2026 NFL Preseason and Fantasy Review: Going Deep with Brandon Angelo and Matt Waldman

Brandon Lloyd is cited as a historical benchmark for players who struggled with persistent, recurring lower-body injury issues, specifically described as having a 'wobbly wheel'.

Brian Robinson Jr. appears locked into the RB1 role for the Commanders for the upcoming season.

Caleb Douglas is in a difficult rebuilding situation with the Miami Dolphins, but he has earned a starting role on the outside ahead of veterans like Tutu Atwell and Jaylen Tolbert. While he has a major opportunity to secure a long-term role, his fantasy impact may be limited by an offense that prioritizes a 'two reads and run' approach for Malik Willis, potentially leaving Douglas as a field-stretcher rather than a high-volume target.

Christian Kirk's status is uncertain due to a hamstring injury suffered in camp, with questions remaining about whether he has even returned to practice.

Christian Watson sought specialized injury and performance training in the Midwest to address his health concerns, though the long-term effectiveness of these interventions remains to be proven under game-speed contact.

Cyrus Allen is in a middle-tier offensive environment in Kansas City, but the addition of receivers coach Chad O'Shea is expected to significantly improve the development and usage of the personnel group. Brandon Angelo observes that Allen has shown significant improvement at the catch point compared to his time at Cincinnati, displaying better separation and route creativity in camp.

David Montgomery is projected to have a massive year in the Lions' offense, which is expected to focus on ball control and feature an improved offensive line.

Eric All is a recommended dynasty stash and waiver wire target due to his talent and the high-scoring Bengals offensive system. While he is at best the third or fourth option in the passing game, he is considered as talented as Brenton Strange and offers lottery-ticket upside for deep rosters.

George Kittle is dealing with the lingering effects of an Achilles injury and is expected to be less than 100% early in the season, creating uncertainty about his Week 1 availability and overall effectiveness. He is in the twilight of his career, and his injury status necessitates the team relying on other players to fill the gap in the run game and provide post-catch production.

Greg Dulcich is identified as a key beneficiary in the passing game, specifically working up the seam and serving as a primary target alongside Malik Washington.

Jaylen Tolbert has been surpassed on the depth chart by rookie Caleb Douglas, indicating a diminished role in the current offensive rotation.

Jauan Jennings has departed the 49ers for Minnesota. His absence is significant because he previously led the team's receiving room with 643 yards and provided essential blocking for the run game. Matt Waldman highlights that Jennings' career year serves as evidence that injuries in the San Francisco offense can create significant fantasy production for depth receivers.

Jordan Tyson is a high-risk asset due to recurring, multi-year hamstring issues and erratic movement mechanics that lack a uniform process, causing excessive physical stress. Brandon Angelo notes that his injury was likely unavoidable given his surgical history, but the team's 'unmitigated volume' in practice and failure to track neurologic fatigue exacerbate his condition. A 'redshirt' year is recommended to investigate root causes like asymmetrical force production and muscle imbalances rather than rushing him back.

Matt Waldman advises fantasy managers to keep moving Juwan Johnson up their draft boards. He is considered an underrated tight end who is expected to serve as the number two option in the passing game, maintaining a similar role to his previous season.

Malik Washington is expected to be a primary target earner in the offense, primarily operating out of the slot and moving around to the Z position, making him a high-volume option in the passing game.

MarShawn Lloyd has sought specialized treatment at the Edwards Institute to address his injury history, but his durability remains a significant test for the upcoming season. Beyond health, he must demonstrate improvement in his on-field decision-making, specifically by stopping the tendency to bounce runs outside and reducing his fumbling issues.

Mike Evans is flagged as a reliability concern due to his injury history, having been hurt twice during training camp after missing significant time last season. He is described as being in the twilight of his career, with concerns that he no longer performs at the elite post-catch level required for the offense to function effectively.

Brandon Angelo expresses concern regarding Rashee Rice's recovery from a second knee surgery in two years, noting that he does not look like himself in one-on-one drills and lacks his usual abruptness and stop-start ability.

There is significant skepticism regarding Tank Dell's outlook due to injury concerns. While his return to the field is remarkable, he is not expected to play often or command a 20% target share this season.

Tutu Atwell has been surpassed on the depth chart by rookie Caleb Douglas, signaling a reduced role for the veteran receiver.

Will Fuller is cited as the benchmark for extreme, high-level reinjury risk, representing a pattern of recurring health issues that threaten long-term availability.

Brandon Angelo highlights Xavier Worthy as the team's best downfield threat who is expected to command targets. He is recommended as a player to target in redraft leagues in the 9th or 10th round.