NFC West 2026: Every Team's Ceiling, Floor & Breakout Player (Ep. 2053)

Donald is expected to come out of retirement and join the Rams, likely waiting until late in training camp to avoid the full camp grind, similar to a veteran move.

Jackson is in the news for negative reasons, creating potential depth concerns on the Rams' offensive line if he misses time or gets suspended.

Alec Pierce is dealing with an ankle injury and will be late in his recovery, potentially not ready until the end of training camp, with his Week 1 status up in the air.

Despite being signed to be the Colts' wide receiver one, Alec Pierce faces significant competition for targets from Josh Downs (who has one of the highest target rates per route run) and Tyler Warren (who led the team in targets last year as a rookie).

Alec Pierce's ADP continues to dip and he is currently being drafted around wide receiver 36, reflecting the market's lack of aggressive interest in him.

Baker Mayfield is in contract negotiations with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and is reportedly nowhere close to agreeing to a new deal, though the hosts believe this is posturing and both sides will eventually reach terms.

Baker Mayfield has a history of playing through injuries that has impacted his performance. He played poorly down the stretch last year with Tampa Bay because he was injured, and in Cleveland he battled shoulder injuries that contributed to his departure from the team.

Baker Mayfield had an MVP-level first half last season and was a 4,500 yard, 41 touchdown passer just a year removed, making him a valuable asset the Buccaneers should not let walk at age 31.

Purdy is described as a 'system quarterback' who excels in the 49ers' system; he was taken last in the NFL Draft but has proven he's better than that draft position, showing that landing in the right system matters.

Kirk is described as 'underwhelming' in the 49ers' receiving corps.

McCaffrey stayed healthy last year despite 400+ touches and is a key weapon for the 49ers' offense.

Daniel Jones is expected to be 100% ready to go in Week 1 for the Colts, though there is a question about how effective he will be as the quarterback.

Adams was banged up last year and is getting older, adding to concerns about the Rams' top-heavy offensive roster.

Kittle is coming off an Achilles injury, creating a health concern for the 49ers' offense.

Verse had more pressures than Myles Garrett last year (finishing second in the NFL in total pressure) but had a much lower sack rate, showing he didn't always convert pressures into sacks.

Watson was added to the Rams' secondary to address their weak pass defense from last year, improving the cornerback position.

Jonathan Taylor is the focal point of the Colts' run game, limiting target opportunities for other offensive players like Alec Pierce.

Josh Downs has one of the highest target rates per route run in the league and gets open at a really high rate when on the field, making him a primary target for the Colts offense.

Stafford's health is the most crucial factor for the Rams' success; if he stays healthy, the team will make the playoffs and have a good playoff run, but he's a 'statuesque quarterback with back issues' that could derail the offense.

Michael Pittman is another quality receiving option on the Colts alongside Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, and Tyler Warren, competing for targets in the offense.

Evans is 47 years old and has chronic hamstring issues, creating durability concerns for the 49ers' receiving corps.

Garrett joined the Rams and was visibly happy at training camp, described as having 'a smile a mile wide.' He's the reigning sack record breaker who will have a major impact on the Rams' defense.

Garrett is positioned as the key to the Rams' Super Bowl chances, with the ability to convert pressures into sacks at a higher rate than his predecessor Jared Verse, who had more pressures but fewer sacks last year.

Garrett is expected to win Defensive Player of the Year again, with odds around 3-to-1, making it one of the best bets on the board for the Rams.

Bosa is expected to return and will be a key part of the 49ers' defensive line, which should improve if he comes back healthy.

Patrick Mahomes signed a two-year extension making him $64 million per year, the new high watermark for the league, which the hosts view as bad timing given the Chiefs' cap space concerns.

Nakua has been banged up in recent years and is a health concern for the Rams' offense, contributing to the top-heavy nature of their roster.

Pearsall has yet to really flash his full potential and has had a host of different injuries, creating concerns about his development.

Darnold would not have had the same success in the 49ers' system as Brock Purdy, suggesting the system is crucial to the quarterback's performance.

McDuffie is an All-Pro cornerback and lockdown shutdown-type player who was added to strengthen the Rams' secondary.

Williams is the anchor of the 49ers' offensive line, though the rest of the line is questionable.

Tyler Warren led the Colts in targets as a rookie tight end last year and tight ends typically improve from year one to year two, suggesting increased target volume for Warren.

Tyler Warren is expected to lead the Colts in targets this season, and the hosts believe he is undervalued in fantasy drafts relative to his upside.