He also ranked second in the NFL with a 43.3% air yard share, which trailed only Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The question is whether Bryce Young can play well enough for McMillan to realize his WR1 upside. We are more confident in McMillan's long-term ability than Young's 2026 outlook, which is why we rank the second-year wide receiver as a top-12 Dynasty wide receiver.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 5 71 1

Rewards...

Amon-Ra St. Brown vs Saints
-  He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. St. Brown remains one of the safest draft picks you can make on draft day, and he proved in 2025 why managers were foolish to let him fall out of the first round in some leagues. His locked-in rapport with Jared Goff overcame the loss of play caller Ben Johnson in 2025. St. Brown has now racked up three consecutive seasons with at least 1,250 receiving yards and 141 targets, giving him one of the highest floors at the position. He has also expanded his red zone role and target percentage in that area of the field, which not only raises his ceiling but also his floor. His 2025 season marked a career-best target volume, drawing 172 targets and turning them into 117 catches, 1,401 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns. Over the past three seasons, St. Brown has accumulated 4,179 receiving yards and 477 targets. That's the kind of consistency worth targeting in the first round of drafts. Select St. Brown with ease, and if your strategy is to avoid risk in Round 1, he's one of the best targets on the board, period.

Ja'Marr Chase vs Buccaneers
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week.There is no such thing as "reaching" for Chase in Fantasy drafts. He could go as early as first overall and should be drafted no later than fifth overall, with the possible exception of non-PPR leagues, which heavily favor running backs. Chase was the third-best Fantasy receiver per game last season after finishing as the No. 1 Fantasy receiver in 2024. He is a true target hog (on pace for 197 targets in 2025), and averaged nearly 20 PPR Fantasy points per game even with Joe Burrow missing nine games. Chase averaged about four fewer points per game than Puka Nacua, so why consider him as the No. 1 WR this season? Well, Chase's 2024 season (with a healthy Burrow) was just as good as Nacua's 2025 season, so we've seen Chase hit that crazy-high upside. Draft Chase with supreme confidence in 2026.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba vs Patriots
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Everything worked out great for Smith-Njigba in 2025, and he will have to prove his breakout season wasn't a fluke in 2026. We're confident in his ability, and Smith-Njigba is worth drafting with a top-five overall pick in the majority of leagues. In 2025, Smith-Njigba had a standout campaign with 119 catches for a league-best 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns on 163 targets. He averaged 21.2 PPR points per game, which was second only to Puka Nacua (23.4), and Smith-Njigba was named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year. Seattle won Super Bowl LX, and Smith-Njigba then became the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history with a four-year, $168.6 million contract extension. He should once again be the star player for the Seahawks, and Sam Darnold will continue to feed Smith-Njigba targets. It's up for debate if Smith-Njigba should be the No. 1 receiver drafted in the majority of leagues, but he should be drafted in the top five overall. We have high expectations for Smith-Njigba once again in 2026.

Josh Downs vs Ravens
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week.Downs' early-August groin strain wasn't considered serious, but in the days following the injury the Colts added veteran Keenan Allen. That move hurts the upside case for Downs, who was assumed as Indy's top short- and intermediate-area target. Downs is still a decent breakout candidate, but no one should reach for him past Round 8, even in full-PPR leagues. If the Colts commit to him as a slot receiver with a modest average depth of target as they have for three seasons, then there's certainly a chance he still leads the team in targets. The team also wants to use him more downfield, which could help grow his efficiency. However, Allen would snare some of those easy targets away from Downs, hurting the number of chances per game Downs has to make plays. It also doesn't help that Downs' explosive play rate over his career isn't really that far from where Allen's has been over his last two years (2.9% for Downs, 2.5% for Allen), so anticipating a big jump there is a little problematic. Tack on the work Tyler Warren will get downfield and the eventual return of deep threat Alec Pierce, and Downs has more competition for Daniel Jones' attention than we initially believed.

Ladd McConkey vs Cardinals
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week.McConkey has the chance for a bounceback season in 2026, and he's worth drafting in Round 4 as a No. 2 Fantasy receiver in all leagues. In 2024, McConkey looked like a star with 82 catches for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns on 112 targets, and he averaged 15.1 PPR points per game. He struggled in 2025 with 66 catches for 789 yards and six touchdowns on 106 targets, and he averaged just 11.3 PPR points per game. It's hard to pinpoint exactly what happened with McConkey. Keenan Allen was part of the Chargers' receiving corps in 2025, and his presence may have impacted McConkey. Justin Herbert also struggled when the offensive line started to deal with injuries. McConkey needs to step up in his third year, and he should benefit with Allen gone, as well as playing for new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. There's reason to buy into McConkey regaining his 2024 form, and he should be a good value pick in Round 4 this season.

Luther Burden III vs Panthers
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).Burden enters 2026 as one of Fantasy's most polarizing receivers. The upside case for Burden is simple: After finishing 2025 red hot, Burden was already being talked up by head coach Ben Johnson during OTAs (given Johnson's history of reserving coach-speak, this is a big deal), plus his early training camp practices had reporters swooning since he has the potential to emerge in the coveted slot role that Amon-Ra St. Brown made famous in this scheme. The downside case for Burden began unfolding in an early August practice when he limped off and with a groin injury. Reports suggested he would miss several weeks but not necessarily the start of the season. Burden was always in a fierce target competition with Rome Odunze and Colston Loveland, but now both of those two Bears could be in line for more early-season work if Burden's recovery keeps him from having a full slate of reps in September. Fantasy managers will have to decide if they want to pay a WR2 price for the upside of finding the next breakout who may not be himself to begin the season. He remains one of the most popular breakout picks in 2026, one in which might come at a slight bargain after he was going as a top 50 pick before the groin injury.

Puka Nacua vs 49ers
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Nacua enters this season as one of the best Fantasy receivers in the NFL, and he's worth drafting with a top-five overall pick in the majority of leagues. Nacua just had a career year in 2025 at 23.4 PPR points per game, which led all receivers, and he finished the season with 129 catches for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns on 166 targets. Nacua has averaged at least 17.6 PPR points per game in all three seasons of his career, and he should continue to be the top target for Matthew Stafford in 2026. Now, there are a few things to monitor with Nacua, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and we hope there isn't a holdout in training camp. Additionally, Nacua checked into a rehab facility in March and dealt with a civil lawsuit stemming from a Dec. 31, 2025 incident. The good news is Nacua took part in voluntary workouts in April, and we should see him on the field in Week 1. You can make the argument for Nacua at No. 1 overall in PPR, and he will be among the top three receivers drafted this year.

Sit DALTON SCHULTZ vs Bills In past seasons, we would be more excited about a tight end coming off a 100-target season where he averaged double-digit Fantasy points. But with all the youth and upside at the tight end position in 2026, Schultz is someone you settle for after Round 11 if you missed all the guys you were excited about. He could be someone you target to start early in the year if you pair him with George Kittle. Schultz has never been an efficient pass catcher, but he has posted a 97-target pace over three years in Houston and has only missed two games over that span. He hasn't scored more than five touchdowns in a season since 2021; if that changes, he could sneak into the top 10 at the position.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 3 34 0

Sit MARK ANDREWS vs Colts Once an elite Fantasy tight end, Mark Andrews is now a borderline top-12 TE and a late-round pick in Fantasy drafts. His touchdown potential keeps him relevant, but to be a true difference-maker, Andrews will probably need more work than he has earned in consecutive years. His last two seasons give a glimpse of the possible outcomes. With 69 targets in 2024, Andrews caught 11 touchdowns and was the No. 8 TE per game in PPR. But Andrews was much worse in 2025 with only five TDs on 70 targets and career lows in yards per catch, yards per target and yards per route run. Can he rebound this season? Perhaps he will earn more targets with Isaiah Likely moving on to the Giants. Or perhaps he'll be this season's Dallas Goedert and be a TD machine (Andrews still earns a lot of red zone and end zone targets). Or perhaps he can turn back the clock and regain his efficiency. Andrews should still be drafted as his history is too good to ignore, but you might want to draft a second TE in case things go wrong.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 3 32 0

Sit T.J. Hockenson vs Packers After years of being drafted as a starting Fantasy tight end, Hockenson's outlook has dimmed in large part due to his lack of involvement in the pass game. Even the red zone volume has gone down for Hockenson. In 2025, Hockenson finished as a top-12 scorer in just two games, and he scored just three touchdowns on the season. Hockenson's red-zone upside has been a bit overrated by Fantasy managers for some time now -- he has just 26 TD receptions over his seven years in the NFL. Even if the Vikings' pass game takes a jump, Hockenson should finish in the 3-6 TD range and is unlikely to top 1,000 receiving yards. You can take bigger swings on draft day, but he's worth drafting if you're looking for a floor play in TE premium or leagues that require you to start two tight ends.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 3 37 0

Risks...

Chig Okonkwo vs Eagles
- Okonkwo signed with the Commanders in the offseason with the idea he'll fill Zach Ertz's shoes as the team's starting tight end. While that should mean a lot of playing time, the early August addition of Stefon Diggs put a big damper on the potential of a breakout season from the five-year veteran. It took Okonkwo from a trendy sleeper to more of a potential bye-week replacement at tight end. It's fair to note that in two seasons as a starter, Jayden Daniels has thrown 20% of his passes to tight ends. However, all of that was without a formidable second receiver who can work the middle of the field like Diggs. You should be able to find other late-round tight ends like Dalton Kincaid and even Greg Dulcich as more appealing sleepers.

GEORGE KITTLE vs Rams
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision).Kittle is coming off an Achilles injury that he suffered in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs in January. The team put him on the physically unable to perform list to start training camp, but he has indicated that he won't begin the season on said list and even has a chance to play Week 1 in Australia. That makes him likely for most of the season, but how effective he'll be remains to be seen. Hence why you'll draft him closer to Round 8 than Round 4. The hope is Kittle will produce at a high level by the middle of the season and peak just in time for the Fantasy playoffs. When healthy, Kittle is among the best players at his position, averaging 14.7 PPR points per game in 2025 -- the sixth time in his nine-year career that he's averaged at least 14.1 PPR points per game. If you draft Kittle, then it's a good idea to pair him with a second tight end on your Fantasy roster -- maybe San Francisco backup tight end Jake Tonges -- just in case Kittle isn't quite ready to play a normal snap share right away.

HUNTER HENRY vs Seahawks
- Henry's 10.5 PPR point average in 2025 was his highest since arriving in New England in 2021. That was thanks to his seven touchdowns and a career-high 768 yards. This was the byproduct of Josh McDaniels' offense combined with a lack of star power at wide receiver. Things won't stay that way in New England as the Pats added A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs, rendering Henry a lower target option. The matchup against the Seahawks in Week 1 isn't particularly favorable (it wasn't in the Super Bowl), meaning you might not even keep Henry on your roster if you draft him. The odds of him repeating his Fantasy glory from 2025 seem low.

Tucker Kraft vs Vikings
-  He is currently listed as Questionable on the injury report, and may wind up being a dreaded GTD (Game Time Decision). All signs point to Kraft being ready to play close to a full workload in Week 1 for the Packers after tearing his ACL last early last November. That makes him a surefire Fantasy starter worth a pick starting in Round 6. Kraft finished with six touchdowns scored in just seven full games, and he was TE2 in Fantasy scoring before the 2025 injury. He finished as a top-nine TE in scoring in all but three of his starts, and he was the TE1 in two of his games in 2025. His 2.33 yards per route run made him one of the most efficient pass catchers in the NFL, and it is an excellent sign for his 2026 projection. And if the Packers struggle to run the ball for any reason, Kraft would probably swoop in and see a higher target share to help make up for that. The burly YAC machine's ceiling is as high as any tight end in the league.

Start DALLAS GOEDERT vs Commanders Goedert was the Eagles best red zone pass--catching threat last year. He is still on the Fantasy radar as a startable tight end. The 12.3 PPR points and 8.3 non-PPR points he averaged in 2025 were actually career-highs, fueled not by the modest 5.5 targets per game he corralled but by the 11 career touchdowns he grabbed. His prior career-high for TDs was five, which is more in line with expectations for 2026, even with the team replacing A.J. Brown with rookie Makai Lemon. Look Goedert's way once you get past 110th overall.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 5 57 1

Start Isaiah Likely vs Cowboys Will this be the year Likely breaks out? It's worth the risk in Fantasy. Draft Likely as a borderline top-10 option with a mid-to-late round pick, perhaps some time around 100th overall. We saw glimpses of Likely's potential with Baltimore in Weeks 12-18 of 2023. In that stretch, Likely averaged a terrific 13.9 PPR points per game with Mark Andrews sidelined. Now a big free agent addition for the Giants and with Malik Nabers working his way back from knee surgery, Likely should see a lot of targets and has a chance to have a major impact. Of course, the Giants intend to be a run-heavy offense, and Nabers does figure to be ready for Week 1. Likely is no slam dunk, but which tight end is without risk in the mid-to-late rounds? We're hoping this is the season it all comes together for Likely.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 6 82 1

Start Sam LaPorta vs Saints After finishing as the top tight end back in 2023, LaPorta is finally back to generating excitement in 2026 now that Drew Petzing has been hired as offensive coordinator. You'll remember Petzing from his time with the Cardinals, where he turned Trey McBride into the overall TE1 in 2025 and one of the most consistent Fantasy producers over the last two seasons. Big-time volume is coming for LaPorta, who went from averaging over seven targets per game during that 2023 season to dipping below five per game in each of his last two seasons. The arrival of Petzing could lead to a career high in targets, and his touchdowns are likely to see positive regression after he scored just three last season. LaPorta is one of the highest-upside tight ends you can grab on draft day, and he could well exceed his price in Rounds 5-6.

Player Expected Output Receptions Rec. Yards TDs 5 69 1

Rewards...

Brock Bowers vs Dolphins
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week.Bowers had a down season in 2025, but he should rebound this year. He should be drafted as a top-two tight end, and he's worth selecting as early as the middle of Round 2. Bowers had an amazing rookie campaign in 2024 when he averaged 15.5 PPR points per game. But injuries -- he suffered a knee injury in Week 1 that lingered all season -- poor quarterback play and a struggling offense limited his production in 2025 to 14.7 PPR points per game. While that average doesn't seem bad (it was actually third among tight ends behind Trey McBride and George Kittle), Bowers had five games with 9.8 PPR points or less in 12 outings. His production was boosted by a 43.3 PPR outing in Week 9 against Jacksonville, and we hope to see more of those high-end performances this year. The good news is Las Vegas brought in a new coach (Klint Kubiak) and quarterback (Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins), and improved the offensive line with free agent center Tyler Linderbaum. Also, the Raiders made no significant additions to the receiving corps with only Jalen Nailor joining Tre Tucker and Jack Bech. Bowers should lead Las Vegas in targets, and he will challenge McBride to be the No. 1 Fantasy tight end in 2026.

Colston Loveland vs Panthers
- Loveland hit his stride during the stretch run of his rookie season, and he was one of the highest-scoring tight ends during Fantasy playoff weeks. Now looking to carry that momentum through Chicago's postseason and into the 2026 regular season, Loveland will be among the first five tight ends drafted in 2026 leagues. While his target upside will be capped by the wide array of skill players and run-first Bears tendencies, Loveland's combination of talent, red zone prowess, and his continuing and developing rapport with Caleb Williams makes him one of the best tight ends to bet on in 2026.

Jake Ferguson vs Giants
- Ferguson's track record suggests he's a safe Fantasy tight end, and his role in the Dallas offense shouldn't change too much in 2026. He's best described as Dak Prescott's red-zone favorite and short-area security blanket, turning that role into six targets per game in each of his past three seasons. He's hit the 10-point average in full-PPR twice in the past three seasons (the year he didn't, Prescott played just eight games). Most Fantasy managers would rather grab a tight end with upside over the 27-year-old Ferguson, but if you want a tight end with some modest stability for your lineup, then expect Ferguson to make it to at least Round 11 in your draft.

Kyle Pitts Sr. vs Steelers
- Pitts is viewed as a disappointment after being taken in the top five of the NFL Draft, but his 3,579 receiving yards rank fourth at the position since he joined the Falcons. Stop me if you have heard this before, but this could be the best year of his career. New head coach Kevin Stefanski runs one of the most tight-end-friendly offenses in the NFL and has given his tight ends an average of 167 targets per season over the last three years. The key to a true breakout will be Pitts topping his career high of five touchdowns, because the targets and receptions are coming. Expect a lower aDOT for Pitts and potentially his best YAC totals ever, because that is what Stefanski's offense does. You can start looking for him in drafts as early as Round 6.

TRAVIS KELCE vs Broncos
- Based on early ADP data, this is the first time Kelce might not get drafted as a top-five tight end since 2014. Kelce is now a late-round option in the majority of leagues. You can see why, since he considered retirement this offseason and will turn 37 in October. But we consider Kelce a top-10 Fantasy tight end coming into the year. As long as Patrick Mahomes (knee) is ready to play in Week 1, that connection should still be strong, and Kelce was solid in 2025 in 14 games with Mahomes. During that span, Kelce averaged 12.8 PPR points, and the only tight ends who finished better than that were Trey McBride, George Kittle, Brock Bowers and Tucker Kraft. Things fell apart for Kelce in the final three games last season -- he averaged just 4.8 PPR points over that stretch -- so keep that in mind with Mahomes' rehab. And we have to hope Kelce can coexist for a full season with Rashee Rice, as well as an improved run game with the addition of Kenneth Walker III. But given the cost, Kelce is worth the risk, and he didn't postpone retirement to not be a key player in another potential Kansas City Super Bowl run. Kelce should still have a quality campaign in 2026.

Trey McBride vs Chargers
-  Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. We recommend targeting McBride somewhere between 20th and 35th overall depending on scoring format, and we also recommend considering Brock Bowers ahead of him, especially in leagues that are not full-PPR. In 2025, McBride dominated the field at his position with 126 catches for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns on 169 targets, but all of those numbers were a byproduct of Arizona's offense constantly in catch-up mode. Thing is, there's a realistic chance they'll still be in catch-up mode this season considering the state of their defense and their challenging schedule, and McBride is their best short-area receiving option (and maybe their best receiving option, period). Quarterback Jacoby Brissett has a long-standing tendency of leaning on his tight end, and rookie QB Carson Beck didn't embarrass himself in preseason play and should at least know to get McBride the ball when he does play. New coach and playcaller Mike LaFleur has mentioned multiple times how unique and important McBride is to the Cardinals offense, so while his target volume will decline from 2025, he should still be among the leaders at the position in receptions and touchdowns. That should be enough to feel good about walking the aisle for McBride.

Tyler Warren vs Ravens
- Analyzing various factors very carefully, we expect him to post nice fantasy stats this week. Warren is one of the top breakout candidates at the tight end position in 2026. He was averaging 13.1 PPR Fantasy points per game before Daniel Jones got hurt last year and should have more target opportunities in 2026 with Michael Pittman gone. Warren averaged 6.2 yards after catch per reception, which led all tight ends who saw at least 100 targets last season. He also led the Colts with 19 red zone targets and 11 targets inside the 10-yard line. He is the clear TE4 in Dynasty leagues behind Brock Bowers, Trey McBride and Colston Loveland. If Jones is 100% by Week 1, Warren could be in the conversation for TE1 as soon as this season, and he is two or three rounds cheaper than the guys ranked ahead of him. In a full-PPR league, draft him as early as Round 5 as a top-five tight end.

Sit CHRIS BOSWELL vs Falcons The usually reliable Boswell is age 35 and coming off one of his least accurate seasons. He is a fine fallback option with your last pick in your Fantasy draft, but Boswell is not a must-roster kicker.

Player Expected Output FGM FGA XPM 1 2 2

Sit JAKE ELLIOTT vs Commanders Despite being on the Eagles, Elliott has never been a great Fantasy kicker and isn't expected to be one in 2026. Philadelphia is among the most aggressive teams when it comes to going for it on fourth down, including in the red zone, when they've happily pushed tushes instead of settling for field goals. As a result, Elliott has made 30 or fewer field goals in each of his nine seasons, attempting 32-plus field goals just three times. You should be able to find a better kicker than Elliott.

Player Expected Output FGM FGA XPM 1 2 3

Risks...

EDDY PIÑEIRO vs Rams
- The long trip to Australia might make this game a tough matchup for Pineiro and the 49ers.

Trey Smack vs Vikings
- Smack is a sixth-round draft pick who competed with Lucas Havrisik to win the Packers' starting kicker job in 2026. With a nonexistent track record, he will be one of the riskier kicker picks on draft day despite playing on an above-average offense. You're better off drafting a slew of kickers before Smack and a matchup against a Brian Flores led defense is a tough first matchup.

Start Cam Little vs Browns We view Little as a top-five kicker heading into 2026, worthy of a pick in the final two rounds of your draft. Little's accuracy actually fell off in his second season, but the offensive environment improved so much that he still finished as a top-five kicker in Fantasy. Little has made 13 of 16 kicks from beyond 50 yards in the last two seasons, so he could be slightly more valuable in leagues that give bonuses for longer kicks. In the Fantasy playoffs, he has two dome games and one game in Florida, so you should avoid bad weather when it matters most.

Player Expected Output FGM FGA XPM 3 3 3

Start CHASE MCLAUGHLIN vs Bengals McLaughlin is a borderline top-12 kicker, worth a pick in the final two rounds of your Fantasy draft. If you are planning on streaming, his Week 1 matchup with the Bengals should be a good one. The Buccaneers' offensive struggles limited him last year, as he attempted 23 fewer extra points than he did in 2024. We have mixed feelings about just how much this offense will bounce back. While McLaughlin's accuracy was down last year, he also made a career-high 11 kicks from at least 50 yards.

Player Expected Output FGM FGA XPM 3 3 3

Rewards...

BRANDON AUBREY vs Giants
-  He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Aubrey remains one of Fantasy's best kickers. He's finished in the top three in points per game (typical kicker scoring with 50-point bonuses) in each of the past three years. Dallas' offense figures to remain explosive, if not involved in more close games than last season, affording him more than the 42 field goal attempts he had in 2025. He's arguably one of two kickers you could take before the final round of your draft without being laughed at.

HARRISON BUTKER vs Broncos
- Butker remains a quality Fantasy kicker, and he's worth drafting with a late-round pick in all leagues. In 2025, Butker was 33 of 38 on field goals, including 5 of 8 from 50-plus yards. And he made 31 of 35 PATs. It's the fourth time in his career he's made at least 33 field goals, and he should get plenty of scoring chances once again in Kansas City in 2026.

JASON MYERS vs Patriots
-  He should be a NO BRAIN start this week and every week unless he is on a bye or injured. Myers led all kickers in total Fantasy points in 2025, and he should be considered one of the top kickers again this season. He's worth drafting with a late-round pick in all leagues. In 2025, Myers made 41 of 48 field-goal attempts, including 9 of 12 from 50-plus yards. He was also 48 of 48 on PATs. Myers was second in the NFL in made field goals behind only Ka'imi Fairbairn (44), and Myers was fourth in the NFL in extra points, trailing only Jake Bates (54), Andres Borregales (53) and Cam Little (50). This was the best season of Myers' career, but he has now made at least 34 field goals in three of the past four seasons in Seattle, and he has two years over that span with at least 41 made PATs.

KA'IMI FAIRBAIRN vs Bills
- Fairbairn is one of the top two kickers in Fantasy going into 2026 and should be drafted in the final three rounds of your Fantasy draft. Last year was the second time in his career that he led the NFL in both field-goal attempts and field-goal makes. He has made more than 90% of his field goals in three of his last four seasons and has made 100% of his extra points in two of those seasons. The one drawback for Fairbairn is a tough playoff schedule that includes games at Philadelphia and at Green Bay in the final two weeks of the Fantasy playoffs. Those are outdoor games in potentially bad weather against defenses that we project to be very good. If you need a tiebreaker between Fairbairn and Brandon Aubrey, playoff schedules could make the difference.

Tyler Loop vs Colts
- After a stellar rookie season in which he finished as a top-12 Fantasy option, Loop should be considered a Fantasy starter in 2026. Draft Loop with one of your last picks (preferably your last pick). Keep in mind, two of Loop's worst games in 2025 came with Lamar Jackson sidelined. With Jackson healthy, the Ravens will score a lot of points, and Loop will benefit.

Will Reichard vs Packers
- Reichard finished among the top Fantasy kickers in 2025 by converting just shy of 90% of his field-goal attempts while demonstrating excellent range from long distance. His consistency made him a valuable weekly starter in most formats. If the Vikings' offense takes another jump in 2026, Reichard should see more scoring opportunities, which will boost his stock. Reichard also benefits from kicking half his games inside a dome. He is worth targeting as a back-end kicker in your drafts.

Sit Cleveland Browns vs Jaguars Without Myles Garrett to anchor the unit, the Browns DST is no longer a must-draft option. Not all hope is lost, though, as the team still features cornerback Denzel Ward, newly-acquired pass rusher Jared Verse and talented sophomores Carson Schwesinger and Mason Graham. Starting the season at Jacksonville and Tampa Bay isn't great, but the next three games are against the Panthers, Steelers and Jets. Consider the Browns DST a low-end starting option and worth using when the matchups are right.

Player Expected Output Sacks Interceptions Fumble Recoveries 1 0 0

Sit San Francisco 49ers vs Rams It's not ideal that San Francisco will be without defensive coordinator Robert Saleh this season since he's now the head coach in Tennessee, but hopefully the defense will remain productive under new coordinator Raheem Morris. More importantly, the 49ers should get a boost with Nick Bosa (knee), Fred Warner (ankle) and Mykel Williams (knee) back from injuries in 2025, as well as the return of free agent linebacker Dre Greenlaw. The 49ers DST is not worth drafting in the majority of leagues, but the unit has plenty of playmakers on the roster. Keep an eye on what happens early in the season, and the 49ers DST could be a solid waiver-wire addition during the year.

Player Expected Output Sacks Interceptions Fumble Recoveries 1 0 0

Risks...

Carolina Panthers vs Bears
- Carolina had a below-average Fantasy defense in 2025, and we do not expect that to change in 2026. We rank them outside the top 20 defenses and do not suggest drafting them. They open the season with Chicago, which makes them even less desirable on draft day. If they are good in Week 2 against Atlanta, then we may suggest streaming them in Week 3 at Cleveland. The hope is that Jaelan Phillips stays healthy and helps the pass rush, while second-round pick Lee Hunter helps the run defense. We will have to see it to believe it.

New England Patriots vs Seahawks
- The Patriots DST certainly benefited from a favorable schedule last season. Can they stay strong against a tougher, first-place slate in 2026? You'll have to answer that before taking them on Draft Day. The NFC North, AFC West, Jaguars and Seahawks (in Seattle to start the year) are all on their calendar, as are two games against the Bills. That's 12 of their 17 games against pretty good offenses ... and the Raiders. Their other games, particularly four against the Jets and Dolphins, are very appealing. But this is a Patriots defense that made minimal additions to its pass rush and secondary this offseason, suggesting that regression for a team that had 35 sacks and 10 interceptions while allowing 18.1 points per game is entirely possible. It's particularly easy to pass on the Patriots DST with Seattle, Jacksonville and Buffalo on their schedule within the first four weeks of the season.

New Orleans Saints vs Lions
- As excited as we are about the Saints offense, we do not recommend this defense on draft day. That's partially because we don't think they'll be very good, but also because they face the Lions and Ravens the first two weeks of the season. They dedicated most of their team resources this past year to the offense, and Kaden Ellis may be their only new starter for a unit that was middle of the pack in 2025.

Washington Commanders vs Eagles
- Washington's defense will look plenty different in 2026 with at least seven new starters across the board, including rookie first-rounder Sonny Styles and ex-Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal. They're ready to take on NFC East running backs Saquon Barkley, Javonte Williams and Cam Skattebo. However, the unit doesn't have that one superstar edge rusher and has a bunch of solid veterans to get after the quarterback. If Dan Quinn can work his magic and the secondary can come up with more than the eight interceptions it had last year, then Washington might be a decent option. But because there are so many other good DSTs out there, this is one you shouldn't draft, especially since they play the Eagles in Week 1.

Start Jacksonville Jaguars vs Browns The Jacksonville defense was one of the biggest surprises in Fantasy last year with its top-three finish. We don't expect the Jaguars to repeat that, but we do expect them to finish as a top-10 defense in 2026, which makes them worth a pick in the final round. They also open the season with Cleveland, making them a great streaming option. You can expect some regression from the four touchdowns they produced last year, plus the team lost Devin Lloyd and Andrew Wingard to free agency and did not make any additions that we see making an immediate impact. Do not look at their numbers from last year and view this as a set-it-and-forget-it DST. There is a good chance we'll suggest sitting them in Week 2-5 against the Broncos, Patriots, Bengals, and Eagles.

Player Expected Output Sacks Interceptions Fumble Recoveries 3 2 2

Start Minnesota Vikings vs Packers Brian Flores calls one of the most aggressive defenses in the NFL, with constant pressure that led to 49 sacks and 24 turnovers during the 2025 season. The Vikings also allowed just 19.6 points per game (seventh-fewest), 158.5 passing yards per game (second-fewest), and 318.5 total yards per game (third-fewest) in 2025. Flores re-signed with the Vikings, and they have since added more talent to their defense via the draft. After finishing as a top-12 scoring DST in 2025, there is no reason to believe Minnesota will regress in 2026. Draft them with confidence and they should start 2026 well as the Packers adjust to a new running game without Josh Jacobs.

Player Expected Output Sacks Interceptions Fumble Recoveries 3 1 2

Rewards...

Baltimore Ravens vs Colts
- Target the Ravens DST with one of your last picks, as a favorable schedule and reinforcements up front could lead to a bounce-back season. The Ravens face the Colts, Saints, Titans, Falcons and Browns within the first six weeks of the season. Not all of those matchups will be easy, but it's a good enough schedule to justify drafting the Ravens DST. The Ravens added stud pass rusher Trey Hendrickson this offseason and hope to get star defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike back from a neck injury. There is enough talent on this roster to see how this unit could overachieve and be a reliable starting option.

Chicago Bears vs Panthers
- The Bears DST averaged under seven Fantasy points per game during the 2025 season despite generating plenty of splash plays with 20 sacks, 14 interceptions, and multiple defensive touchdowns because Chicago still allowed 24.4 points per game. The Bears have made improvements to their defensive roster this offseason, but they don't project as anything more than a matchup-based streaming defense in 2026.

 Sound Off!

 Click here to visit our message boards and post your Sit or Start questions!