Everything that happens in the NFL has additional context when viewed from a fantasy football perspective. From position battles to injuries and so much more, the news cycle will constantly affect player values in fantasy football.
Our Fantasy Football buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers and our NFL Nation reporters, aims to provide fantasy managers with the intel they need as news breaks around the league.
Aug. 7: Should Carson Beck be on your superflex radar after Hall of Fame Game?
Eric Moody: The 2026 NFL preseason got underway Thursday in Canton, Ohio, where the Carolina Panthers beat the Arizona Cardinals 33-30 in the Hall of Fame Game. The biggest takeaway was Cardinals rookie QB Carson Beck, who impressed in his debut after being selected in the third round in April.
Beck completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards, 1 TD and a 125.4 passer rating. He was especially sharp in the first half, going 11-of-14 for 148 yards and a score while completing all four of his throws at least 15 yards downfield for 59 yards. His best throw was a 49-yard strike to WR Jalen Brooks, and he later found WR Simi Fehoko on a five-yard fade for a touchdown.
Beck looked poised, processed quickly and handled the pocket well, though questions about his arm strength remain. Jacoby Brissett is expected to open the season as Arizona's starter at QB, but Beck's performance could lead to starts later in the year. Managers in superflex leagues should keep Beck on their radar.
RBs Jeremiyah Love and Tyler Allgeier were inactive, which shouldn't come as a surprise. Love, who was selected third overall by the Cardinals in April's draft, will be Arizona's featured back and is projected for 18.8 touches per game. Allgeier is expected to be the No. 2 back.
Bam Knight was the starter on Thursday night against the Panthers. Allgeier is the obvious insurance back for fantasy managers to roster, but James Conner and Trey Benson were also notably absent and could be trade candidates.
Conner is especially interesting. He averaged 17.1 touches per game over his five seasons with the Cardinals and could still help a team if traded into the right situation. He's worth considering in the final round of drafts as a lottery ticket. If he stays in Arizona by the start of the regular season and doesn't have a meaningful role, you can simply move on.
Aug. 5: Diggs finds soft landing with Commanders
Tristan H. Cockcroft; Seeking to upgrade their WR2 spot, the Washington Commanders on Wednesday signed Stefon Diggs to a one-year deal worth up to $12 million. He'll presumably slide into a starting role across from Terry McLaurin, and he lands in a great spot as a member of an upper-half passing offense on a team that had its share of issues keeping its other receivers healthy in 2025.
The Commanders will be Diggs' fourth different team in as many seasons, but that's hardly due to a lack of production. Diggs scored 210 or more fantasy points in two of those three years (2023 with the Buffalo Bills, 2025 with the New England Patriots), and in the one in which he didn't -- his 2024 season ended prematurely after eight games due to a torn right ACL -- he finished with a 15.2 per-game average that is only slightly beneath his 15.9 career rate.
Now 32, Diggs shouldn't be much of a threat to McLaurin's No. 1 status, other than a possible need to elevate into the role in the event of any absences by the latter. That said, with a solid passer in Jayden Daniels throwing to him, not to mention one of the better backups in the game in Marcus Mariota ready to step in should Daniels miss additional time, Diggs has an excellent chance at a top-40 fantasy point total at the position in his new, well, digs. There's every reason to draft him as that, and it's likely he'll even go later, perhaps in the 10th round or beyond -- at which point he's a no-brainer selection to pad your team's receiving depth.
The addition has the most adverse impact on Antonio Williams, a third-round pick who might have to settle for slot snaps in three-receiver sets. Williams might still see his share of starts midyear, considering both McLaurin and Diggs will play this season aged 31 or older, but the rookie is more of a streaming pickup than a draft-day flier in standard formats following this move.
July 31: Fantasy outlook for Samuel in 49ers reunion
Matt Bowen: With Deebo Samuel back with the San Francisco 49ers after signing a one-year deal Thursday, let's discuss the fantasy implications for the veteran wide receiver and the 49ers' pass game.
We know there is immediate familiarity in Kyle Shanahan's offense for Samuel. The crossing routes, play-action targets and manufactured touches Shanahan can dial-up. Backfield alignments, too: Fly sweeps, screens and more.
Samuel, who had 11.1 fantasy PPG in Washington last season, still has strong hands at the catch point, plus he can use his play demeanor to create numbers after the catch. However, fantasy managers must also understand that Samuel's speed has declined at this stage of career. He's a power strider who now needs a long runway to build up that speed in the route tree.
Looking at this roster, Christian McCaffrey will still get his high-level target share, even if Samuel is deployed out of the backfield at times. Mike Evans will play as the boundary X receiver and George Kittle (if healthy) will continue to be the middle-of-the-field option for quarterback Brock Purdy. Christian Kirk is in the mix, too. That leaves Samuel as a potential late-round add in deeper leagues, but more likely a streaming option based on his usage.
The move to land Samuel, however, should tell us that the team has concerns about the health -- and immediate future -- of wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who is currently dealing with a right knee injury. The way I see it, Pearsall should be taken off fantasy draft boards until further notice, as his lack of availability continues to be a roadblock to fantasy production.
July 30: Pearsall knee issue, takeaways from Panthers camp
By Tristan H. Cockcroft and Cameron Wolfe
Ricky Pearsall has swelling in right knee
Injuries have already cost San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Ricky Pearsall 14 of 34 games in his first two NFL seasons, including a posterior cruciate ligament issue in his left knee that cost him eight contests in 2025. That's why Wednesday's report that Pearsall's PCL has again flared up, heightens worries among prospective fantasy managers.
Pearsall scored 13.1 fantasy points per game behind a 19.3% target share over the first four games last season, but after injuring the PCL in Week 4, his numbers dropped to 7.3 and 6.2%, respectively. Considering the 49ers added top-shelf wide receiver Mike Evans during the offseason, in addition to second-round pick De'Zhaun Stribling and free agent Christian Kirk, there's no reason for the 49ers to rush Pearsall's recovery.
Currently a 12th-round pick on average in early ESPN drafts (113th overall and WR45), Pearsall will almost assuredly -- and rightfully -- see his stock drop to borderline draft-worthy status in standard formats. I'm typically hesitant to draft players with significant preseason injury concerns, especially those that extend back to previous seasons. Right now, I would now prefer to build my wide receiver bench around players like Jordan Addison, Khalil Shakir or KC Concepcion. -- Cockcroft
Will Jonathon Brooks eventually be Carolina's lead back?
The player with the most buzz in Panthers training camp thus far is running back Jonathon Brooks, who is finally healthy after two injury-plagued NFL seasons and in position to be a huge factor in Carolina backfield.
One Panthers coach told me Brooks is the "X factor for our entire season," noting he has "another gear -- he takes the team to another level, and everybody knows that."
The plan, talking to key Panthers staffers, is for veteran Chuba Hubbard and Brooks to be a strong 1-2 punch to begin the season. But one source told me if Brooks remains healthy, he should be the lead back by season's end.
Coaches consider Brooks a slasher in the run game, and his athleticism in the pass game made me say "wow" after a quick move on a short catch. And Wednesday, I'm told he made the play of day beating linebacker Devin Lloyd with a nifty open-field move for a big reception.
The big "if" remains health. Brooks has been fully cleared, but the team will monitor him and give him more frequent off days during camp to see how his body responds in full pads. They could also ease his reps early in season and then follow a "hot hand" script.
It's up to Brooks to prove his health throughout camp and the regular season. He has worked extremely hard to get back, and head coach Dave Canales poetically called his return "a celebration", noting he "looks like the guy I remember." -- Wolfe
Tetairoa McMillan to spend more time in the slot?
The Carolina Panthers entered training camp with a plan to help McMillan to a superstar Year 2. It centered on an increase in his slot reps for a more diverse playmaker role.
"T-Mac is one of the smartest guys I've been around," one Panthers coach told me in Charlotte. "He can handle it all mentally -- slot or outside."
That plan took a hit Wednesday when rookie WR Chris Brazzell II suffered a season-ending LCL tear in his left knee.
The plan was for the speedy Brazzell to take many of those "X" snaps when McMillan goes into the slot. Jalen Coker, a rising impact WR2, can play outside and could take on more there. Xavier Legette, a former first-round pick with bounce-back potential, is another option.
The McMillan "big slot" plan doesn't go away due to Brazzell's injury, though. I'm told McMillan was excellent in the slot in Wednesday's practice, the first with Brazzell sidelined. Coach Dave Canales and offensive coordinator Brad Idzik believe McMillan can be used like one of their former players in Tampa -- Mike Evans -- a big "move" receiver who threatens defenses everywhere. The 6-foot-4 McMillan added 8-9 pounds this offseason, one Panthers source told me, and he looked stronger at practice.
McMillan vocalized his desire to move off his traditional "X" reps more to shake free from coverage blankets and impact the game consistently. In 2025, McMillan played roughly 15% of his snaps in the slot, most of which came in second half of the season, with a lot of success. The hope is to potentially double that number. -- Wolfe
July 29: With QBs ailing, is London in danger of a Jefferson-like dud?
Mike Clay: With Michael Penix Jr. (knee) and Tua Tagovailoa (back) not fully healthy, it's fair to wonder if Drake London is in jeopardy of a dud 2026 campaign similar to what we saw from Justin Jefferson in Minnesota last season. Though the question is reasonable, I'm not super concerned.
First of all, we know London can perform when Penix is under center. In nine games together last season, London handled a massive 32% target share (10.2 per game) and scored six touchdowns. He averaged 19.7 fantasy points per game and reached 18 points in five of the last six games prior to Penix suffering a partially torn ACL in November. We clearly don't need to worry if Penix is taking snaps.
And though the potential Tagovailoa/London battery is new, there's also reason for optimism, perhaps even more so than with Penix.
In 2022, Tagovailoa ranked fourth in the NFL in passing yards (and TDs) in the weeks when he was active (13 starts). In 2023, he led the league in passing yards. In 2024, he ranked fourth in yardage during the 11 weeks he started. During those three seasons, Tyreek Hill posted a pair of second-place fantasy finishes, Jaylen Waddle posted an eighth-place finish in 2022, and Jonnu Smith, Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane each posted a top-five fantasy campaign at their positions. Even in what was a lost 2025 season, Waddle averaged 12.9 fantasy PPG with Tagovailoa under center, which ranked 23rd among receivers during the span (Hill averaged 13.4 over his four games) and Achane also managed another top-five finish.
Whereas Jefferson was dealing with an inexperienced quarterback in J.J. McCarthy, London has a pair of quarterbacks who, though far from perfect, have shown they can get the ball into the hands of their top playmaker. With both still likely to be ready for Week 1 -- Tagovailoa was sidelined Wednesday with what was described as a "flare-up" -- London remains a solid fantasy WR1.
July 28: Jones or Pierce? Which member of the Colts offense is worth the risk?
Eric Karabell: It feels a little surprising that as the Indianapolis Colts gather for training camp this week, QB Daniel Jones (Achilles) is active and (in his words) "ready to go," while popular WR Alec Pierce (ankle) hit the active/PUP list, further creating doubt that he will be on the field for Week 1 of the regular season. Fantasy managers do not seem interested in Jones in early ADP, but they seem to love Pierce. What is reasonable?
Jones, 29, was a fantasy revelation last season as the former New York Giants starter -- healthy after years of controversy and disappointment -- was a borderline top-10 fantasy quarterback for much of the season before the Week 14 Achilles tear. Jones was efficient and accurate, he threw downfield effectively while averaging a career-best 8.1 yards per attempt, and the five rushing touchdowns were a nice treat. It seemed unlikely that Jones, after suffering his injury in December, would be ready for summer camp or September games, which is why he;s not among the top 20 QBs in early ESPN ADP.
Pierce, 26, was also a surprising performer last season, reaching 1,000 receiving yards for the first time (despite only 47 receptions) and leading the NFL with 21.3 yards per catch. He figured to be quite popular for this season's drafts regardless of the Jones recovery, in part because longtime Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. left town for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pierce is among the top 100 picks in ESPN ADP (just outside the top 30 WRs) but we must at least consider the effect his recovery from March ankle surgery will have on him early this season.
There is time to decide whether investing in Jones and/or Pierce is sensible. After all, RB Jonathan Taylor is the clear-cut star on this Colts offense, a likely first-round selection in most leagues, and sophomore TE Tyler Warren is expected to be the leading receiver. These are the Colts to rely on.
Fantasy managers may not believe Jones is capable of a repeat season, especially since his injury figures to curtail his running game. Even last season, Jones scored three of his five TDs during the first two weeks. He rushed for over 30 yards in only one game. Could he flirt with being a QB1 relying on his passing ability? Well, he was close to that level without the rushing yards last season.
As always, wide receiver appears to be more loaded than running back and most expect Pierce to continue his ascent into stardom, surely catching more than 47 passes. Perhaps this deep threat even scores double-digit touchdowns! Everyone wants to believe. While Jones received a new, two-year contract this offseason, Pierce was bestowed a four-year contract for even more money.
It is quite a dichotomy when comparing Jones and Pierce, right? Most assume that Jones is too hurt or just not good enough to repeat his stunning success. He is rostered in barely 20% of ESPN leagues. Most assume the ascending WR will surely recover from his injury and produce even bigger numbers, even though his production is tied to the quarterback. He is rostered in nearly 90% of ESPN leagues.
What's the truth? Check back in a few weeks, but the truth may be surprising.
July 27: Fade De'Von Achane or embrace the risk?
Eric Moody: Achane is being drafted as the RB5 and 11th overall, yet some managers view him as one of the biggest bust candidates.
The upside is obvious. Achane has already established himself as one of the league's most explosive running backs, producing career highs of 1,838 yards from scrimmage and 1,350 rushing yards last season. Since entering the league in 2023, his 5.62 yards per carry leads all qualified backs. He has also scored at least 11 touchdowns in each of his first three seasons.
What separates Achane from most backs is his ability to create fantasy points in multiple ways. He can turn an ordinary carry into a long TD, but he has also been one of the league's most productive receiving backs. Over the past two seasons, Achane averaged 86.0 targets and 72.5 receptions. That combination of rushing efficiency, receiving volume and big-play ability gives him league-winning upside.
There are legitimate concerns, though.
New Dolphins QB Malik Willis has historically targeted RBs far less frequently than former starter Tua Tagovailoa. Willis is also more likely to scramble instead of checking the ball down, which could reduce Achane's receiving production. Achane averaged 21.5 fantasy points in games with Tagovailoa over the past two seasons, compared to only 10.5 without him.
Mike McDaniel's departure creates another unknown. His motion-heavy scheme consistently put Achane in favorable situations and maximized his speed. New offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik must prove he can do the same.
Even with those concerns, there are reasons to believe Achane can remain an elite fantasy option. Slowik spent last season as Miami's passing game coordinator, so he already understands Achane's strengths. Head coach Jeff Hafley has also emphasized building a physical offense around the running game, play-action and the strengths of the roster. Achane should be at the center of that plan.
Miami's offensive line also offers more stability than expected. Four starters return from a unit that helped the Dolphins average 4.73 yards per carry last season. Center Aaron Brewer remains a major strength, while first-round guard Kadyn Proctor brings additional upside and athleticism.
Miami also hired Zach Yenser as its offensive line coach. Yenser spent the past two seasons as the Houston Texans' assistant O-line coach, helping a unit that paved the way for Joe Mixon to rush for 1,016 yards and 11 TDs in 2024. He also coached Ray Davis during his 1,452-yard, 21-TD season at Kentucky and previously worked with some of the San Francisco 49ers' best rushing offenses.
Fantasy managers are understandably nervous about Miami's QB and coaching changes, but I'm willing to accept the risk. Achane may lose some receiving volume, but his explosiveness, limited competition and projected 323 touches still give him elite RB1 upside.
July 24: Sorting through the Panthers, Texans and Broncos backfields
By Liz Loza
Carolina Panthers: Entering training camp as the Panthers' projected RB1, Chuba Hubbard aims to rebound after a nagging calf injury and subsequent inefficiency limited him to just 8.4 fantasy points per game (RB40) last season. Trevor Etienne and Jonathon Brooks are also involved, sharing reps with the first-team offense during training camp. Brooks has the talent and potential opportunity to nab a sizable role.
Lauded for his explosive running style and tackle-breaking ability, the Texas standout was selected 46th overall by the Panthers in 2024. Two ACL tears -- suffered in a span of just 13 months -- have kept Brooks sidelined for all but three pro efforts. He now appears back to health, working as a full participant at training camp. Dave Canales confirmed Brooks' hardiness stating, "He looks like the guy that I remember, and I'm really excited for that." Noting Rico Dowdle's departure and Hubbard's aforementioned struggles, Brooks presents with league-winning upside. He's currently being drafted in the 13th round of 10-team leagues.
Houston Texans: The Texans traded for David Montgomery in an attempt to retool the team's backfield, which averaged the fourth-fewest yards per carry (3.9) and ranked 22nd in rushing yards per game (108.9) last year. While he may not be the fastest or flashiest runner, Montgomery is more than a one-note power back. He's a nuanced three-down producer with adequate hands and massive red zone appeal. Montgomery brings stability and consistency to the Texans. Something that Woody Marks has not yet achieved.
The second-year back is expected to receive a decent number of reps with running backs coach Danny Barrett recently saying that "He's [Marks] going to get lots of opportunities." Barrett also added "I think the key for Woody is understanding his role" and "... his role is going to pick up some third downs, special teams. He's a kickoff return guy. But, more importantly, probably in the passing game as well." That aligns with what we know about Marks as a player. Lauded for being a versatile receiving threat in college, the 25-year-old could flirt with upward of 30 catches. While Marks figures to serve a purposeful role, Montgomery remains the best fantasy bet. Projected to lead the backfield in terms of touches and fantasy points, Montgomery offers investors RB2 appeal at an overall ADP of 72.3.
Denver Broncos: Sean Payton is notorious for employing a rotation of running backs, which makes forecasting this year's crowded backfield all the more head-scratching. J.K. Dobbins led last year's group -- averaging 16.4 touches and 11.6 fantasy points per game -- before a foot injury ended his season prematurely in Week 10. In his stead, R.J. Harvey took over the primary ball carrier duties for the remainder of the season. While he excelled as a receiver (RB8 in targets, receptions, and receiving yards) the then-rookie managed an unremarkable 3.4 yards per carry on his 96 total totes after Dobbins was sidelined. Seemingly underwhelmed, Denver brass chose to further clutter the backfield, drafting Jonah Coleman in the fourth round. In possession of pile-dragging power and adequate hands, the rookie enters training camp with a chance to seize a sizable role. With a hydra this headed, however, managers are best served staying away in redraft leagues. Though, in dynasty Coleman makes for an enticing long-term investment.
July 23: Can you rely on Jared Goff all season long?
Matt Bowen: In a 2QB superflex format or a home league where managers draft multiple quarterbacks, are you taking the high-ceiling target, or do you focus more on landing the passer who gives you a more reliable floor?
For me, I want stability at the QB2 spot -- numbers I can count on, even if the upside is somewhat limited. Give me 16-18 points in the lineup. I can win with that in Superflex and I know what I'm getting in standard leagues if my starter is on a bye or if he's down due to an injury.
The quarterback I keep coming back to is Jared Goff. Goff averaged 17.5 PPG last season and we know he can have breakout weeks (four games of at least 24 points). Plus, he plays in one of the league's most explosive offenses. That unit averaged 27.8 PPG last season (second-most in the league) with legit targets in the passing game.
Amon-Ra St. Brown can uncover at every level of the field. Jameson Williams has big play juice. Jahmyr Gibbs is electric out of the backfield. And TE Sam LaPorta is primed for a bounce-back season. There are gameplan advantages here.
Now, I know Goff brings extremely limited rushing upside to the lineup (just 45 rushing yards last season). He's a pure pocket thrower. But the Lions' offensive system is one that centers on rhythm concepts off play-action, layered reads and vertical shots, and Goff is one of the league's best at seeing the field and delivering the ball on time/with location. Over his past three seasons, Goff has averaged 17.9 PPG, with at least 4,500 yards passing and 30 touchdowns in each.
Solid and consistent numbers you can count on? I'll take it.
July 22: Is Sam LaPorta a draft day bargain?
Tristan H. Cockcroft: A one-time fantasy football star, Sam LaPorta's career has slipped over the past two seasons, with the most recent seeing him miss the Detroit Lions' final eight games due to a herniated disc in his back that ultimately required a microdiscectomy. Jeremy Fowler's report Tuesday that LaPorta has been fully cleared for training camp (with surgery having corrected the issue) is welcome news to the tight end's prospective fantasy managers.
LaPorta set the single-season record for fantasy points by a rookie tight with 239.3 in 2023. It would be a mark he'd hold for a short time, as Brock Bowers scored 262.7 points the following season. Interestingly enough, Bowers would also struggle through injuries during his own follow-up campaign, as his fantasy production dipped to 176.2 points, in part due to five missed games. The patterns served as reminders of both the perils of regression as well as the wear and tear of TEs.
But as 2026 dawns, there's far more optimism surrounding Bowers' rebound prospects than LaPorta's. In early mocks, Bowers is going second on average among tight ends and 21st overall. LaPorta is going seventh and 65th. That's a divide that makes sense -- LaPorta has had three seasons thus far in the NFL, compared to Bowers' two -- but it still indicates a prospective bargain hailing from the Motor City.
As I approach the tight end position in my own drafts this preseason, I'm taking two angles: Go all-in on the top talent, taking a Trey McBride or Bowers if they linger into the third round or Colston Loveland if he makes it into the fifth, or wait until the eighth round or later and seek a high-profit performer.
The latter is a group that in many drafts can include Harold Fannin Jr., George Kittle, Tucker Kraft and, yes, LaPorta. Though "65th" in ADP gives the sense that LaPorta is going too soon to qualify for the group, bear in mind that he went 87th in our most recent mock and in the eighth round or later in each of our past four mock drafts as well as nine out of 10 that we did in May.
Even in LaPorta's down years (2024-25), he averaged 11.3 fantasy points, sixth-best among tight ends who played in at least 20 games, more than Loveland (TE3 in ADP), Tyler Warren (TE4), more than Kyle Pitts Sr. (TE5), more than Kraft and competitive with Fannin's rookie-year production. LaPorta's 14 weeks as a top-10 tight end scorer in that time were tied for fifth-best at the position, and that's in spite of the fact that he had a 12.3% target share.
Keep tabs on his progress once training camps open, but a healthy LaPorta absolutely qualifies as a prospective bargain.
July 21: Six backups to keep on your fantasy radar
Mike Clay: Few are as creative with their article concepts as the great Bill Barnwell, and his recent "NFL All-Backup Team" is the latest example. In the piece, which includes his take on the best possible roster using only current backups, Bill includes a handful of players who very well could find their way to the fantasy football radar here in 2026. Here are the names you need to know, beginning with where I have each ranked positionally:
RB30 Rico Dowdle: After consecutive successful seasons with Dallas and Carolina, Dowdle now heads to Pittsburgh, where he has a good chance to lead the team in carries, perhaps by a long shot. If he's able to separate from Jaylen Warren, RB2 numbers are a possibility.
RB33 Kenny Gainwell: Kenny "gained well" this offseason (sorry not sorry), landing $9.83 million guaranteed to join the Buccaneers. He's likely going to split work with starter Bucky Irving and short-yardage grinder Sean Tucker, but his receiving chops could land him on the flex radar.
TE19 Terrance Ferguson: Ferguson has substantial competition for snaps in the Rams' deep tight end room, but the 2025 second-round pick very well could operate as Matthew Stafford's No. 3 target as soon as Week 1. He's a no-brainer late-round flier.
RB54 Tyler Allgeier: Allgeier has no stand-alone value as a clear backup to third overall pick Jeremiyah Love, but he's one of fantasy's most appealing insurance backs and thus worth late-round consideration.
RB56 Keaton Mitchell: One of the most polarizing players on football social media, Mitchell is an explosive situational player, but his role will be limited with 2025 first-round pick Omarion Hampton ticketed for a feature role.
QB27 Fernando Mendoza: The first overall pick in April's draft, Mendoza would be a more palatable late-round flier if he wasn't an underdog to Kirk Cousins to start in Week 1. Pass on draft day, but make a speculative waiver add once his first start draws near.
July 20: Is Garrett Wilson undervalued at his 2026 fantasy ADP?
Eric Moody: Wilson looks like one of the better wide receiver values in fantasy drafts because the market seems to be pricing in the New York Jets' offensive dysfunction while overlooking just how much target volume he continues to command.
Wilson has seen 147, 168 and 154 targets in his three healthy seasons, and before his knee injury last year, he was again on pace for roughly 160 targets. That kind of workload isn't always easy to find for someone selected as the WR15 in drafts, with an ADP of 38.4.
The production from Wilson has been solid despite years of shaky quarterback play. He opened his career with three straight 1,000-yard seasons, posting 83 catches, 1,103 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie, 95-1,042-3 in 2023 and career highs of 101-1,104-7 in 2024, which produced 253.9 total fantasy points (WR9).
We also saw the upside before Wilson was injured in 2025. In his first five games, Wilson averaged 9.6 targets and 19.0 fantasy points per game. Through four games, he ranked second among WRs in targets (38) and receptions (27), fifth in receiving yards (311), and third in touchdowns (three).
There are concerns: The Jets' offense could struggle again; Geno Smith is coming off a season with 19 touchdowns, 17 interceptions and 3,025 passing yards; and New York added more target competition around Wilson. Still, Smith completed 67.4% of his passes last season and owns a 78.3% career on-target rate.
The Jets also added coordinator Frank Reich, whose offenses finished in the top 10 in passing yards three times and in scoring four times across his eight full seasons as an NFL offensive coordinator or head coach. Smith also brings a stronger statistical résumé than Wilson has typically had from his QB.
For redraft leagues, Wilson is best viewed as a high-end WR2 with legitimate WR1 upside. Our projections also point to a relatively high floor. From a dynasty perspective, Wilson is still just 26 years old and is worth targeting in trades, especially for teams contending for a championship. His value has been dragged down by years of offensive woes in New York, but the talent, age and target volume are still there.