Rich Dotson, Matt O’Hara, and Garret Price debated fantasy breakout candidates on the Dynasty Nerds podcast. AD Mitchell earned a 3/5 belief rating after averaging 15 PPR points over three games with the Jets. Tyler Shough and Devin Neal emerged as cheap SuperFlex depth options in New Orleans. Rich’s bold prediction: Trevor Lawrence establishes himself as a top-12 dynasty quarterback in 2026 under Liam Cohen’s offense.
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Breakout Candidates Rated
Mitchell topped the risers with six-plus targets per game since joining New York. Rich gave him a 3/5, citing athletic upside but noting he needs everything to break right. If the Jets land Fernando Mendoza, Mitchell could thrive as the Z receiver opposite Garrett Wilson. Matt compared his ceiling to Jameson Williams‘ role in Detroit.
Jalen Coker disappointed the panel despite recent production. Garret rated him just 1.5/5, predicting Carolina adds a tight end like Kyle Pitts or Dallas Goedert in free agency, pushing Coker to WR3. Rich saw him as pure trade bait—a “scale tipper” with name value exceeding actual dynasty upside.
Saints Depth and Crystal Ball Predictions
Shough earned 3.5-4/5 ratings as New Orleans’ likely 2026 starter after winning back-to-back games. Garret compared him to Davis Mills—competent enough to be a QB2 but not a long-term franchise solution. Neal scored 2.5/5 as a Brian Robinson type who could split carries with Alvin Kamara if the Saints move on from the 31-year-old’s $18 million cap hit.
Rich’s crystal ball prediction centered on Lawrence becoming QB2 overall since the bye week. With Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr. developing in year two, he projects Lawrence as a top-8 dynasty quarterback. Garret’s bold take: 2026 will have the fewest fantasy-relevant day-one and day-two NFL Draft picks in 15 years, with only Jeremiyah Love, one or two quarterbacks, and 4-5 receivers worth first-round rookie picks.
Gunner Helm received 4/5 ratings as a sneaky tight end buy with Tennessee’s bare cupboard creating opportunity alongside Cam Ward. Jayden Reed scored 3-4.5/5 despite Green Bay’s crowded receiver room, with the panel split on whether he can consistently crack starting lineups.
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