Fantasy football season is here, and with it come rankings, projections, and safe predictions. But where’s the fun in playing it safe? In this article, we’re diving into 35 Fantasy Hot Takes from 7 of our Senior Writers that might raise eyebrows, but could just win you a championship. Whether it’s a breakout star no one sees coming or a top name ready to fall off a cliff, these takes aren’t for the faint of heart. Let’s turn up the heat!
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Fantasy Hot Takes | Bold Predictions
Mychal Warno | Senior Writer | @dynastydadmike
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Drew Allar will finish as the QB2 among rookies in fantasy points
With my other fantasy hot takes, I provide some insight and statistics to help back that take. This is going to be different. This is strictly vibes. At 42-years old, Aaron Rodgers’ quarterback play is less efficient than it was earlier in his career. I don’t expect the Steelers to be a good football team this year.
If the Steelers fall out of playoff contention and Rodgers struggles, the coaching staff could decide to evaluate their young quarterbacks. Enter Drew Allar. During the predraft process, I had Allar as my QB2. Allar has the tools to work with, and if Pittsburgh has nothing to play for, there is no point in finishing the season with Rodgers at quarterback.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Blake Corum finishes as a top 24 running back
This take is not an indictment of Kyren Williams, but rather that Blake Corum continues to ascend in Sean McVay’s offense. When asked about his expectations for Corum ahead of the team’s first week of training camp, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay praised Corum. “The way that he approaches the game, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t do anything other than get better and impact the team in a positive way. He’s a stud, and he’s gonna be a big factor in what we’re gonna do this year.”
In 2025, the 25-year-old recorded 746 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns on 145 carries while sharing carries with Williams, leading the No. 7 rushing attack in the NFL. Corum also generated 44 first downs on the ground and produced explosive plays at a much higher rate than his rookie year, showing he can create value even without a full workload. After finishing as the RB40 in 2025, I fully anticipate Corum to finish as a top 24 running back in 2026.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ | The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have a top 12 fantasy finish at QB, RB, and WR
Under new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson, Tampa Bay has the opportunity for its offense to return to top-end production. That all starts with the play of Baker Mayfield, who has finished as a QB1 in each of his three seasons with Tampa. A healthy Mayfield has the chance to catapult into top-8 production.
Injuries also took a toll on Bucky Irving, who was forced to miss seven games with foot and shoulder injuries. Before suffering an injury in Week 4, Irving was the RB9 in PPR leagues. Tampa Bay did add some depth in their backfield with the signing of Kenneth Gainwell, but I anticipate his role will be geared more toward the passing game rather than between the tackles.
With Mike Evans departing Tampa Bay for the Bay Area, Tampa’s wide receiver room features a changing of the guard but with some familiar faces. Emeka Egbuka steps into the WR1 role alongside veteran Chris Godwin who is a PPR stud when healthy. One of these wide receivers is destined to finish as a top 12 scorer.
🌶️🌶️ | Devonta Smith returns to WR1 production in 2026
Devonta Smith is in a position to have his best fantasy season to date with the trade of A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots. After playing second fiddle to Brown, Smith is now the clear clubhouse leader for targets, receptions, and receiving yards. I expect Smith to finish 2026 with career-high numbers and be firmly entrenched as a WR1 in fantasy.
🌶️ | Caleb Williams continues to ascend in the Bears offense and becomes the Chicago Bears’ first 4,000-yard passer
This was one of my hot takes last year, and I came up 58 yards short. However, the second part of that hot take was that Caleb Williams would finish as a top 8 quarterback. So, I was half right, but I am still taking the L on the take.
Depending on your cup of tea for projections, models have him anywhere from 3,800 to 4,100 passing yards. I am going to lean toward the latter in the projections, as Williams will be in the second year of Ben Johnson’s offense to finally break the 106-year franchise curse.
Steven Pintado | Senior Writer | @coachstevenp
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Kayshon Boutte finishes as a top 24 for the Patriots
My spiciest prediction for the 2026 fantasy football season is Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte breaking out as a top-24 fantasy receiver in Year 4.
The reason I’m buying into Boutte is because we already saw flashes of his potential in 2025. Through the first eight games of the season, he totaled 431 receiving yards and five touchdowns. Over a 17-game pace, that works out to roughly 915 yards and 11 touchdowns. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury in Week 9 clearly impacted his production for the rest of the year, preventing him from building on that early success.
Now entering a contract year, Boutte has every reason to put together the best season of his career. While many fantasy managers see A.J. Brown’s arrival as a negative, I actually think it helps Boutte. Brown will command defensive attention, allowing Boutte to operate against more favorable coverage. He’s already shown he’s one of the league’s better downfield weapons, ranking first in average depth of target (aDOT), yards per target, and fantasy points per target, while finishing sixth in yards per reception last season.
The Patriots should also throw the ball more in 2026. They’ll face a tougher schedule with more competitive games, making it difficult to rely solely on the run. I also don’t expect Drake Maye to finish below 500 pass attempts, especially when most starting quarterbacks land somewhere between 540 and 580 attempts over a full season. Boutte has also been one of the early standouts in training camp, which isn’t surprising given his talent. I believe 2026 is the year it finally clicks.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Chase Brown finishes as the RB1 in fantasy
We’re turning up the heat with my 4-spice prediction for the 2026 fantasy football season: Chase Brown finishes as the overall RB1.
Brown already proved he can produce at a high level last season, but his biggest difference-maker was Joe Burrow’s health. Once Burrow returned in Week 13, Brown was the RB3 in fantasy for the remainder of the season. Through the first 12 weeks, he was the RB18, which is still solid, but it showed just how much Burrow elevates the Bengals’ offense.
For this prediction to come true, the biggest requirement is simple: Joe Burrow needs to play all 17 games. If he does, Brown has a legitimate path to finishing as the RB1. Cincinnati improved both its offensive line and defense this offseason, which should lead to more sustained drives, more red-zone opportunities, and more positive game scripts where they can lean on the running game.
If you read my RB1 prediction article, Chase Brown was one of my favorite dark-horse candidates because he checked nearly every historical box for an overall RB1 season. The only trend he didn’t fit was playing in the AFC, which is more of a fun historical note than a meaningful concern.
The Bengals also have the third-easiest schedule in the NFL entering 2026, giving Brown plenty of opportunities to capitalize on favorable matchups. Just as importantly, there isn’t much competition for touches behind him. Samaje Perine and Tahj Brooks project as complementary pieces rather than serious threats to Brown’s workload, allowing him to maintain a true workhorse role.
It may sound bold, but all the ingredients are there. If Burrow stays healthy, don’t be surprised if Chase Brown finishes the 2026 season as fantasy football’s overall RB1.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Mark Andrews rebounds and finishes as a top 4 TE in fantasy.
Mark Andrews is one of my favorite bounce-back tight end candidates for the 2026 fantasy football season. Andrews has finished outside the top 10 at the position in two of the last three years, including a TE16 finish in 2025, causing many fantasy managers to overlook him heading into this season.
A big reason for optimism is Baltimore’s new offensive coordinator, Declan Doyle, who previously worked under one of the NFL’s brightest offensive minds in Ben Johnson. During Johnson’s tenure, Sam LaPorta finished as the TE1, while Colston Loveland emerged as the TE5 after Week 10 in 2025. Doyle could bring more creativity to the Ravens’ passing game and increase opportunities for Andrews.
The Ravens also have a chance to surpass 450 pass attempts this season after injuries, including Lamar Jackson’s, limited the offense in 2025. Andrews saw just 70 targets last year, but a healthy offense could push him back toward the 100-target mark for the first time in four seasons. He already commands around a 16% target share and continues to see plenty of snaps from the slot, giving him a strong weekly receiving floor.
Don’t forget about Andrews’ touchdown upside, either. With Baltimore relying on a young group of pass catchers, Andrews could once again become Lamar Jackson’s most trusted target in the red zone. If that happens, a return to top-five fantasy tight end production is well within reach.
🌶️🌶️ | Jadarian Price finishes with more fantasy points than Jeremiyah Love
As excited as everyone is to see what the third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Jeremiyah Love, can do this season, I think many people are overlooking the other first-round rookie running back, Jadarian Price.
The biggest concern with this take is the recent news that Zach Charbonnet could be ready for Week 1. Even so, I’m still not convinced he’ll be available to start the season. If Charbonnet misses time, Price has a great opportunity to establish himself early.
Love is an extremely talented player, but he’s joining a Cardinals offense that projects to struggle again in 2026. Last season, Arizona rarely leaned on one running back, with only one game where a Cardinals running back topped 15 carries. Even if the offense improves, I don’t expect Love to receive a true workhorse role, especially with Tyler Allgeier behind him. The Cardinals didn’t give Allgeier a respectable contract just to sit on the bench, and he’s consistently shown he can steal goal-line touchdowns. That limits Love’s touchdown ceiling, while he’ll also have to compete with several talented pass catchers for targets.
Price, on the other hand, has a much clearer path to early production. Assuming Charbonnet isn’t available to begin the season, Price’s talent should separate him from players like Emanuel Wilson and George Holani. He’s also part of the better overall offense, creating more scoring opportunities. Seattle’s running backs combined for 17 touchdowns last season, and they consistently looked to run the ball inside the 10-yard line. Price also has the skill set to contribute in the passing game, giving him multiple paths to fantasy production.
Love will be the rookie running back everyone wants, but don’t be surprised if Jadarian Price finishes with more fantasy points in his rookie season.
🌶️ | Justin Herbert leads all QBs in fantasy production
My lowest-spice prediction is that Justin Herbert finishes as the overall QB1 in fantasy football for the 2026 season.
Herbert gets a major offensive coordinator upgrade with Mike McDaniel, one of the league’s most creative offensive minds. McDaniel helped Tua Tagovailoa finish as the QB9 despite offering very little rushing upside. Herbert brings a much stronger arm and more athletic ability to the position, giving him an even higher fantasy ceiling.
Herbert was also playing at an elite level before injuries derailed the Chargers’ offense last season. Through the first nine games, before losing both of his starting tackles and several key offensive weapons, he ranked as the QB2 in fantasy and posted four games of 30 or more fantasy points.
Now entering 2026 with a healthy supporting cast, improved coaching, and coming off career highs as a runner, Herbert has all the pieces in place for a breakout season. It may not be the hottest prediction, but it’s entirely realistic that Justin Herbert finishes as the highest-scoring fantasy quarterback in 2026.
Keith Ensminger | Senior Writer/NFL Prospect Analyst | @TheSmingDynasty
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Deshaun Watson finishes as a QB1
First, I promise none of the Browns fans on staff forced me to write this!
New Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken’s offensive philosophy is built on two pillars that we should love as dynasty managers: pace and aggressive downfield passing. Why is that notable? Regardless of who is under center, Monken’s quarterbacks throw for massive volume. Take the 2018 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for example. As offensive coordinator, Monken oversaw an offense that threw for an NFL-leading 5,125 passing yards and 36 touchdowns while splitting starts between career journeymen Jameis Winston and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick finished QB6 by average, while Winston ended as QB20.
If Deshaun Watson is named starter and can stay healthy, he needs only to score roughly 300 fantasy points over a 17-game season for him to finish as a low-end QB1. That averages out to be around 17 to 18 points per game. Monken’s fast-paced spread scheme will force-feed the Cleveland starting quarterback enough dropbacks and passing volume to accumulate top-12 fantasy numbers through sheer volume. But the Browns are going to be bad, you say? Even better! That 2018 Bucs team was 5-11 and often played from behind.
Look, you don’t have to like Watson, and you certainly don’t have to root for him. But in Todd Monken’s fast-paced air attack, surrounded by dynamic pass catchers like Harold Fannin, KC Concepcion, and Denzel Boston, the sheer passing volume will drag Watson kicking and screaming into a top-12 fantasy quarterback finish.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Terry McLaurin finishes as a WR1… and Antonio Williams finishes as a WR2
When the Washington Commanders elevated David Blough to Offensive Coordinator, they didn’t just promote Jayden Daniels’ trusted mentor; they installed an offensive philosophy heavily influenced by Blough’s time playing for noted NFL offensive geniuses like Ben Johnson, Kevin O’Connell, and Kliff Kingsbury. If we draw a parallel to Ben Johnson’s offense in Detroit, it became famous for two specific wide receiver archetypes that successfully coexist. First, there’s the downfield alpha, and second, we have the high-volume power slot. In Detroit, that was Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. In Washington? Enter Terry McLaurin and rookie Antonio Williams. With a healthy Jayden Daniels, McLaurin should dominate the target share and snag double-digit touchdowns as the undisputed focal point of the offense while slot-savant Antonio Williams, one of my favorite players in the 2026 rookie class, quietly finishes as a PPR WR2. A 75-catch rookie season is not out of the question for Williams.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ | For the first time since 2011, no rookie running back will finish inside the top 18
From Ezekiel Elliott and Saquon Barkley to Jonathan Taylor and Bijan Robinson, fantasy managers over the past decade have been spoiled by immediate rookie running back studs. In fact, since 2011, there has been at least one rookie who has finished within the top 18 running backs. Now, we’ve all spent the entire offseason talking about how weak the 2026 rookie class is, most notably at running back. Even more notably, every one of the running backs drafted in April, including Jeremiyah Love, is walking straight into backfields full of stubborn veteran committees, vultures, and third-down specialists. As we long suspected, the 2026 rookie running back class will prove to be nothing but bell peppers.
🌶️🌶️ | Fernando Mendoza will prove why he should not have fallen in your Superflex rookie drafts
The dynasty managers who let Fernando Mendoza slip to the middle of the first round of their Superflex rookie drafts are about to take a big bite of humble jalapeño pie. I’m going to draw a parallel to the rookie season of Rich Dotson’s favorite quarterback, Baker Mayfield. Baker, drafted first overall, sat for a few games behind veteran Tyrod Taylor before taking over in Week 3 and never looking back. Like Mendoza, Mayfield wasn’t a run-first scrambler, but he carved up defenses with a quick, accurate release en route to a 3,725-yard season with a record-setting 27 touchdowns in only 13 starts.
Worried about Mendoza’s supporting cast? Baker was throwing to guys like Antonio Callaway and Rashard Higgins. The similarities continue! What helped Baker to succeed? A strong running game with Nick Chubb and an athletic tight end in David Njoku. Does any of this sound at all similar to the 2026 Las Vegas Raiders? Oh, and did I mention that by 2019, Baker was often valued as the QB2 in Superflex startup drafts behind only Patrick Mahomes?
🌶️ | Trevor Lawrence will finish as the overall QB1
Last season, Trevor Lawrence finished as the QB6 by average (QB4 overall), but he was QB2 following the Jaguars’ Week 8 bye. Several fantasy analysts are chalking his finish up to an easy schedule, but what if it wasn’t? What if the ghost pepper that is Trevor Lawrence’s generational draft profile is finally ready to hit the back of our throats? Liam Coen’s offense increasingly gives opposing defensive coordinators the sweats. The rushing upside for Lawrence has always been there. If he can improve his passing efficiency, increase his passing touchdown totals, and reduce his turnovers, the opportunity is there for the taking.
Matthew Mitchell | Senior Writer | @reflipewthenuz
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Caleb Douglas will finish as a WR3 in 2026
This one is the product of necessity. Many people snickered when the Miami Dolphins selected Caleb Douglas out of Texas Tech in the 3rd round. The Dolphins have one of the most wide-open WR depth charts in the entire NFL. There is not a single player at the position who has even come close to crossing the 1,000-yard mark in the NFL. Douglas is big (6’3) and fast (4.39-40). The Dolphins are also likely to be trailing in most of their games as they undergo a complete reset. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that Douglas will be a high-end WR asset, but he is being primed to return flex appeal as a garbage-time king in 2026. At his current price, that is a steal.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Drake Maye struggles and finishes outside the top 10 at his position
This one is going to ruffle some feathers around the dynasty community, but that is what a hot take is supposed to do. Last season, Maye feasted against squads with losing records, compiling a 29:2 TD-to-INT ratio while racking up 2,925 yards along the way. Against teams with a winning record, he struggled, with his numbers dropping to 2 scores against 9 interceptions with 1,469 passing yards. His passer rating also dropped from a pristine 128.5 all the way to 82.5! As a result of the Super Bowl run last season, the Patriots now go from one of the easiest strength of schedules in the league to the 6th hardest. I expect Maye to face an adjustment year with his numbers falling closer to a high-end QB2 as opposed to an elite QB1.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ | D’Andre Swift finishes the season as an RB1
Last season, many had written off D’Andre Swift as a poor signing by the Chicago Bears destined to be replaced by a draft pick. Well, the Bears did snag an RB, but Kyle Monangai was the perfect complement to the more dynamic Swift. Monangai took some of the tough carries off of Swifts legs, leaving him fresher and more explosive. As a result, Swift saw his best season as a runner, setting career-best marks in yards, ypc, and TDs. He finished the year as the No. 15 RB overall in PPR formats. Entering year 2 of the Ben Johnson scheme, I expect Swift to have a legitimate shot of raising his overall points per game and sneaking into the back half of the RB1 rankings. If he can raise his efficiency by just one point per game, that would do the trick. He is one of the better values at the RB position in 2026.
🌶️🌶️ | George Kittle is not a TE1 in 2026
This hot take came about after I saw that PFF named George Kittle as the top TE in the NFL ahead of the 2026 season. With all due respect to Kittle, and I truly do respect him, I simply do not see him having a good year in 2026. He literally tore his Achilles tendon this calendar year, on January 11th in the playoffs. The data suggests it can take up to a full year for players to regain their explosiveness after this brutal injury. Add in the fact that Kittle will turn 33 in season, and you have the recipe for a down season. San Francisco will be looking to develop their new wide receiving weapons, and with the emergence of a new crop of superstar TEs around the NFL, I can easily see Kittle falling outside the top 12 scorers at the position.
🌶️ | Michael Pittman Jr. outscores D.K. Metcalf
Aaron Rodgers is back for one final run with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2026. Anyone who watched the Steelers last season knows that D.K. Metcalf did not always connect with his signal-caller. The simple fact of the matter is that Rodgers doesn’t have the arm strength he used to possess. He has always been a risk-averse quarterback, preferring not to risk tossing the deep ball if there was a chance at creating a turnover. That combination worked to neutralize Metcalf’s best attribute. Enter Michael Pittman Jr. The former Colts star has a skill set that meshes much better with Rodgers. I am sure that Metcalf will have his moments in 2026; his contract dictates a decent involvement. That being said, Pittman is a much more complete route runner and does a good amount of damage in the intermediate part of the field. His game is far closer to former Rodgers favorite Davante Adams, with Metcalf being more reminiscent of former Packers great Jordy Nelson eating people up downfield. Pittman is far more technically sound, running precise routes, and I believe he will form an immediate connection with his new quarterback. If both wide receivers stay healthy, I look for Pittman to outperform his new teammate.
Bobby Bishop | NFL Draft Specialist | @_BobbyBishop
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Aaron Jones finishes as a RB1
Aaron Jones hasn’t had an RB1 season since 2022; however, he was close during his last healthy season in 2024. Jones caught 51 balls and finished as RB15. Now, Kyler Murray is most likely his QB. Murray has consistently held a high checkdown rate. Over the last 2 seasons, his 10.8% checkdowns ranked 3rd in the NFL behind Bo Nix and Cam Ward. I see Aaron Jones surpassing 60 catches for the first time in his career and solidifying himself as one of the better contender-buys for the 2026 season.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Terry McLaurin bounces back, finishing as a WR1
Terry McLaurin had a down year in 2025, plagued not only by his own quad injury but also by injuries to his franchise quarterback, Jayden Daniels. With both players healthy again, they can continue to build a dominant connection that won many owners their fantasy leagues in 2025. McLaurin is only 30-years old, turning 31 early in the season. If you are a contender, McLaurin is an easy buy. His price tag is relatively inexpensive, and he will help you win during the #2to3yearwindow.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Alec Pierce finishes outside the top 60 WRs
Fresh off a new contract, Alec Pierce will disappoint owners. He is still rehabbing from his left ankle surgery, and once he recovers, his quarterback play will come from a quarterback recently recovered from an Achilles tear. Pierce is primarily a deep-threat flanker, and I’m not sure Daniel Jones will return with the juice to put the ball over the defense right away. In this offense, underneath options like Tyler Warren and Josh Downs will flourish, and obviously Jonathan Taylor will always eat. I don’t think Alec Pierce will play up to his contract in year 1.
🌶️🌶️ | A.J. Brown finishes as a Top 5 WR
A.J. Brown has finally been freed of the confines of a run-first offense, for the first time in his career. His target competition is relatively non-existent. I believe Drake Maye will slam Brown with targets. With Brown’s after-the-catch abilities, he can easily turn 160 targets into 100 catches for 1500 yards and 10 touchdowns. If he approaches those numbers, he will return to his 2022/2023 PPR form when Brown finished as WR5 and WR6 in back-to-back seasons. That’s the type of season I envision for Brown with his new club.
🌶️ | Jahmyr Gibbs goes over 400 PPR fantasy points, solidifying a Top 10 Fantasy RB season all-time
Jahmyr Gibbs has consistently showcased himself as one of the most efficient and talented running backs in the league. Now, it seems like the training wheels are coming off. Gone are the days of splitting carries with David Montgomery. With Gibbs’ workload increasing to get him into workhorse territory, he will flourish. He consistently gets drafted first or second overall in redraft leagues, and fantasy owners will be happy with that decision. I think Gibbs’ total touchdown count will be in the 20s, alongside 80 catches, and 2,000 all-purpose yards. Surpassing all 3 numbers would put him in elite fantasy territory—a top 10 RB season all-time. Honestly, this outcome feels very achievable to me.
Taylor Christianson | Editor In Chief | @mysleepers
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Garrett Wilson finishes as a top 3 WR
The New York Jets are in the middle of a rebuild. The focal point of the passing offense will be Garrett Wilson, the only veteran WR in the room unless you count Adonai Mitchell (I don’t.). It’s going to be Breece Hall, Wilson, and a whole lot of rookie growing pains. I expect Geno Smith to focus on the veteran WR and sling targets at him all season long. Whether it’s for a 3rd down conversion, a red zone TD, or garbage time yards, Wilson has plenty of target share coming his way. Before getting injured in 2025, Wilson was on track to being a top 3-5 WR. With the lack of competition and a QB who won’t say die, I am planting my flag on G Willy to deliver the goods this season.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Marvin Harrison Jr. finishes within the top 8 WRs
Okay, okay. I get it. A lot of us were “burned” by Marvin Harrison Jr. last season (and his rookie year). But that doesn’t mean he’s a bust. As one of the best WR prospects of the past decade, Harrison entered the NFL with a ton of expectations. Due to terrible QB play and an emergency appendectomy, MHJ has struggled through his first two seasons. Stop me if you’ve heard this, but WRs in their third year tend to break out or bust. I expect Harrison to break onto the fantasy scene exactly as planned—just two years later. If the stars can align for Jacoby Brissett to hold down the starting job, I can see Harrison becoming the superstar 1B to Trey McBride’s 1A. And the passing volume from Brissett could certainly be there to support both to 2026 fantasy stardom.
🌶️🌶️🌶️ | D.J. Moore finishes as a WR18 or better
I have a reliable source that says the Buffalo Bills could use a WR1. Luckily, they traded for D.J. Moore this offseason and can reasonably consider that problem solved. Josh Allen has been carrying his team’s passing offense for too long, and he’s ready to have a go-to again. We’ve seen Allen support Stefon Diggs to league-winning seasons. I think I’m on more of a branch than a limb when I say Moore has the opportunity and ability to finish as a WR1 this year. I’m not even predicting that, though. With 6-8 touchdowns and over 1,000 yards receiving, Moore is going to be a solid WR2 for fantasy managers and is worth trading Omar Cooper, Denzel Boston, and the like 1:1 as a contender.
🌶️🌶️ | Jerry Jeudy will lead Cleveland receivers in receptions and yards
This shouldn’t even be a hot take, but here we are. Jerry Jeudy turned 27 in April of this year, meaning he’s younger than most of our favorite WR1s. That said, he’s the clear veteran WR on the Cleveland depth chart. It’s going to be a rocky year for the Browns as they let Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders battle it out behind center. Whether it’s Watson trying to revive his career or Sanders trying to start one, both QBs will need a reliable target to get up and down the field. While KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston are exciting for fantasy longterm, I anticipate Jeudy as the leader in the clubhouse. I’m not saying he’ll finish with high-end WR2 numbers, but if anyone on this offense is going to produce week in and week out, my money is on Jeudy. He’s a great value in startups for contending builds and can be had as a throw-in with bigger trade offers.
🌶️ | Travis Hunter is a fantasy-viable weekly starting WR
I’ll say it: Travis Hunter is going to be a weekly flex player as a wide receiver. The Jaguars traded 1.05, 2.04, and their 2026 1st round pick (plus more) to move up to 1.02 to take Hunter in the 2024 NFL Draft. The only way the front office can justify that kind of investment is to see what they have in Hunter. Reports lingered this offseason that Hunter was going to be more of a defense-focused player this year. I say hogwash. If the Jaguars are serious about contending and want to win football games, they’ll do better with Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. leading the charge than the likes of Parker Washington and Jakobi Meyers. I’m going to be starting Hunter in close to two dozen leagues as he’s my most-managed player. I’m not going to lose sleep over a clip of him warming up with the DBs, or if he starts the season on limited snaps. If he’s commanding targets when he’s on the field, there will be fantasy points to be had.
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