Josh Jacobs Lands on Commissioner Exempt List: 2026 Fantasy Football Strategy + Preseason Takeaways

Brett Whitefield expects Caleb Douglas to enter the wide receiver rotation quickly; however, he cautions that Douglas is returning from a devastating injury and missed all of training camp, which is typically a negative indicator for rookie development.

Brett Whitefield argues that Charlie Kolar has secured the starting tight end role for the Chargers, noting he played every snap with the starters in the preseason and is an every-down player, effectively replacing Donald Parham, who played almost zero snaps with the starters.

Brett Whitefield highlights that Chigoziem Okonkwo has played every snap with Jayden Daniels throughout the preseason and has been heavily involved in the passing game. Despite the target competition introduced by Stefon Diggs, Okonkwo is a player to monitor as a potential secondary pass-catching option.

Brett Whitefield identifies Chris Bell as a favorite prospect with 'first-round tape' and compares him to a 'mini A.J. Brown.' Despite a late-season ACL tear, he has shown a fast recovery and is expected to compete for playing time.

Christian Watson is projected for a career-best route share with teammates sidelined. Over the last two years, he ranks tied for third in yards per route run despite a low 58th-ranked target share. The removal of Josh Jacobs from the Packers' offense is expected to increase passing volume, providing a significant boost to Watson, who has been bumped to WR23 in projections following an increase in the team's projected pass rate from 55% to 58%.

Colston Loveland is recommended as a target in fantasy drafts as part of the broader strategy to invest in the Bears' offensive weapons under Ben Johnson.

Brett Whitefield projects Jahmyr Gibbs for a 65% touch share in the Lions' backfield, with David Montgomery expected to handle the remainder of the touches.

Brett Whitefield asserts that Charlie Kolar has effectively taken the job from Donald Parham, noting that Parham played almost zero snaps with the starters during the preseason.

Brett Whitefield expresses bullish sentiment on Dontayvion Wicks at his current cost, noting he has been high on the player since the draft.

Brett Whitefield expresses skepticism regarding Isaiah Likely's fantasy outlook, noting he is not a believer in his potential and expects him to maintain the same role he has held under the same head coach for the past four years. Sources indicate the coaching staff is 'cool' on him, and his 63% snap share in the preseason is considered concerning for his fantasy outlook.

Isiah Pacheco has not practiced since the second day of training camp due to a knee injury that was compounded by a back injury, and he is expected to be sidelined for a while.

Jacob Saylors is identified as the Lions' RB2 and a high-upside late-round pick. He has been responsible for two of the three best seasons by fantasy points per game for a running back in UFFL history and is averaging 6.0 yards per carry this preseason. While his primary value is as a handcuff to Jahmyr Gibbs, he could potentially see standalone value in a committee or become a league-winner if thrust into a bellcow role on a top-five offense.

Brett Whitefield identifies James Conner as a potential trade candidate once he returns to health.

Jayden Reed is highlighted as one of the top 12 most efficient wide receivers by fantasy points per route run and is part of the core group seeing increased opportunity. He is currently projected as the WR39 following the Packers' team-wide pass rate increase.

Jordan Love ranks tied for fifth in fantasy points per dropback (0.50) over the last three seasons, trailing only Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Brock Purdy, and Drake Maye. His production has been suppressed by Green Bay's low dropback volume (31st in the league), which is expected to increase following the removal of Josh Jacobs. While Whitefield considers Love a plus-EV stack option at cost for best-ball drafters, he personally remains 'meh' on the player and is not drafting him.

Josh Jacobs has been placed on the commissioner's exempt list, casting doubt on his career outlook. Brett Whitefield notes Jacobs has been a negative factor for the Green Bay offense; his removal could lead to league-average drop-back volume and efficiency. Whitefield advises against drafting Jacobs in standard home leagues due to injury concerns, though he remains a high-reward gamble in large-field tournament formats like Best Ball Mania. Following his departure, the Raiders' backfield is expected to operate as a committee.

Ladd McConkey is highlighted for his high-level production in the second half of his rookie season, averaging 106.8 yards per game over the final eight games, though concerns remain regarding his injury history dating back to college.

Brett Whitefield identifies Malachi Corley as the team's number two receiver, noting that coaches are impressed with him in camp and quarterback Jackson Dart views him as a primary target. Corley received 'starter treatment' in the preseason, including being held out of week three to avoid injury, which suggests he is viewed as a valuable asset for the upcoming season.

Malik Nabers is currently not at 100% health, which creates a window of opportunity for other pass-catchers on the team to see increased usage.

Brett Whitefield moved MarShawn Lloyd to RB26, labeling him an 'Exodia' value if drafted near his current ADP despite injury concerns. Lloyd is described as a phenomenal pass-down player with the potential to secure 50-plus catches if he takes over a 70% backfield share. His ability to dominate linebackers in one-on-one drills at the Senior Bowl was so significant that they had to bring in defensive backs to cover him.

Brett Whitefield characterizes Michael Penix Jr. as injury-prone, noting that his health status makes backup options relevant.

Mike Evans demonstrates an ability to perform at a high level despite injury designations, averaging 23.3 fantasy points per game with a knee injury, 16.7 with a collarbone, and 15.8 with a hamstring.

Brett Whitefield highlights Puka Nacua as a major success story for their prospect model, noting that he compared him to Justin Jefferson pre-draft and that he has become the most valuable wide receiver in fantasy football.

Brett Whitefield expresses confidence in Quinton Johnston's developmental trajectory, citing his preseason performance and connection with Justin Herbert as evidence of his growth from his rookie season. Whitefield previously argued for Johnston at cost, noting that he played through injury for much of last season, which makes his upside argument more compelling despite his struggles.

Brett Whitefield recommends drafting Ray Davis in the final rounds as a high-upside handcuff, noting that many players in this range share similar profiles.

Sione Vaki has not played in the NFL and has primarily functioned as a special teams player rather than a traditional running back.

Brett Whitefield considers Tank Bigsby one of his favorite late-round handcuff options for fantasy drafts, placing him in a tier of high-upside backup running backs.

Brett Whitefield characterizes Tua Tagovailoa as injury-prone, suggesting his health status makes backup quarterback options relevant.

Brett Whitefield compares Tucker Kraft to George Kittle, noting Kraft ranked in the top two in every tight end metric before his injury last season. Kraft is expected to benefit from the Packers' shift toward a more pass-heavy offense and has moved up to TE12 in projections following the team-wide pass rate increase.

Savion Thomas is expected to fill the vertical 'J Mo' role in the Bears' offense, which may benefit Luther Burden by allowing him to move into the slot and secure more high-percentage targets.