Catch up on all the recent content from our DFF creators in this week’s edition of The Assembly Line, your go-to Dynasty Newsletter.
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Week 7 started with a bang: the Bears and Patriots’ 54-point bonanza, and the Cowboys finished it off with a 38-point get-right game against Philly. In between, Joe Burrow led all scorers with 37 points, thanks to a four-touchdown, 35-point second half against division rival Baltimore. Week 7 was the week of rivals, but with 10 more games to go, who is separating themselves from the pack, and who is on the verge of being left behind?
ARIZONA CARDINALS
In TE-premium leagues, Trey McBride has scored double-digit points in every single game this year, is top 5 in points among all positions, and has outscored TE2 Isaiah Likely by 28 points. Averaging almost 23 PPG, McBride is proving that last year’s TE1 overall season was no fluke.
Takeaway: McBride has outscored EVERY WR not named Jaxon Smith-Njigba, EVERY RB not named Jahmyr Gibbs, and EVERY QB not named Brock Purdy, Josh Allen, or Kirk Cousins.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Among all QBs from Weeks 5-7, Michael Penix is 5th in points (57.9), 12th in yards (678), and 4th in touchdowns (7).
Takeaway: In just five games played, Michael Penix already has as many touchdowns (9) as he did in nine games last year, and he is currently averaging 20 PPG.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
In three games without Lamar Jackson, Mark Andrews hasn’t scored a touchdown, scored more than seven fantasy points, or had more than 30 receiving yards in any single game. In the four games with Lamar, Andrews scored 10 or more points in every game but one, scored a touchdown, and had multiple games of 40 or more receiving yards.
Takeaway: I don’t believe Andrews is “cooked,” as the kids say, but Zay Flowers’s ascension has limited Andrews more than it has helped him so far this season.
BUFFALO BILLS
Josh Allen has 8 rushing touchdowns this season, the most of any QB and tied for the NFL lead with Jonathan Taylor, Javonte Williams, and Christian McCaffrey. He’s QB1 at 27.6 PPG.
Takeaway: Allen’s legs give him a weekly floor no other QB has. Even on a quiet passing day, he can save your week at the goal line, and that’s how he sits more than five points per game clear of QB2.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Bryce Young had his worst game of the year, with more turnovers (3) than touchdowns (1) and a season-low 6.42 fantasy points.
Takeaway: The Panthers had been cruising heading into Week 7. Division games are always weird, and even at home, Carolina ran into a Buccaneers team rejuvenated by Baker Mayfield’s return.
CHICAGO BEARS
D’Andre Swift has three straight games with a touchdown, 17 or more fantasy points, and four receptions, but he’s still waiting for his first receiving touchdown. In three games without Kyle Monangai, Swift is averaging 19.7 points per game.
Takeaway: Ben Johnson has the Bears offense rolling, and any piece of it is worth having.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Tight end Mike Gesicki has scored a touchdown in four straight games, and yet somehow he is the TE20 on the season. In that four-game span, Gesicki has just 11 targets, eight receptions, and less than 90 receiving yards.
Takeaway: Even though he’s touchdown-dependent, Gesicki has the fifth-easiest strength of schedule for tight ends for the rest of the season.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
KC Concepcion had his best game of the year, and would you believe me if I told you he leads the Browns in targets (45) and receptions (30) on the season? Denzel Boston has had a tough stretch, but in his last three games, he has 20 targets compared to Concepcion’s 17.
Takeaway: If this passing game starts clicking, I believe Boston and Concepcion can be trusted in lineups week to week. The Browns have the 12th-easiest strength of schedule.
DALLAS COWBOYS
Prior to Week 7, Javonte Williams had 28 touches in Weeks 5 and 6 combined. In Week 7, he had 25 touches and 155 yards. In seven career games with 20 or more touches, Williams averages 19 PPG.
Takeaway: Last year, Javonte Williams averaged 19 touches per game and was the RB12. This year, he’s averaging 19 touches per game and is the RB7.
Last Week In Fantasy: Week 7 Read More »
I did something this week I never thought I’d do: I traded away King Henry… TWICE. Was it bold? Absolutely. Was it smart? Ask me in December. That’s Dynasty in a nutshell, and with the halfway point of the season here for a lot of leagues, now is the time to decide whether you’re buying, selling, or holding on for dear life. And if you play Devy or C2C, Saturday brought its own chaos, from Bryce Underwood’s benching to an injury in Columbus that could ripple through Ohio State’s entire QB room. You’ll also notice a couple of changes this week: our new C2C Saturday Prep section has everything you need before kickoff, and we’ve added even more Devy coverage, including a free article from Jim. Whatever your plan, the DFF Crew has you covered. Let’s get after it!
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Week 6 had plenty of drama. The Texans beat the Jaguars in London on a last-second field goal, the Broncos were outgained 353 to 168 and still beat the Seahawks in overtime, Jalen Hurts landed on IR, J.J. McCarthy took Jameis Winston’s job with the Giants, Terry McLaurin was lost for the season, and the Chargers are somehow 0-6.
Same format as last week: I dig through the numbers, snap counts, and news from all 32 teams so you don’t have to, and pull out the stat, trend, or storyline from each one that deserves your attention. Some of it points to a clear move. Some of it is food for thought.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Jeremiyah Love missed his first game in Week 6, and despite a difficult division matchup with the Rams, the Cardinals running backs had a combined 37 touches. Love is averaging 16 touches per game and has 81 total this season.
Takeaway: With Brissett’s up-and-down play week to week, the Cardinals rely heavily on the run game. Love is in for a big workload, despite being in a committee backfield. The Cardinals’ rest-of-season strength of schedule for running backs is second easiest.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Jahan Dotson has started taking over the WR2 role in Atlanta. He’s scored a touchdown in two of the last three games, has more than 50 receiving yards in every game over his last three, and has double-digit points in two of his last three games.
Takeaway: Dotson is a nice waiver-wire add to help combat injuries and bye weeks. Penix has 30 or more pass attempts the last two weeks, and Dotson is averaging four targets per game over the last three weeks.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
For the first time this season, Derrick Henry failed to score a touchdown or reach 15 points in a game.
Takeaway: In a game where the Ravens offense only mustered 235 total yards against a divisional opponent, this is a one-off type of performance for Henry.
BUFFALO BILLS
Despite not having his alpha receiver in D.J. Moore, Josh Allen has two or more touchdowns in every game and is on pace for 51 touchdowns this season.
Takeaway: Last week I said picking a Bills receiver was a guessing game. In Week 6, Keon Coleman played 85% of the snaps and scored, while Khalil Shakir played about 60%. D.J. Moore was inactive again with his shoulder injury, and the Bills are on bye in Week 7.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Jalen Coker was a warm welcome back to the Panthers offense. For the second time in the four games Coker and Tetairoa McMillan have played together, Coker has outscored him.
Takeaway: Bryce Young is averaging 40 pass attempts a game, and in Week 6 Coker saw 13 targets to McMillan’s 9. With that much volume, the Panthers passing game has room for both receivers.
CHICAGO BEARS
After a tumultuous start to the season, Luther Burden has found a way to be a top-24 receiver: 20th in receiving yards, 13th in receptions, and 21st in total points.
Takeaway: With the return of Caleb Williams, Luther Burden caught all eight of his targets for 95 yards, and Colston Loveland added six catches and a touchdown. Rome Odunze didn’t put up the fantasy numbers on four targets, but he played 96% of the snaps, his second most all season.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Despite ranking 20th in the NFL in red zone possessions and scoring only seven touchdowns in the red zone, the Bengals offense was averaging over 25 PPG heading into their bye week, ranking ninth in the NFL.
Takeaway: The Bengals have played one fewer game than most teams, so their 20th-place red zone ranking is partly a product of the bye. Chase Brown has 14 red zone touches this season, and they face the Ravens in Week 7.
Last Week in Fantasy: Week 6 Read More »
We’re almost a third of the way through the 2026 season, and this season has been about as unpredictable and injury-riddled as I can remember. Jalen Hurts is the latest big-name player to find himself on the injury list (get well soon, Jalen), and last week we were without Lamar Jackson. Hopefully, neither injury keeps them out long. Whether you’re trying to find your replacement QB or looking for a bye week fill-in, as always, the DFF Crew has you covered. Let’s get after it!
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Week 5 had a little bit of everything. Josh Allen ran for 121 yards in a Monday night overtime classic; Puka Nacua caught 17 passes (on 24 targets!), Drake Maye threw four touchdowns, Jahmyr Gibbs piled up over 200 total yards, the Giants and Commanders played more than 60 minutes of football to settle absolutely nothing, and Marvin Harrison Jr. is now a Houston Texan.
You might notice things look a little different this week. I’ve moved away from slapping a Buy, Sell, or Stash label on every team, because the most useful stuff doesn’t always fit in one of those boxes.
Here’s how this works. I dig through the numbers, snap counts, and news from all 32 teams so you don’t have to, and pull out the stat, trend, or storyline from each one that deserves your attention. Some of it points to a clear move. Some of it is food for thought. Either way, you’ll walk away with something you can use when you set your lineup, work the waiver wire, or fire off that trade offer.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Marvin Harrison Jr. was traded to the Houston Texans, but oddly enough, I don’t think any of the other Cardinals receivers should be elevated because of this move. Harrison had just 13 targets on the year and wasn’t a real focal point of the offense.
Takeaway: Kendrick Bourne is third on the team in targets with 22. He’s worth keeping an eye on, but if anyone should rise up the rankings, it’s RB Jeremiyah Love.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Kyle Pitts caught his first touchdown of the season and looks to be finding his place in the Falcons’ offense, and Michael Penix Jr. has three straight games with 200 or more passing yards, something he did only five times in 2025.
Takeaway: Bijan Robinson and Drake London are the stars of the Falcons’ offense, but Pitts and Penix aren’t far behind.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Even without Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ offense didn’t skip a beat. Receiver Rashod Bateman is rumored to be on the trade block, and while his stats don’t jump off the screen, he has 30 or more receiving yards in every game this season and has played 75% or more of the snaps in every game but one. He also proved he can handle the WR1 role in Week 2 without Zay Flowers, putting up 21 points.
Takeaway: Bateman is a low-end flex play right now, but depending on where he lands (if he gets traded at all), he could be a WR3 in fantasy lineups.
BUFFALO BILLS
The Buffalo offense is efficient, but if you’re chasing their receivers, I’d temper expectations. The Bills rank 29th in pass attempts at 27 per game. Maybe the return of D.J. Moore will help?
Takeaway: D.J. Moore is the only Bills receiver with double-digit targets in a game this year, and that happened just once. Right now, picking which Bills receiver to start is a guessing game I’m not looking to play.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Coming off their bye week, nothing has changed for the new and improved passing attack. However, Jalen Coker is expected to return and give Bryce Young another weapon.
Takeaway: In the first three weeks of the season, Jalen Coker had 22 targets (he left in the third quarter of Week 3) and Tetairoa McMillan had 23. Coker’s return doesn’t hurt McMillan as much as it complements him.
CHICAGO BEARS
The trio of Rome Odunze, Luther Burden, and Colston Loveland has started to show signs of life over the last three weeks. Odunze has 24 targets, Burden has 23, and Loveland has 18. The return of Caleb Williams can’t come soon enough.
Takeaway: The injury to RB Kyle Monangai, who is second on the team in red zone touches with 15, should open up more scoring opportunities for Burden, Odunze, and Loveland.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Fun fact: Chase Brown is second among all RBs with 24 receptions. Brown has been frustrating lately, and Samaje Perine stealing a touchdown from him didn’t help matters. Over the last three games, Brown has 52 total touches and Perine has 26.
Takeaway: Brown is a big part of this offense and leads the team in red zone touches with 12 (Perine has eight). The touchdowns are coming for Brown.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Quinshon Judkins got hurt in Week 5, and Raheim Sanders is on IR. Dylan Sampson might play on Sunday. Add in Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime, and this backfield is a mess.
Takeaway: Judkins has a chance to play, but if he doesn’t, I like Denzel Boston’s and Harold Fannin Jr.’s chances of scoring a touchdown given the state of the RB room. Maybe Watson finally scores his first rushing touchdown of the season?
DALLAS COWBOYS
With 10 days off, hopefully the Cowboys are well rested after playing three games in 12 days. Javonte Williams heads into the break riding a three-game touchdown streak.
Takeaway: The Packers have allowed nine total touchdowns to RBs this season, which ranks 30th in the NFL. I expect Javonte to have a big game in Week 6.
Last Week in Fantasy: Week 5 Read More »
@PaulRyan15 compiles all of DFF’s Week 4 content in this edition of The Assembly Line, your Dynasty Fantasy Football newsletter.
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Week 4 had its moments, but overall it was kind of blah. Drake Maye showed signs of life, Puka Nacua made his triumphant return, CeeDee Lamb reminded everyone who the “real” alpha is in Dallas, Bryce Young’s breakout season rolled on, and Brian Robinson Jr. (NOT Bijan, although he had himself a day) stole the show on Monday night with three touchdowns.
As always, I dug through the numbers and the news from all 32 teams, so you don’t have to. Every team gets a player worth talking about and a verdict: Buy, Sell, or Stash. Let’s make your lineup and trade decisions easier.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Trey “TE1” McBride has double-digit targets and seven or more receptions in every game this season. But with only two touchdowns, it’s worth kicking the tires to see if someone is willing to part ways with him.
McBride is a Buy High for contenders or teams looking to make a push.
ATLANTA FALCONS
The Robinson duo of Bijan and Brian Jr. has scored eight touchdowns over the last two weeks, including three from Brian in Monday night’s 45-24 rout of the Saints. Bijan is still the lead dog, but Brian has double-digit touches and 50 or more rushing yards in each of his last three games.
Brian Robinson Jr. is a Buy if you need production while your team deals with injuries.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ new-look offense have been great, but Lamar is now nursing an ankle injury, missed Wednesday’s practice, and could miss time. With only one rushing touchdown on the season, we haven’t seen the blow-up game we’re accustomed to from Lamar.
With Lamar potentially set to miss games, Lamar is a Sell High!
BUFFALO BILLS
D.J. Moore hasn’t done much since his 21-point Week 1 performance. Over his last three games, he’s scored a combined 15.5 points, and now he’s banged up again. I believe in the Bills’ offense, and Moore’s injury isn’t considered long-term. I’d reach out to the Moore manager and see if he’s available.
D.J. Moore is a Buy Low.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Bryce Young’s breakout season is here, and it’s for real. The fantasy QB3 is on a tear, leading the league in passing yards (1,268) and sitting tied for first in passing touchdowns with nine. The Panthers are on bye this week, so he can’t add to his stats, but Bryce has unlocked this offense.
Bryce Young is a Buy High league winner.
CHICAGO BEARS
Kyle Monangai had a career day, but D’Andre Swift still had 17 touches of his own. Until Caleb Williams returns and the QB play improves, Chicago will lean heavily on the run. Over the last two weeks, Monangai and Swift have NINETY combined touches!
I’m Buying both, and if one gets hurt, you have a league winner on your hands.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Tee Higgins continues to prove me wrong this year, posting 90 or more receiving yards for the third game in a row. Joe Burrow and the Bengals average 30-plus pass attempts a game; the running game is still a work in progress, and with Ja’Marr Chase in the concussion protocol, Higgins’ target share could climb even higher.
Even though he’s banged up, Tee Higgins is a Buy.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Deshaun Watson has turned the Browns into a fantasy surprise this year, and he currently sits as the QB12. The biggest surprise so far is his rushing production: 20 or more rushing yards per game. A big game is on the horizon for Watson and the Browns.
Watson is an upside Buy.
DALLAS COWBOYS
CeeDee Lamb stole the show on Sunday, but it was Dak Prescott who led the charge. Dak has thrown for 250 or more yards in three straight games, the Cowboys have scored 30-plus points in each of them, and he’s protecting the ball with just one turnover against eight touchdowns. Until the Dallas defense improves, the Cowboys will be in shootouts more often than not.
Dak Prescott is a Buy High for any contenders out there.
DENVER BRONCOS
The Broncos have been unlucky with their early schedule; it doesn’t get any easier, and everyone’s favorite bounce-back candidate, Jaylen Waddle, has suffered the most. With only two games of 35 or more receiving yards and one touchdown, it’s hard to trust the Denver offense moving forward.
Waddle is a Sell due to the schedule and QB play.
Last Week in Fantasy: Week 4 Read More »
Check out all the recent DFF content from the past week in this edition of The Assembly Line, your go-to dynasty newsletter.
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njuries continue to take their toll on fantasy players as De’Von Achane was lost for the season and Travis Etienne will miss extended time with a hamstring injury. But, that’s the game we play and it’s important to stay active and ready for anything. And that’s what this article is meant to help you with.
So, without further ado, here is Last Week In Fantasy.
Arizona Cardinals
If it wasn’t evident enough, Week 3 made it crystal clear. Michael Wilson is THE WR1 for the Cardinals, and his 17 targets in Week 3 were more than Harrison has combined for the season.
I’m buying Wilson, and I believe Arizona is a top 10 offense for the rest of the season.
Atlanta Falcons: In his first start of 2026, QB Michael Penix had more passing yards than Cooper Rush did in Weeks 1 and 2 combined and scored more points than the Falcons offense did in Weeks 1 and 2.
Penix is a buy for me and has a great supporting cast for fantasy.
Baltimore Ravens: Derrick Henry continues to do Derrick Henry things! He now has six touchdowns and is averaging two touchdowns per game, and the Ravens offense is averaging 30 PPG this season.
With injuries to De’Von Achane and Travis Etienne, Derrick Henry is a BUY High.
Buffalo Bills: James Cook “quietly” has back-to-back games of over 130 rushing yards and a touchdown. We’re still waiting on his targets to show up, but they’re coming.
James Cook and every other Bills player is a BUY.
Carolina Panthers: Tetairoa McMillan had his worst statistical game of the season, but he was on the field for 95% of the Panthers’ snaps. With Jalen Coker banged up, McMillan is about to get fed!
Buy McMillan and this Carolina offense that is third in pass attempts in the NFL.
Chicago Bears: It feels like so long ago when D’Andre Swift had his three-touchdown performance in Week 1, and since then he’s scored ZERO touchdowns! Although he does have 45 total touches since then.
Buy from any frustrated owner who is giving up on the Bears offense.
Cincinnati Bengals: Tee Higgins is averaging six or more targets in every game this season, and he’s scored 14 or more PPR points in back-to-back games. Joe Burrow has 30 or more pass attempts in every game so far, so the volume could get better.
Tee Higgins is a BUY, and I would try to buy now before his price goes up.
Cleveland Browns: Deshaun Watson and the Browns offense are starting to find a groove, but the RBs are still trying to find their way. Of the 8 red zone possessions for the Browns, Judkins has 7 touches. Judkins is averaging 17 touches per game and is the clear lead back.
Buy Quinshon’s volume and reap the rewards of a young, up-and-coming offense.
Dallas Cowboys: George Pickens has had a frustrating start to the season, but his targets, receptions, and yards have increased every week of the season.
The Dallas offense is humming, and Pickens, with everyone else, is a buy.
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Week 2 was dominated by injuries, and unfortunately, that comes with the territory. But with Week 3 just a day away (or already here, depending on when this finds you), let’s dig into some Week 2 stats and see if we can find an edge on our leaguemates.
Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr. has a combined four targets through two games and has scored fewer than five fantasy points. Among 103 receivers with 25 or more routes, he ranks 100th in target rate. I’m sitting Harrison until further notice.
Stash! Really, I’d be selling low at this point, but his price is too low for what he could be if he ever reaches his potential.
Atlanta Falcons: Drake London must have Drake London on his fantasy team, because he was not happy on Sunday. Just ask the fan he got into it with. Michael Penix Jr. takes over the offense this week, and things can only go up from here. In 2025, with Penix at QB, Bijan Robinson averaged 22.7 PPG, London averaged 19.5 PPG, and Kyle Pitts averaged 13 PPG. New coaching staff, sure, but the talent hasn’t gone anywhere.
Buy Atlanta players before they blow up.
Baltimore Ravens: Mark Andrews has six or more targets in back-to-back games, and with Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar gone, the tight end room is all his. Zay Flowers already missed Week 2 and could miss again this week. Rashod Bateman is Andrews’ only real competition for targets, and Andrews will continue to eat.
Buy Andrews in every format if you’re contending.
Buffalo Bills: Josh Allen looks like he’s going to break fantasy this year, and Dalton Kincaid looks to be the main beneficiary. Kincaid has 225 receiving yards through two games and is currently the TE2 on an offense that has scored 35 or more points in back-to-back weeks.
Buy all the Kincaid you can, and grab Dawson Knox too. He’s a formidable backup in case of injury.
Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young has back-to-back games with three touchdown passes, but the real story is Chuba Hubbard. With Jonathon Brooks headed for core muscle surgery and at least six weeks on IR, Hubbard is in line for even more work. He’s averaging 17.5 PPG. Keep an eye on Austin Ekeler, who’s working out for Carolina this week.
Buy HIGH on Hubbard and this much-improved Panthers offense.
Chicago Bears: Colston Loveland continues to disappoint, and with Caleb Williams out, who knows what to make of the Bears’ skill players. I’m still starting Loveland one more week in hopes of a big game.
Stash! Everyone is probably trying to buy low, so holding is the way to go for now.
Last Week In Fantasy: Week 2 Read More »
Check out the latest DFF content before Week 2 of the NFL kicks off with this week’s edition of The Assembly Line.
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Week 1 of the NFL season is in the rearview mirror, but fantasy season is finally back, baby! We’ve made our bets, and while we still have time to see which ones will cash and which ones we hope to parlay into a better one, now is the time to see if we were right, wrong, or just early. To help with that, I’m introducing my new weekly article, “Last Week In Fantasy” — a piece that filters through the data, stats, and news across all 32 teams every week to help you decide if a player is a Buy, Sell, or Stash!
Last Week In Fantasy: Week 1 Read More »
Week 1 is FINALLY here, and with two games already in the books, Sunday can’t get here fast enough! The Game of the Week has to be Western Michigan and Michigan. I mean, a last-second (2nd?) Hail Mary; it doesn’t get any better than that…but did Western Michigan get cheated out of a win? Injuries have taken their toll on some big names already, but it’s too early to panic.
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Welcome back to my “One Question” series, and thank you to everyone who read last week’s AFC South edition — are you buying Cam Ward’s redemption story? Let’s stay in the South, but make our way to the NFC. The NFC South has no shortage of playmakers — guys like Drake London, Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, Chris Olave, Travis Etienne, Emeka Egbuka, Tetairoa McMillan, and Jonathan Brooks have fantasy players in a frenzy to add them to their teams. The only real question with this division is: what will their quarterbacks do this year? Can Baker earn another payday with Tampa Bay, or will his contract situation linger into the season? Can Bryce Young take the next step, or is he who we think he is? Will either QB in Atlanta be good enough to elevate their skill players? And is Tyler Shough the real deal, or was 2025 just a flash in the pan?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers look like the team to beat in the NFC South, but was last year’s brutal Week 18 loss to division rival Carolina Panthers the beginning of the end? Tampa Bay has been active this offseason, bringing in new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson and signing running back Kenneth Gainwell. But there’s been no shortage of drama, as Baker Mayfield (QB – TB) goes into the season without a new deal and has been vocal about his displeasure. Two-time Pro Bowler Vita Vea (DT – TB) requested a trade after not getting a new deal — thankfully, that got reconciled quickly with a one-year contract. Between the new OC, the loss of Mike Evans (WR – SF), Emeka Egbuka’s (WR – TB) toe injury, and a disgruntled quarterback, a lot is riding on 2026 in Tampa. And it starts with figuring out Mayfield’s future.
My question for the Buccaneers is: Should Tampa Bay re-sign Baker Mayfield?
After a promising start in Cleveland, things went south for Baker out of nowhere. After winning their first playoff game in 26 years, he suffered an injury the following season, played through it rather than have surgery, and it likely cost him his job. Things got worse when the Browns pursued Deshaun Watson (QB – CLE) while Baker was still on the roster. Cleveland traded for Watson, dealt Baker to Carolina, and the rest is history.
Baker joined former first-round pick Sam Darnold (QB – SEA) in what looked like a fresh start. It didn’t last. He won the job over Darnold in the preseason, suffered another injury, and played through it again. The Panthers went a dismal 1-5 in games he started. He requested a release, and the Rams picked him up — and that’s when things turned around.
Baker landed with a Rams team, the defending Super Bowl champions, desperate at quarterback of their own. It only took 48 hours for him to make his presence felt. Starter John Wolford, playing through a neck injury, went three-and-out on the Rams’ first series, and the coaching staff pulled him to protect him. Baker took over and led the Rams back from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit, capped by a 98-yard drive with no timeouts to steal the win.
Baker’s Rams stint ended at 2-3, highlighted by a Christmas Day 51-14 win. His next opportunity wasn’t far behind. In 2023, he was part of another QB battle, this time in Tampa Bay, on a one-year “prove-it” deal against Kyle Trask (QB – TB). He won the job, helped the Buccaneers win the division and a playoff game, and earned a three-year, $100 million extension the following offseason.
But as resilient as Baker is…can he win when it matters? In five playoff appearances, he’s 2-3, and his teams held fourth-quarter leads in two of those three losses. In the divisional round against Washington, a bad exchange with Jalen McMillan (WR – TB) led to a fumble and a short-field touchdown. His playoff woes go back to Oklahoma too, where he lost both of his playoff games.
But does that mean he’s not a franchise quarterback? Not so fast! Let’s look at Baker’s resume: the first walk-on player in college football history to win the Heisman, led Oklahoma to two playoff appearances, was the number one overall pick, guided Cleveland to their first playoff victory in 26 years, won a QB battle, won two playoff games, and won two division titles after taking over for Tom Brady.
My question for Tampa Bay: Should they re-sign Baker Mayfield?
My answer: If they don’t, someone else will — and he’ll make you regret it.
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Houston Texans
Let’s start with the Super Bowl contender Houston Texans. My question for the Texans is: Is Jayden Higgins’ replacement already on the roster?
News broke earlier this week that Jayden Higgins (WR – HOU) suffered a torn ACL in practice and will miss the entire season. With Super Bowl aspirations stronger than ever, losing the up-and-coming receiver was an unexpected hurdle. But when you look at the Texans roster, do they have the depth to make it work before making a panic move?
Star receiver Nico Collins (WR – HOU) has made a name for himself as one of the best in the NFL, with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. After losing Stefon Diggs (WR – NE) and Tank Dell (WR – HOU) to injury over the past two seasons, Houston used premium 2025 draft capital on Higgins and Jaylin Noel (WR – HOU) to fortify the room around Collins. Xavier Hutchinson (WR – HOU) started next to Collins for most of 2025 before Higgins overtook him late in the year — proof this room has real competition, not just names on a depth chart. Noel didn’t have a big rookie season as a receiver, but he proved his worth on special teams, and Dell remains a proven veteran when healthy.
The loss of Higgins hurts for fantasy, and for the Texans, but between Hutchinson (17 games played in 2025), Noel (elite return production), and Dell (a Day Two pick with real upside when right), things could be a lot worse.
Do the Texans have Higgins’ replacement on the roster? Yes.
If I had to pick one, give me Blazin’ Jaylin Noel. He made his name on special teams in 2025, but he was also a Day Two pick who ran a 4.39 at the combine — one of the fastest receivers in his class — and profiles as a polished route runner who pairs precision with explosive speed, the kind of player who turns a short slant into six.
*At the time of this writing, Noel had returned to practice after dealing with hamstring and pinkie injuries. He was being ramped up and was in no danger of missing Week 1.*
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