The Athletic's Matt Barrows writes that it makes sense for the San Francisco 49ers to lean on running back Christian McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle in the passing game early this season. Barrows also added that if McCaffrey is "not back to his 2023 form, he's pretty close to it." McCaffrey helped many fantasy managers win championships in 2023, when he ran for a career-high and league-high 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns on 272 carries while also catching 67 passes for 564 yards and another seven scores in 16 regular-season starts. Unfortunately, CMC got a late start to his 2024 season due to Achilles tendinitis and also injured his knee late in the year. He ultimately played only four games and didn't look like his All-Pro self. McCaffrey is no longer in play for No. 1 overall in fantasy drafts, and although he's ranked fifth among RBs at RotoBaller, he's the biggest risk/reward RB.

From RotoBaller

The Miami Dolphins and free-agent outside linebacker Matthew Judon agreed to a one-year deal worth a maximum value of $6 million on Monday, a source told Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports. Judon visited with the club earlier in the day and will now join pass-rushers Jaelan Phillips, Bradley Chubb and Chop Robinson in Miami in what could be a much-improved Dolphins defense in 2025. Judon is a four-time Pro Bowler and will bring 72 career sacks to the table in South Beach in his nine NFL seasons. The 33-year-old veteran spent the 2024 campaign with the Atlanta Falcons and recorded 41 tackles (25 solo), 5.5 sacks, seven tackles for loss, nine QB hits, his first career interception and five pass breakups in 17 games (15 starts). both of Judon's double-digit sack seasons came with the New England Patriots in back-to-back years in 2021 and 2022.

From RotoBaller

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans likes what he is seeing from the running back room with Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) still on the Non-Footbal Injury list during training camp. Ryans specifically praised veteran Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks on Saturday in the second preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. Marks had seven carries for a team-high 40 rushing yards on Saturday in the 20-3 win, and his fantasy stock is rising now that it's looking like Mixon could miss the first four games of the regular season. However, even if Mixon misses time, the 24-year-old rookie will be part of a committee backfield approach most likely, having to share touches with Chubb and Dameon Pierce. The most likely scenario is that Marks makes his mark in a passing-down role, which could make him worth a late-round flier for RB depth in PPR formats.

From RotoBaller

KPRC 2 Sports' Aaron Wilson thinks that Houston Texans running back Joe Mixon (ankle, foot) will start the regular season on the Non-Football Injury list, which would keep him out for Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams and three more games. Wilson also says that it's been a "tough and complicated rehabbing" for Mixon. The 29-year-old was never a lock to be ready for Week 1, and now it looks more likely than not that he will be forced to miss at least the first four games of the year. He has missed all of training camp and the preseason with an ankle/foot injury. Mixon proved to be a workhorse in 2024 in his first year with the team with 1,325 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdown touchdowns in 14 regular-season games, but his fantasy value will take a big hit now that it looks like he won't be ready. This could be a committee approach without Mixon with Nick Chubb, Dameon Pierce and rookie Woody Marks.

From RotoBaller

Dynasty | Washington running back Brian Robinson will not play in the next preseason game as the Commanders seek a trade partner. Dynasty Analysis: Well, that escalated quickly. A day after it was reported the Commanders were looking to move on from Robinson, they're essentially putting him on ice. This is a considerable development as the Commanders may be giving rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt a legitimate chance to have a meaningful role. While Austin Ekeler and Chris Rodriguez are still in the picture, JCM should be on all rosters immediately. We've been touting him as a sleeper all Summer and it seems we were right. As for Robinson, his value is going to start tanking unless he's moved to a team as a starter.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | The Commanders are actively exploring a trade of Brian Robinson. Dynasty Analysis: We've been touting JCM for months now and it seems the hype has been warranted. Robinson will not play in the Commanders upcoming preseason contest as they explore their options with him. While Chris Rodriguez and Austin Ekeler continue to be in the mix, JCM should be rostered in every league this point as a late round rookie pick who may just hit.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (calf) is not expected to practice this week as he recovers from a minor calf issue. Head coach Mike McDaniel emphasized the move is precautionary, given Achane's speed and explosiveness. The 22-year-old breakout star is coming off a strong 2024 campaign, racking up 1,499 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns on 281 touches. While the Dolphins' offense struggled last season, ranking 18th in total yards, Achane remains a key piece with elite upside when healthy. Fantasy managers should monitor his status, but for now, he's fully expected to be ready for Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed Monday that star wide receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring) will return to practice and gradually ramp up ahead of Week 1. Jefferson missed time this summer, sparking concern about his readiness, but his return solidifies his status as one of fantasy football's elite first-round picks. The 26-year-old posted 103 catches for 1,533 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2024 and remains the focal point of Minnesota's offense. With Jefferson back on track, fantasy managers can confidently draft him among the top overall selections, expecting WR1 production in the Vikings' high-powered passing attack.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (ankle) is still not close to a return from the injury that ended his 2024 season in Week 7. The veteran required another offseason procedure, and the team now expects him to miss at least the first month of the season on the PUP list. That's a major blow for Godwin and Baker Mayfield investors, but it does open opportunities. Rookie Emeka Egbuka and veteran Jalen McMillan should see an expanded target share early in the year, making both intriguing fantasy fliers while Godwin remains sidelined.

From RotoBaller

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. will not play in Monday night's preseason game against the Bengals. The decision was reportedly mutual between Robinson and the team as trade discussions heat up ahead of 53-man roster cuts. Robinson has been Washington's lead back, but uncertainty surrounding his future clouds his fantasy outlook. If he remains with the Commanders, Robinson should retain the bulk of the carries, making him a potential RB2. However, the risk of a trade or role change makes him a volatile option in drafts, likely pushing him down draft boards until his situation stabilizes.

From RotoBaller

Carolina Panthers rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (hamstring) did not practice Monday while resting a "minor" injury, according to team officials. The first-round pick is expected to play a major role right away in Carolina's offense and has already developed a strong connection with quarterback Bryce Young during camp. McMillan's combination of size and athleticism gives him immediate fantasy appeal as one of the top rookie wideouts in 2025 drafts. While the team doesn't appear overly concerned, fantasy managers should keep an eye on his health status leading into Week 1.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Jalen Royals (knee) will not practice Monday due to knee tendinitis. The fourth-round pick is expected to begin the season in a reserve role but could earn more opportunities as the year progresses. With Marquise Brown also battling injuries this preseason, Royals may be positioned for an increased role if he can stay healthy. The Chiefs' offense ranked just 16th in total yards last season and is searching for playmakers to complement Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy. Royals is best left on waivers in redraft but is worth a mid-round dynasty stash.

From RotoBaller

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Quinshon Judkins will not face legal charges following his recent incident, but the NFL's ongoing investigation has delayed contract negotiations. The second-round pick remains unsigned as camp nears its close, raising concerns about his Week 1 availability. With Judkins sidelined, Jerome Ford and rookie Dylan Sampson could see expanded opportunities in the backfield. Judkins flashed explosive playmaking ability in college and still carries late-round fantasy appeal, but his uncertain status makes him a risky stash. Managers should monitor developments closely before investing in drafts.

From RotoBaller

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (foot/ankle) returned to practice Sunday after missing Friday's preseason game against Seattle. The veteran is expected to start opposite rookie Xavier Worthy in the Chiefs' high-powered offense. Brown has struggled with durability in recent seasons, playing only two games last year and recording nine catches for 91 yards. If he can stay on the field, Brown should have plenty of opportunities with Patrick Mahomes distributing the ball. Fantasy managers can consider Brown a late-round flier with upside in deeper formats, though his injury history makes him a risky investment.

From RotoBaller

Free agent wide receiver Gabe Davis is set to visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday as he looks for a new home ahead of the 2025 season. The former Bills and Jaguars wideout caught just 20 of 42 targets for 239 yards and two touchdowns in Jacksonville last year, but he previously flashed big-play ability in Buffalo's explosive offense. Pittsburgh remains thin at receiver beyond DK Metcalf, and Davis could bring size and vertical speed to stretch defenses. Fantasy managers should view Davis as a late-round flier with boom-or-bust upside if he signs with the Steelers.

From RotoBaller

Dynasty | Saints rookie quarterback Tyler Shough completed 9-of-12 passes for 66 yards in New Orleans' second preseason game, Dynasty Analysis: Shough has been outplayed by Spencer Rattler, though neither has looked the part of a true NFL-caliber quarterback this preseason. It's a tough situation for the Saints, who clearly would like to see Shough rise to the top and start as a rookie. This battle looks like one that's going to go down to the wire and Shough's rookie ADP is starting to fall as he looks like a player who has been really protected in games thus far and has lacked the ability to produce explosive plays.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | Saints receiver Mason Tipton had six catches for 100 yards in the Saints second preseason game. Dynasty Analysis: Tipton was a bright spot in an otherwise dismal offensive performance for New Orleans. He's a player who seems to shine in camp and in practices, but it's never translated to on the field success in the regular season. He remains a player to keep an eye on as the Saints are looking for players to emerge behind the likes of Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and Brandin Cooks.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | The Houston Texans have traded wide receiver John Metchie to the Eagles. Dynasty Analysis: Metchie goes to the Texans in exchange for Harrison Bryant and a day three pick swap. Lost in the shuffle in Houston, Metchie should compete with Johnny Wilson and Jahan Dotson for a role behind AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. It's a welcome move for Metchie who was lost behind not only the startes, but also rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in Houston. Metchie is still a ways off the dynasty radar but he at least has a path to relevance here.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | The Browns have signed free agent wide receiver Isaiah Bond. Dynasty Analysis: Bond famously went undrafted this year after he was accused of sexual assault. Those charges have since been dismissed, though the NFL is still performing their own investigation on the matter, so Bond could face some kind of discipline. Regardless, the Browns pounced on Bond and signed him to a fully guaranteed deal worth over $3 million, making him a lock for the roster. While the counting stats have never really been there for Bond, he has the physical traits to succeed in the NFL. At this point, he needs to be on dynasty rosters.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Dynasty | Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has returned to practice. Dynasty Analysis: There was some genuine concern over his availability for week one as he's been nursing a back injury but this is a huge step in the right direction. Now more of a low-end QB1 or high-end QB2 than a player to build around, Stafford can still sling the ball and should be poised for a solid season moving forward. He's a good dynasty asset for a contending team, though he could retire at the end of any given season.

From Dynasty League Fantasy