NFL Fantasy - The Athletic

Michael Salfino includes Rashee Rice on his all-fade team, identifying him as a top player to avoid in fantasy football drafts at his current ADP value.

Michael Salfino includes Lamar Jackson on his all-fade team, identifying him as a top player to avoid in fantasy football drafts at his current ADP value.

The Jaguars remain confident Travis Hunter will have a 'huge impact' on both sides of the ball despite generating less buzz than last year; the organization is committed to developing him as a dual-threat player similar to Shohei Ohtani's two-way role.

Brad Evans projects Jonah Coleman as a potential top-24 RB finisher, positioning him as a breakout candidate in the 2026 fantasy season.

Travis Etienne, a newcomer to the Saints, is expected to assume the lead rushing role with Alvin Kamara sidelined by a sprained MCL for at least a month, providing a significant boost to his fantasy value.

Alvin Kamara is out at least a month with a sprained MCL, moving him into a backup role behind newcomer Travis Etienne.

Black turned heads in his return from injury, suggesting he made a strong impression in the preseason game and may be emerging as a contributor for the 49ers.

McCaffrey should be back at practice after Thursday's preseason game, indicating his absence was precautionary and not a significant injury concern.

Breece Hall, a top-20 running back, has suffered a recent injury that impacts his fantasy outlook and draft positioning.

Jeremiah Love, a top-20 running back prospect, has suffered a recent injury that warrants fantasy consideration and analysis.

Andy Behrens identifies Malik Willis as a steal at his current ADP, suggesting his draft cost is significantly undervalued relative to his fantasy potential.

Kittle is eight months post-Achilles tear and hoping to be ready for the season opener against the Rams in Australia; the source indicates he is close to practicing and has a 'chance' to play in the opener.

Romeo Doubs is identified as a top post-120 ADP target, indicating the source views him as undervalued relative to his fantasy potential at his current draft position.

Malik Willis is identified as a top post-120 ADP target, indicating the source views him as undervalued relative to his fantasy potential at his current draft position.

The source identifies Wan'Dale Robinson as having upside at his current ADP; Joseph Bryan likes him as a value pick in the context of seeking players with upside relative to their draft cost.

The source identifies Kenneth Walker as having upside at his current ADP; Joseph Bryan likes him as a value pick in the context of seeking players with upside relative to their draft cost.

Brad Evans identifies Omarion Hampton as a player he will do 'whatever it takes' to roster for fantasy football 2026, signaling strong conviction in his draft value and upside.

Brad Evans identifies Jayden Daniels as a player he will do 'whatever it takes' to roster for fantasy football 2026, signaling strong conviction in his draft value and upside.

Jaguars coach Liam Coen had a heart-to-heart conversation with Thomas amid trade availability rhetoric, signaling the team's commitment to keeping him and forecasting a big year ahead; the source reports the Jaguars rebuffed trade offers for the WR, reinforcing his central role in the offense.

Tracy Jr. is being evaluated as a potential workhorse back for the Giants in 2026, with the team relying on him alongside Skattebo to address their offensive weakness in generating explosive runs.

Skattebo is positioned as a potential lead back for the Giants in 2026, with the team looking to him to help increase explosive run production after the offense struggled to generate big runs last season.

Waller recorded six receiving touchdowns for the Dolphins in 2025, his first season back from a one-year retirement, demonstrating immediate offensive production and touchdown-scoring ability upon his return to play.

The source identifies Jordyn Tyson, a New Orleans first-round wideout, as one of eight rookies to target based on attractive ADP; his first-round draft capital and team context position him as a value target in rookie-focused fantasy strategies.

Luther Burden is dealing with an injury that Andy Behrens discusses in the context of Rams' offensive expectations, creating a potential concern for his fantasy availability or role.

The source generates hype around Ja'Kobi Lane, suggesting potential for emergence or breakout performance in the upcoming season.

The source identifies Kyren Williams as a fantasy football steal, indicating his draft price or ADP is undervalued relative to his expected production in the Rams offense.

The source identifies Matthew Stafford as a fantasy football steal, suggesting his ADP or market valuation is lower than his expected performance warrants given Rams' offensive expectations.

Luther Burden is expected to miss the preseason with a groin injury; his absence will deprive him of valuable reps, though the Bears believe he should be on track to return in time for their Sept. 13 opener.

The source identifies Rashee Rice as a player to avoid in 2026 fantasy football drafts, flagging him as a bust risk.

The source identifies Christian McCaffrey as a player to avoid in 2026 fantasy football drafts, flagging him as a bust risk.

Bateman had just 19 catches for 224 yards and two scores in 2025, but remains a vital part of Baltimore's receiving corps under new coaching staff, positioning him for a bounce-back season.

Parker Washington is identified as an 'Arbitrage All-Star'—a low-cost player who could perform similarly to players drafted well ahead of him in fantasy football 2026, suggesting he offers significant value relative to his draft position.

D'Andre Swift is identified as an 'Arbitrage All-Star'—a low-cost player who could perform similarly to players drafted well ahead of him in fantasy football 2026, suggesting he offers significant value relative to his draft position.

Diggs, 32, had a very good 2025 season for the AFC champion Patriots, recording 85 catches for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns; now signing with the Commanders, positioning him for potential role expansion in a new offense.

Christian Kirk missed practice this week due to injury, limiting his availability and creating a gap in the 49ers receiving corps during training camp.

Ricky Pearsall missed practice this week due to injury, creating uncertainty around his availability and role in the 49ers offense during training camp.

Deebo Samuel is returning to the 49ers at a time when receivers Ricky Pearsall and Christian Kirk are both sidelined with injuries, positioning Samuel for increased offensive role and target opportunity in the absence of competing pass catchers.

Tyler Shough is positioned as a key catalyst for Chris Olave's 2026 fantasy value, with Michael Salfino expressing confidence in the quarterback's ability to support Olave's production.

Drafting Chris Olave at his 2026 ADP is a bet on quarterback Tyler Shough; Michael Salfino is all in on this pairing, indicating confidence in Olave's 2026 value given the quarterback upgrade.

Gibbs is not practicing amid contract negotiations seeking a long-term deal; the Lions' No. 12 overall pick from the 2023 draft is holding out during training camp.