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Lineup Prep: Week 10

Wed Nov 6 9:06am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer

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Sutton can continue his hot play


It is hard to believe that we are in Week 10 of the fantasy football season. This season is just flying by. Hopefully, things are going well for all your teams. There is still hope left if you are struggling but time is running out. You need to make your move now. Maybe getting back some players back healthy will be just the thing to get your team going. There are some guys coming back this week, including Christian McCaffrey. He could certainly give fantasy teams a shot in the arm.

Now for my random thoughts for the week. . . .

Well, that was certainly an interesting trade deadline. We had plenty of movement with much of it on the defensive side of the ball. There were a few offensive moves, but nothing that is going to move the fantasy needle much. Receiver Jonathan Mingo gets a fresh start with the Cowboys but likely will be hit or miss in a reserve role. I don’t see him making a huge impact with his new team, especially right away.

The one offensive trade I think is a little intriguing is receiver Mike Williams going to the Steelers. He could be a starter before long, giving the Steelers a much needed upgrade at receiver opposite George Pickens. Williams is likely his usual boom-or-bust self but a move to the Steelers gives him a much better chance to boom. He might be worth a speculative grab for fantasy owners.

The other offensive move was running back Khalil Herbert getting shipped to the Bengals. This is a good move for Herbert but I don’t see him getting a ton of weekly touches with his new team. He should be the top backup to Chase Brown now that Zack Moss is done for the season. Herbert might have a good game or two on occasion but he has little fantasy value as long as Brown is healthy.

Tampa is one team that really impresses me right now. They are decimated by injuries at receiver but still producing points and that defense sure keeps them in games. The Bucs are a scary team. You have to wonder what they would be like if Chris Godwin and Mike Evans were healthy and playing. Either way, Tampa could be a tough team in the playoffs even without those guys. This team plays hard and the offense finds new ways to get it done on a weekly basis.

I have no idea how Drake Maye is doing it right now. He has 20-plus fantasy points three of four games. He is doing it with very little to work with at receiver. He just finds a way to make plays. I’m very excited about his future. The Patriots just need to add a few top weapons at receiver this offseason and Maye is looking really, really good going forward. He is an exciting, young player.

The Cowboys are a train wreck right now. They are without their top two offensive players. And it could be that way for several games. Dallas has all sorts of money tied up with those two players as well. Their future is not looking too good right now. I would be worried about the direction of this organization if I were a Cowboys fan.

There are waiver wire pickups that become league winners every season. For this year, it just might be receiver Cedric Tillman. He is second overall in fantasy receiver scoring his last three games. His game has reached new levels, getting a chance to start and serve as the top receiver for the Browns with Amari Cooper now out of the picture. And I’m not sure this is a fluke. He is a talent player that has formed a top rapport with new starting quarterback Jameis Winston.

There was some thought that Travis Kelce was about done after his poor start to the season. Well, that is a distant memory right now. Kelce looks like his old self the last several weeks. He has double-digit receptions two straight games and been targeted double-digit times three of four. Kelce has at least Sven receptions four of five games. Kelce remains an elite fantasy tight end. He keeps getting it done.

News and Notes:  The Panthers traded wide receiver Jonathan Mingo and a seventh-round pick to the Cowboys in exchange for a fourth-round pick on Tuesday. . . . .Former head coach Norv Turner was hired by the Raiders on Tuesday to serve as offensive assistant. . . . .Browns defensive end Za'Darius Smith was acquired by the Lions along with a 2026 seventh-round pick in exchange for 2025 fifth- and 2026 sixth-round picks on Tuesday. . . . .The Bengals have acquired running back Khalil Herbert from the Bears in exchange for a seventh-round pick on Tuesday. . . . .Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore was traded along with a 2025 fifth-round draft choice to Commanders in exchange for a 2025 third-round draft choice, 2025 fourth-round draft choice and the 2025 sixth-round draft choice on Tuesday. . . . .Jets receiver Mike Williams was traded to the Steelers in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round draft choice on Tuesday. . . . .Packers linebacker Preston Smith was traded to the Steelers in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round draft choice on Tuesday. . . . .The Vikings signed kicker John Parker Romo on Tuesday. He will take over the kicking duties for Minnesota after Will Reichard was placed on Injured Reserve. . . . .Rams cornerback Tre'Davious White was traded along with a 2027 seventh-round draft choice to the Ravens in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round draft on Tuesday.

HOT PLAYS

Sam Darnold, QB, Vikings. Darnold is ninth overall in fantasy quarterback scoring, seeing a big-time revival as the starter for the Vikings. He has excelled in that role. He has two straight games with 20-plus fantasy points and hit that mark five of eight games, showing great consistency. Sure, he had some turnover issues last week but that didn’t hurt his fantasy numbers much, scoring 24.9 fantasy points. He can keep it going in Week 10 against the Jaguars, a team that allows the second most fantasy points to quarterbacks and ranks 31st against the pass.

Kyren Williams, RB, Rams. Williams had his worst fantasy game of the season last week and still scored 10.5 fantasy points. It was his first game all season without a touchdown. This shows Williams has a great fantasy floor right now, maybe as good as any player in the game. He can rebound in a big way this week against the Dolphins. Miami is great against the pass but really struggles against the run. The Dolphins allow the eighth most fantasy points to running backs. Miami has allowed 140-plus rushing yards three of five games.

Brian Thomas, WR, Jaguars. Thomas was able to play last week with his chest injury but disappointed, catching two passes for 22 yards on four targets. It was his second worst fantasy game of the season. The good news is he played 91 percent of the snaps, which was his highest total of the season. He was not limited in the game. We look for him to get it going again this week in a prime matchup against the Vikings. Minnesota allows the most fantasy points to receivers and ranks 28th overall against the pass. Don’t bench Thomas because of his poor showing last week. He will be fine.

Cade Otton, TE, Bucs. Otton is a matchup-proof player right now. He is absolutely racking up the targets with the Bucs missing their top two receivers. Otton has double-digit targets three straight games and at least eight catches all of those games. He has topped 21 fantasy points two straight. He is the clear top option in this passing game right now. Otton also is first overall in fantasy tight end scoring his last three games. Keep him in your lineup this week against the 49ers. It should be more of the same for Otton.

Courtland Sutton, WR, Broncos. Sutton is another player racking up the looks, having double-digit targets two straight. He has quickly formed a nice rapport with rookie quarterback Bo Nix. He has two straight 100-yard games and topped 15 fantasy points four of six games. Sutton is setup for another 100-yard showing in a game the Broncos will need to score some points to win. They have a tough one against the Chiefs, so look for Nix to target his top receiver often.

COLD PLAYS

Kyler Murray, QB, Cardinals. Murray has been more up and down than fantasy owners hoped for this year. He had two straight games with 22-plus fantasy points before putting up just 7.3 fantasy points last week against the Bears. This was his worst fantasy game of the season but fifth with fewer than 20 fantasy points. He has been up and down. We look for another down game this week against the Jets. New York has been stout against the pass, allowing the fourth fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks.

Chase Brown, RB, Bengals. With Zack Moss out, Brown has dominated the work at running back and produced well. He scored a season-best 26.7 fantasy points last week and had his first 100-yard rushing game. He has touchdowns five of six games. We are a little concerned about his matchup this week against the Ravens. He did score a touchdown against the Ravens in Week 5 but had just 54 total yards on 15 touches. It was a poor showing outside of the score. So if he doesn’t find the end one this week, Brown could disappoint fantasy owners. The Ravens allow the eighth fewest fantasy points to running backs and are first overall against the run, allowing just 75.7-rushing yards per game.

Quentin Johnston, WR, Chargers. Johnston returned to the lineup last week and had his first 100-yard game of the season. He scored 22 fantasy points, finishing with four receptions for 118 yards and a touchdown. He remains a boom-or-bust play, though. He has three games with fewer than seven fantasy points. He just doesn’t get a ton of weekly targets, having six as a season high. This makes him that boom or bust play. We think he will be a bust this week against a very good Titans pass defense. Tennessee is first overall against the pass, allowing just 155.8-passing yards per game. Go with safer options.

David Montgomery, RB, Lions. Montgomery is having another very good season, splitting work with Jahmyr Gibbs. He has gotten less work than Gibbs on occasion, though. He has fewer than double-digit carries two of three games and failed to hit 35-rushing yards two of those games. His touchdown potential makes him a tough player to sit but don’t be surprised if he struggles to gain many yards again this week against the Texans. Houston allows the third fewest fantasy points to running backs and is 12th overall against the rush.

Michael Pittman, WR, Colts. Pittman belongs on all fantasy benches right now. He could even be dropped in some shallow leagues. He has been a disaster much of the season. Pittman has just a catch each of his last two games. He has not reached double-digit fantasy points since Week 6. He has just two games all season with more than 50 yards. You just didn’t see this season coming from him after the last two years. Pittman is not a player to trust, especially this week against the Bills. Buffalo allows the seventh fewest fantasy points to receivers.

SLEEPERS

Daniel Jones, QB, Giants. Jones is a hard fantasy player to trust but capable of that big game any given week. He has a high ceiling and a low floor. Jones scored a season-high 27.1 fantasy points last week, finding the end zone three times. This was his fourth game with 20-plus fantasy points. The Giants are a lot healthier at receiver these days, so Jones could start showing more consistency. And he has a prime matchup this week for another 20-plus point fantasy game. Jones gets the Panthers, a team that allows the sixth most fantasy points to quarterbacks and ranks 25th overall against the pass.

Rico Dowdle, RB, Cowboys. Ezekiel Elliott was a scratch last week, showing that Dowdle is now the clear top back in this offense. He responded with his best game of the year, getting 107 total yards and a score on 17 touches. Dowdle has double-digit fantasy points four straight. And with Dak Prescott out, the Cowboys could rely on Dowdle and the running game even more going forward. We like for Dowdle to get a big workload this week against the Eagles. Plus, Dowdle is getting more work at receiver, having five receptions each of his last two games. His floor is high right now.

Khalil Shakir, WR, Bills. Shakir has been a constant in the Bills offense. He had double-digit fantasy points all but a game. He had a tough matchup against a good Dolphins pass defense last week but still managed six receptions for 50 yards on seven targets. Shakir just keeps getting it done and is a legit low-end No. 2 fantasy receiver. You have to love his weekly floor. Shakir should hit double-digit fantasy points once again in Week 10 against the Colts. Indy allows the 10th most fantasy points to receivers and ranks 26th overall against the pass.

Jonnu Smith, TE, Dolphins. Smith hasn’t been off the charts this year but pretty consistent. He has at least four receptions four straight games. He caught five passes last week and has at least six targets four straight. And the return of Tua Tagovailoa is a big positive for the Dolphins and Smith. Look for Smith to have a big game this week against the Rams. Los Angeles has really struggled to stop the tight end, allowing the sixth most fantasy points to tight ends.

Jauan Jennings, WR, 49ers. Jennings is set to return from his hip injury and should move right into the starting lineup with Brandon Aiyuk done for the season. And Jennings was great earlier this year when given a chance to start. He had at least 11 fantasy points three of four games to start the season. Jennings can have a huge game any given week in this offense. And he should do well this week against the Bucs, a team that allows the sixth most fantasy points to receivers and is much better against the run than the pass.

High/Low Scoring Games

Each week we will take a look at some of the high and low scoring games for the coming week. In high scoring affairs, get your marginal players on those teams in your lineup to take advantage of the possible points barrage. And in the low scoring games, keep those marginal players on the bench and make sure to have your defenses involved in those contests.

High Scoring Games: Bengals/Ravens, Vikings/Jaguars, 49ers/Bucs, Lions/Texans, Dolphins/Rams.

Low Scoring Games: Broncos/Chiefs, Patriots/Bears, Titans/Chargers.

Byes: Browns, Packers, Raiders, Seahawks.

Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.

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Player Notes
George Pickens Feb 12 9:30pm ET
George Pickens

It's a foregone conclusion that the Dallas Cowboys will place the franchise tag on impending free-agent wide receiver George Pickens this offseason after his breakout 2025 season. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport wonders if the Cowboys would be willing to slap the franchise tag on Pickens and then turn around and trade him. Dallas acquired the 24-year-old from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a third-rounder, so in theory, the Cowboys could entertain the idea of flipping Pickens for a potential second-rounder. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has shown in the past that he's not afraid of trading star players (see Micah Parsons just last year) for high-end draft capital. Alongside CeeDee Lamb, though, Pickens took Dallas' offense to another level in 2025, and he finished with a career-high 1,429 yards, 93 receptions, and nine touchdowns in 17 games. If Pickens stays in Dallas in 2026, he'll be a strong WR1 target in fantasy football drafts.

From RotoBaller

Kenneth Walker III Feb 12 9:20pm ET
Kenneth Walker III

NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reports that the Seattle Seahawks could use the franchise or transition tag on impending free-agent running back Kenneth Walker III this offseason, even though the franchise tag would pay Walker around $14 million in 2026. The 25-year-old went Beast Mode in Seattle's three postseason games this year, carrying the ball 65 times for 313 yards and four touchdowns while adding nine catches for an additional 104 yards. The former second-rounder had 27 carries for 135 yards in the Super Bowl LX win over the New England Patriots and was named MVP. Walker made himself a lot of money for the 2026 season with his playoff exploits. It sounds like the Seahawks want to keep him around. He has been solid in his four years with Seattle, but lower-body injuries have been an issue. With Zach Charbonnet (knee) returning in 2026, there will be bust potential for Walker coming off the high of his postseason performance.

From RotoBaller

Miles Boykin Feb 12 6:50pm ET
Miles Boykin

Veteran wide receiver Miles Boykin has announced his retirement from playing football. Boykin was the Ravens' third-round pick out of Notre Dame in 2019. His first two pro seasons were the best of his career as he totaled 32 catches, 464 yards, and seven touchdowns. However, he peaked as the overall WR99 in PPR leagues in 2020, and he never returned to the top 185 receivers after that. After three seasons in Baltimore, he spent two in Pittsburgh. He also spent part of 2024 with the Seahawks and part of 2025 with the Bears, but he never appeared in a game for either organization. The 29-year-old is now hanging up his cleats and said (via Instagram) that he's "excited for this new chapter in my life."

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Warren Feb 12 6:30pm ET
Jaylen Warren

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren had the best fantasy finish of his career in 2025, and he could take another step forward with less competition next season. Warren entered the 2025 campaign as the Steelers' preferred running back after Najee Harris departed in free agency. The expectation was that Warren would gradually lose touches to Kaleb Johnson, but instead, he found himself in a split backfield with Kenneth Gainwell. While sharing touches with Gainwell, Warren tallied 958 rushing yards, 333 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. He finished as the overall RB17 in full-PPR leagues, while Gainwell was the RB16. Gainwell is expected to hit free agency this offseason, and early rumors indicate that the Steelers don't plan to re-sign him. Presumably, they'll bring in another running back or give more touches to Johnson. However, as the incumbent starter, Warren should maintain a heavy workload and fantasy relevance. He has shown an ability to produce as a ball-carrier and pass-catcher, and he flashed a nose for the end zone by doubling his previous career-high touchdown total. Warren is a solid hold in dynasty leagues, and he projects as a mid-range RB2 option in redraft leagues for 2026.

From RotoBaller

Patrick Mahomes Feb 12 6:30pm ET
Patrick Mahomes

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (knee) is no longer a top-tier fantasy option, primarily due to injury uncertainty. Mahomes tore his ACL and LCL in Week 15, and it's currently unclear whether he'll be ready for the start of the 2026 regular season. He's still one of the most talented players in NFL history, but without a clear timeline, fantasy managers shouldn't expect to rely on him as their starting quarterback in Week 1. We also can't ignore the fact that his fantasy production has gone backward. He went from the overall QB1 in 2022 to QB8 in 2023, QB11 in 2024, and QB11 in his shortened 2025 campaign. He has thrown at least 11 interceptions in each of his last five seasons, and he's been held to 27 or fewer touchdowns every year since 2022, when he threw for 41. Josh Allen has taken over as the consensus QB1 in fantasy football, but players like Lamar Jackson, Drake Maye, and Joe Burrow have also become more appealing to managers than Mahomes. Of course, that could change if the Chiefs add a superstar receiver this offseason, and it also wouldn't hurt if tight end Travis Kelce bounces back following a down year.

From RotoBaller

Juwan Johnson Feb 12 6:20pm ET
Juwan Johnson

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson finally broke out during the 2025 season, largely due to his rapport with rookie quarterback Tyler Shough. Last year was Johnson's sixth in the NFL, and it seems like there had been buzz about a Johnson breakout nearly every season. It didn't come to fruition through his first five campaigns in the NFL, mostly because of a crowded tight end room and poor quarterback play. He turned the corner early last season with Spencer Rattler at quarterback, but he really took his productivity to the next level with Shough under center. Johnson finished the 2025 season with 77 catches, 889 yards, and three touchdowns, ranking as the overall TE8 in full-PPR leagues. Signed through 2027, Johnson has a steady future in New Orleans and could take another big step forward next year, especially now that the Saints seem to have some consistency at the quarterback position. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound tight end should enter 2026 fantasy drafts as a mid-to-low TE1.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Feb 12 6:10pm ET
Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had one of the best seasons of his career in 2025, and he should remain a top fantasy option for 2026. Prescott finished the year with a 67.3% completion rate, 4,552 passing yards, 32 total touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He also rushed for 177 yards. He finished the year as the overall QB6 in fantasy football and has now ranked as a top-six quarterback in his last two healthy seasons (excluding 2024, when he missed nine games). Prescott was able to perform at an elite level largely due to the supporting cast around him. Dallas had one of the top receiver rooms in the NFL with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, while tight end Jake Ferguson also played at a very high level. Pickens and running back Javonte Williams are both slated for free agency, but it sounds like Dallas plans to bring back Pickens, even if that means using the franchise tag on him. If Prescott can get all three of his top targets back in 2026, he'll compete to be a top-five quarterback in fantasy football.

From RotoBaller

Maxx Crosby Feb 12 5:30pm ET
Maxx Crosby

Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro pass-rusher Maxx Crosby (knee) has been in the team's building every day as he works out and rehabs the surgically repaired meniscus in his knee, and he recently had a positive discussion with new head coach Klint Kubiak. However, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero said on the Rich Eisen Show that there are "a lot of other fences that would need to be mended" for Crosby to stay in Vegas. The 28-year-old five-time Pro Bowler has already been through six different head coaches with the Raiders and has only been to the playoffs once. Crosby still has an affinity for the franchise and owner Mark Davis, but he's in the process of determining whether he wants to be traded. Pelissero adds that meanwhile, the Raiders figuring out if it makes sense to keep Crosby, especially if they can get two first-round picks for him to aid their rebuild. With the drama between Crosby and Vegas aside, he should be a high-end defensive lineman target in IDP fantasy leagues in 2026, regardless of where he's playing, if he's healthy for the start of the 2026 season.

From RotoBaller

Kyle Williams Feb 12 2:30pm ET
Kyle Williams

New England Patriots wide receiver Kyle Williams flew under the radar for most of his rookie season, catching just 10 passes for 209 yards and three touchdowns. Williams' underproduction wasn't necessarily due to a lack of talent, as the third-round pick has made big plays throughout his college career and early in his NFL career. Rather, he was buried on the depth chart behind players like Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, and even DeMario Douglas. New England doesn't have any impending free agent wide receivers, but Williams still has the potential to climb up the depth chart entering his second season. Year 2 is a common time for young receivers to make a major leap, so we wouldn't be surprised if Williams contributes at a much higher rate in 2026. It's a bit too early to invest in the Washington State product in redraft leagues, but he's a solid, affordable dynasty buy heading into the offseason.

From RotoBaller

Brian Robinson Jr. Feb 12 2:10pm ET
Brian Robinson Jr.

San Francisco 49ers running back Brian Robinson Jr. spent all of 2025 as the handcuff behind Christian McCaffrey. Now, he'll hit free agency with an opportunity to find a larger role elsewhere. We can't rule out a return to San Francisco, but given that Robinson is a three-time 700-yard rusher, he'll presumably get offers from teams looking to make him their 1B running back, rather than a true backup. Robinson's lone season on the West Coast resulted in a modest 400 rushing yards, 25 receiving yards, and two touchdowns. From a fantasy perspective, his 2026 outlook will heavily depend on where he ends up. He was a top-30 fantasy running back with the Commanders in both 2023 and 2024, so he could get back onto the weekly flex radar if he splits touches with another running back in an average or above-average offense.

From RotoBaller

Kareem Hunt Feb 12 2:00pm ET
Kareem Hunt

Kansas City Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt has enjoyed a career resurgence over his last two years with the team. In 2025, he appeared in all 17 games, rushing for 611 yards and eight touchdowns while sharing the backfield with Isiah Pacheco. The veteran running back also added 143 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown, and he finished the year as the overall RB31 in full-PPR leagues. Hunt now has 1,658 scrimmage yards over his last two seasons, as well as a whopping 25 touchdowns over his last three seasons. Hunt, an impending free agent, will be 31 years old when the 2026 season gets underway. His efficiency has tailed off, and he's no longer a workhorse back. However, he has shown that he can continue to be a scoring threat while contributing as both a ball-carrier and a pass-catcher. We wouldn't be surprised to see Hunt re-sign with the Chiefs, but no matter where he ends up, he could sneak into the top 36 running backs for fantasy football drafts. His dynasty outlook isn't quite as favorable, though, as he's definitely in the final stages of his career.

From RotoBaller

Elic Ayomanor Feb 12 1:40pm ET
Elic Ayomanor

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Elic Ayomanor had a solid season for a fourth-round pick. By the end of the year, he had established himself as a top Titans pass-catcher along with Chimere Dike. Ayomanor and Dike, both rookies, stepped into larger roles after Calvin Ridley (leg) broke his fibula mid-season. The former caught 41 passes for 515 yards and four touchdowns across 16 games (14 starts). He ultimately ranked as the overall WR52 in full-PPR scoring, but he finished the year on a hot streak with 10 catches, 145 yards, and one touchdown over his final three games. It was encouraging to see Ayomanor flash upside, especially given how poorly the Titans' offense performed in 2025. If the unit (and specifically quarterback Cameron Ward) can take a step forward next year, Ayomanor could become a weekly fantasy option. He'll face some competition, though. In addition to Dike, the Titans will likely welcome back Ridley, and they could also draft a receiver.

From RotoBaller

Tre Harris Feb 12 1:20pm ET
Tre Harris

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Tre' Harris struggled to produce in his depth role as a rookie. Typically fourth on the depth chart, he finished the year with 30 catches, 324 yards, and one touchdown. However, he should have more opportunities during the 2026 season. For starters, Keenan Allen is a free agent, and all signs point to him playing elsewhere next year (or retiring). Not only will Allen's impending departure bump Harris up to third on the depth chart, but the Ole Miss product should also take over a lot of the veteran's vacated targets. In addition to stepping into a larger role, Harris could be auditioning for an eventual jump to the No. 2 receiver role behind Ladd McConkey. Current No. 2 receiver Quentin Johnston has a fifth-year option for 2027. If the Chargers choose to decline that option, Johnston will play out his final year under contract while the coaching staff evaluates whether Harris is capable of filling his role in 2027. That's still a while down the road, but in the short term, managers should expect Harris to take a significant leap in 2026. He's a strong dynasty hold, and he'll generate some late-round appeal in redraft leagues.

From RotoBaller

T.J. Hockenson Feb 12 1:10pm ET
T.J. Hockenson

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson had an underwhelming season as the team endured poor quarterback play and inconsistency at the position. Hockenson played 15 games in 2025, starting all of them. He caught 51 passes for 438 yards and three touchdowns, posting the lowest receiving yards total and fantasy points per game mark since he was a rookie. He ultimately finished as the overall TE26 in full-PPR leagues. Although it's fair to blame the trio of J.J. McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer for Hockenson's frustrating year, that doesn't mean he'll magically bounce back in 2026. McCarthy is due back as the Vikings' quarterback next season. Interestingly, Hockenson also struggled with Sam Darnold as his quarterback in 2024, so he really hasn't been a trustworthy fantasy tight end since Kirk Cousins quarterbacked the Vikings in 2023. Hockenson is under contract for two more years, but the Vikings have a potential out this offseason. If Minnesota releases Hockenson post-June 1, they would create $15.96 million in cap space while taking on $5.34 million in dead money. It certainly wouldn't hurt the Vikings to keep the veteran tight end to help support McCarthy's development, but we also wouldn't be surprised to see the team's next general manager capitalize on this opportunity to create cap space.

From RotoBaller

Isaac TeSlaa Feb 12 1:00pm ET
Isaac TeSlaa

Detroit Lions wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa got off to a slow start in 2025, but he seemed to turn a corner near the end of the regular season. Over the final three weeks of the season, he caught eight of 12 targets for 119 yards and two touchdowns, ranking as the overall WR17 in half-PPR leagues during that span. It was an encouraging end to his rookie campaign, and while anything could happen during the upcoming offseason, it seems like he's trending toward being the Lions' established No. 3 receiver in 2026. If TeSlaa remains the third receiver behind Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, he could have occasional WR3/flex appeal while also being an appealing injury handcuff. Managers in dynasty leagues should hold TeSlaa for now, but there could be an opportunity to buy low before free agency gets underway.

From RotoBaller

Darius Slayton Feb 12 12:40pm ET
Darius Slayton

New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton has shown flashes of upside plenty of times throughout his career, but he continues to struggle to emerge as a consistent fantasy threat week over week. Part of the difficulty for Slayton has been quarterback play, but that changed in 2025 when rookie Jaxson Dart took the reins of the offense. However, the other part of the problem has been Slayton's role on the depth chart, and the outlook there remains bleak. We did temporarily jump to second on the depth chart behind Wan'Dale Robinson after Malik Nabers (knee) tore his ACL -- resulting in 37 catches, 538 yards, and a touchdown --he'll drop back to third if Nabers is healthy for the start of 2026. Plus, tight end Theo Johnson will continue to command plenty of targets, and the same can be said about running back Cam Skattebo (ankle). If there's any glimmer of hope for Slayton, it's the fact that Robinson is an impending free agent. However, the Giants have been very outspoken about their plans to bring Robinson back. It seems likely that Slayton will remain the Giants' No. 3 receiver in 2026, leaving his value to hinge on a teammate's injury. He's not worth drafting in typical redraft leagues, and he can be stashed on the bench only in deeper dynasty formats.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Feb 12 12:40pm ET
Deebo Samuel

Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. continued to deliver decent contributions in the passing game last season, which was his first with the team. He finished the year with 72 catches, 727 receiving yards, and five receiving touchdowns, his highest marks in those categories since 2021. He also rushed for 75 yards and an additional touchdown on the ground. Although it was a good but not great year by Samuel's standards, he still finished as the overall WR25 in full-PPR leagues, cementing himself as a low-end WR2 or high-end WR3/flex on a weekly basis. Samuel restructured his contract with the Commanders to become a free agent this offseason, so he'll hit the open market in March. A return to Washington seems possible, but he'll presumably explore all of his options before putting pen to paper. Samuel fits best on a team with an established No. 1 wide receiver, so that he can operate as the No. 2 receiver with contributions as a gadget-type player behind the line of scrimmage or in the short-to-medium passing game. His 2026 fantasy outlook will depend on his landing spot and his eventual quarterback pairing, but for now, we'd expect him to remain a top-30 fantasy receiver.

From RotoBaller

Woody Marks Feb 12 12:30pm ET
Woody Marks

Houston Texans running back Woody Marks exceeded expectations as a rookie in 2026. He quickly took over the backfield from Nick Chubb and finished the year with 703 rushing yards, 208 receiving yards, and five touchdowns across 16 games (eight starts). Perhaps most eye-opening was a four-week stretch in the back half of the season, during which he averaged 21 touches per game with a modest 65.8 scrimmage yards. By year's end, he was averaging a suboptimal 3.6 yards per carry. Given that the Texans are a contender for years to come, they'll likely look to upgrade the running back position during the offseason. Adding a 1A running back so that Marks can be a change-of-pace or 1B option makes plenty of sense. That's not necessarily bad news for Marks or his fantasy managers; that shared backfield dynamic could allow him to be more consistent and less boom-or-bust, especially while giving him plenty of targets in the passing game. Managers in dynasty leagues should hold Marks right now, because he still has top-36 running back appeal for the 2026 fantasy football season.

From RotoBaller

Tony Pollard Feb 12 12:20pm ET
Tony Pollard

Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard didn't quite live up to expectations during the 2025 season, finishing the year with 1,082 rushing yards, 206 receiving yards, and five touchdowns. He did still manage to finish as the RB23 in full-PPR leagues, but his fantasy scoring was a bit skewed due to a three-week stretch during which he exploded for 367 yards and three touchdowns. It seemed like Pollard's 2025 fantasy value would hinge on whether Tyjae Spears played well, but in reality, both Pollard and Spears saw their outputs depend on the state of the Titans' offense. Tennessee limped to the finish line with the second-worst offense in terms of total yards, making it difficult for either running back to make much of a fantasy impact. Heading into 2026, we can't rule out a shakeup to the Titans' backfield. The Titans structured Pollard's three-year deal to give them a potential out prior to the third season, and the clock is now ticking on that decision. The Titans could be incentivized to release the veteran running back; doing so would create $7.25 million in cap savings with just $2 million in dead money. If he does hit the open market, Pollard would likely be viewed as a 1B running back -- someone who can join a backfield with another average ball-carrier. Of course, fantasy managers would prefer that team to be a contender so that Pollard can consistently handle valuable and meaningful touches in 2026. With so much uncertainty, dynasty managers might consider selling high on Pollard and using his RB23 finish to tempt other managers into a deal.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Feb 11 3:10pm ET
Trevor Lawrence

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence came into the league with sky-high expectations after being selected first overall in the 2021 draft, but following four disappointing seasons, he had fallen to the low-QB2 range in dynasty formats. However, after one year with new head coach Liam Coen and an identity-redefining season that saw him receive MVP votes, Lawrence is back into the QB1 conversation in dynasty startups. The biggest change to Lawrence's game in 2025 was his ability to keep drives alive with his legs. Throughout the regular season and playoffs, 333 of his career-high 390 rushing yards came on scrambles, and his nine rushing touchdowns almost doubled his previous career high. It was an element that Coen previously helped bring to Baker Mayfield's game, and one that could continue to boost Lawrence's value as he looks to take advantage of the rare continuity around him, heading into year six.

From RotoBaller