Training Camp News You Need to Know! - 2026 Fantasy Football Advice

JJ Zachariason states he would still draft A.J. Brown over Malik Nabers despite acknowledging Nabers' high upside.

Adonai Mitchell left practice early but was quickly cleared, leading JJ Zachariason to treat him as a normal draft target for the weekend.

JJ Zachariason believes Alec Pierce's fantasy role will remain stagnant to start the season, similar to last year, because missing training camp prevented the team from successfully implementing the expanded role they had planned for him.

JJ Zachariason advocates for drafting Alvin Kamara in the mid-13th to 18th round if your league has an IR spot, noting that his ADP has reached a point where the upside is worth the risk even if he misses time early in the season; he is expected to return within the first month and maintain a role in the passing game.

JJ Zachariason explicitly advises against drafting Amon-Ra St. Brown at his current market price, preferring other options like Puka Nacua in the early rounds.

JJ Zachariason suggests monitoring Cedric Tillman's early-season route participation; if his usage ramps up quickly from 60% to 80% of dropbacks, he becomes an exciting breakout candidate for free agency.

JJ Zachariason is aggressively moving Chris Bell up his rankings as a strong late-round target, noting that his rapid recovery and potential to lead the Dolphins in receiving make him a viable flex option despite the team's passing attack concerns.

JJ Zachariason expresses a preference for drafting Chris Olave in the third round, though he acknowledges that Malik Nabers offers higher objective upside.

JJ Zachariason considers Christian McCaffrey a top-tier draft pick, noting that from a strategy perspective, it makes sense to prioritize him as a running back early in drafts.

JJ Zachariason advises against drafting Chuba Hubbard unless he falls significantly in drafts, as he expects the Panthers to favor Jonathan Brooks' superior talent and receiving ability as the season progresses. Hubbard is expected to start the season in a backfield split, but his role is likely to diminish.

JJ Zachariason reports that D'Andre Swift's recent injury scare appears to be cramping. While the uncertainty of the timing is not ideal for weekend drafts, he plans to stick to his rankings for Swift unless he is choosing between two players with nearly identical projections, in which case he might lean toward Travis Etienne.

Dalton Kincaid becomes a stronger fantasy pick if Khalil Shakir misses time, as Kincaid operates in the same area of the field and would likely see an increase in slot route participation. JJ Zachariason cautions that Buffalo faces a difficult schedule in the opening four to five weeks.

Dalvin Cook is mentioned by JJ Zachariason as a player drafted in the same range as Alvin Kamara, serving as a benchmark for late-round running back value.

JJ Zachariason expresses a preference for drafting DeVonta Smith in the third round, though he acknowledges that Malik Nabers offers higher objective upside.

JJ Zachariason warns against drafting Dylan Sampson as a handcuff, as the team views him strictly as a passing-down back who would not see a significant role increase or transition into a feature back workload if an injury occurred in the backfield.

JJ Zachariason views Emari Demercado as a high-end talent who could be drafted in final rounds as a handcuff to Kenneth Walker III, though he notes it is not strictly necessary to roster him.

JJ Zachariason notes that Eric Ebron is a full go for Week 1 and will help the Bengals' offense as a blocker, but explicitly states he is not a player to be drafted in fantasy football.

JJ Zachariason reports that George Holani is expected to start the season as the Seahawks' third-down and goal-line running back, indicating the team trusts him over other options.

JJ Zachariason expects George Kittle to play in Week 1 but warns he will likely be on a snap share, making him a risky start compared to alternatives like Isaiah Likely.

JJ Zachariason advises against drafting Isiah Pacheco due to the uncertainty surrounding his injury timeline and the possibility that he may not even return as the backup upon recovery.

JJ Zachariason expects JK Dobbins to open the season as the lead running back for the Denver Broncos, noting his fit within the scheme.

JJ Zachariason views Ja'Marr Chase as a top-tier draft asset, stating he would take Chase first overall and would prefer him over Puka Nacua regardless of Nacua's off-field situation.

JJ Zachariason highlights the frustration of drafting Jahmyr Gibbs at the 1.01, noting that there is currently no viable handcuff available on the roster to protect that high draft capital investment.

Jakobi Meyers is currently undervalued in drafts according to JJ Zachariason; he is back at practice and expected to play in Week 1, making him a solid depth piece for three-wide receiver or two-flex leagues.

JJ Zachariason explicitly advises against drafting James Cook at his current market price, preferring other options like Puka Nacua in the early rounds.

JJ Zachariason suggests pairing Javonte Williams with Malik Davis in drafts to lock in high-end RB2 production, noting that Davis provides a reliable floor if Williams is drafted.

JJ Zachariason views Jayden Daniels as a strong value in the seventh round. Despite concerns regarding the Commanders' offensive line, Daniels has a massive ceiling, evidenced by his 22.6 adjusted points per game as a rookie—only 0.2 behind Josh Allen—and a range of outcomes that includes finishing as the overall QB1.

JJ Zachariason views Jaylen Warren as a solid fantasy pick, projecting him as the Steelers' primary pass-catcher and change-of-pace back with potential for 75 receptions.

The Raiders are optimistic Jerry Jeudy will play in Week 1, but JJ Zachariason expects his snaps to be limited, potentially with Mike Washington taking a 40% share, which could cap Jeudy's fantasy ceiling.

JJ Zachariason explicitly advises against drafting Jonathan Taylor at his current market price, preferring other options like Puka Nacua in the early rounds.

Despite missing practice with soreness, the Panthers are optimistic Jonathan Brooks will be ready for Week 1. JJ Zachariason views him as a great pick in the seventh round, noting he is the superior talent who will be utilized more in the receiving game than Chuba Hubbard and will likely earn more touches as the season progresses.

JJ Zachariason views Josh Downs as an exciting pick who could shatter his ADP if he stays healthy, noting that he is set up for increased snaps and usage in the Colts' offense.

JJ Zachariason advises against drafting Josh Jacobs, citing significant uncertainty regarding his availability to play at all during the upcoming season, speculating that he may not play at all.

JJ Zachariason identifies Justin Herbert as a viable target for a round seven or eight quarterback, placing him in the same tier of preference as Jayden Daniels and Trevor Lawrence for that draft range.

JJ Zachariason expects Kayshon Boutte to serve as the Houston Texans' WR2 for most of the season. While he may have a slow start due to joining the team late, he is a viable deep-league target with potential for spike weeks when Nico Collins draws primary defensive coverage.

Keaton Mitchell has not been placed on IR to return, suggesting the team expects him to play within the first month of the season; JJ Zachariason recommends drafting him as normal for his upside.

JJ Zachariason notes that once Keenan Allen returns to the lineup, he is expected to command a significant passing-down role in the Jaguars' offense.

Kenneth Walker III has been practicing and is considered healthy after dealing with an odd ankle swelling issue caused by his cleat; JJ Zachariason advises drafters to proceed as normal.

Khalil Shakir is considered 50/50 to play in Week 1. His availability is not viewed as a major fantasy factor for his own draft stock, but his absence would benefit Dalton Kincaid by potentially increasing Kincaid's slot usage.

JJ Zachariason identifies Malik Davis as a high-value handcuff for the Cowboys whose ADP has not yet caught up to his potential, making him a strong late-round target to pair with Javonte Williams to lock in high-end RB2 production.

JJ Zachariason notes that Malik Nabers may have a slow start to the season due to a knee injury and a planned ramp-up period, advising drafters not to expect high production in the first month; however, he highlights a significant second-half ceiling as a potential round-one talent.

JJ Zachariason notes that MarShawn Lloyd's ADP has skyrocketed to the 7th or 8th round, removing the value discount he previously offered. While talented, Lloyd carries significant injury risk, though Zachariason considers the current price acceptable for those who want to draft him.

Marvin Harrison Jr. is viewed as a less optimal draft pick than Michael Wilson because his mid-to-late sixth-round ADP carries a high opportunity cost compared to Wilson's eighth-round price. While Harrison is expected to play more snaps and feature in one-receiver sets, the cost difference makes Wilson the preferred target.

Nick prefers drafting Michael Wilson in the early eighth round over Marvin Harrison Jr. in the mid-to-late sixth round due to opportunity cost. While Harrison may lead in snaps and one-receiver sets, Wilson is projected to have higher efficiency and a higher targets-per-route-run rate due to his role in layup routes.

Mike Washington could see a 40% snap share in the Raiders' offense to help manage Jerry Jeudy's workload in Week 1.

Najee Harris is mentioned by JJ Zachariason as a player drafted in the same range as Alvin Kamara, serving as a benchmark for late-round running back value.

JJ Zachariason maintains a preference for drafting Nico Collins over Malik Nabers, despite acknowledging Nabers' high objective upside.

JJ Zachariason remains confident in Puka Nacua as a top-tier draft pick, ranking him fourth or fifth overall despite ongoing NFL review of his case; he is not worried about Nacua's recent minor injury. While the case is under review, Zachariason notes it is not as severe as past situations like Josh Jacobs, and he expects no suspension this season.

JJ Zachariason advises against handcuffing Quinshon Judkins, noting that the Browns' offensive line is poor and that neither Raheem Sanders nor Dylan Sampson would become a high-value feature back in the event of a Judkins injury. Both running backs in the rotation would likely struggle if an injury occurred.

Raheem Mostert is mentioned by JJ Zachariason as a player drafted in the same range as Alvin Kamara, serving as a benchmark for late-round running back value.

The league is currently investigating a potential suspension for Rashod Bateman. Regardless of the outcome, he is not considered a viable fantasy draft target, as the Baltimore passing offense under Lamar Jackson is unlikely to support a fantasy-relevant wide receiver two.

JJ Zachariason maintains that Rhamondre Stevenson is a great draft pick, noting that while his ADP is rising, he remains a target worth drafting.

JJ Zachariason ranks Saquon Barkley first among a group including Kenneth Walker, Chase Brown, and Derrick Henry, citing his expected strong role in a significantly improved Eagles offense.

JJ Zachariason warns that fantasy managers are overestimating Tank Bigsby's playing time; reports indicate a passing-down rotation where Chris Rodriguez Jr. serves as the primary pass blocker and Ameer Abdullah acts as the primary pass catcher, limiting Bigsby's upside. Additionally, Zachariason clarifies that Bigsby is strictly a handcuff to Saquon Barkley with no standalone fantasy value, noting that previous reports of him eating into Barkley's workload were likely misinterpreted due to the team limiting Barkley's practice reps.

JJ Zachariason believes Terry McLaurin is being drafted too high. His ADP has trended down due to poor offensive line reports, and Zachariason questions his selection ahead of players like Davante Adams and Mike Evans.

JJ Zachariason suggests that if a drafter is choosing between D'Andre Swift and Travis Etienne, the recent injury uncertainty surrounding Swift might make Etienne the preferred choice if their projections are within 0.3 or 0.4 points of each other.

JJ Zachariason lists Trevor Lawrence as an acceptable target for managers looking to draft a quarterback in the seventh or eighth round, alongside Justin Herbert and Jayden Daniels.

JJ Zachariason speculates that the Lions could potentially trade for a player like Tyjae Spears to address their backfield depth concerns.