Jeremiyah Love

Love ends up in maybe one of the worst places he could as a gun rookie running back. Ths Cardinals also signed one of the best free agents available in Tyler Allgeier. This does allow Love to come to grips with the pace of the NFL at his own pace rather than be pressured to be the star from day one. That does affect his upside for 2026.

Like Ashton Jeanty last year, Love enters the NFL with loads of talent but questions about his team's offensive consistency. Jacoby Brissett has shown the ability to move the ball well, which is good for Love's outlook, but ultimately, his fantasy success will hinge on his ability to score touchdowns. Double-digit touchdowns would all but secure a top-10 finish. Based on when you draft him, that could be the expectation, which can be a slippery slope. 

Not panicking on the rookie, but the vibes are about as bad as they get for such an exciting player. A high-ankle sprain, clown-show organization, and pesky platoon-mate have dimmed his Year 1 outlook.

Love will be the touch leader from the backfield with Tyler Allgeier as the RB2 and James Conner on another team by midseason. That's my forecast. 

If Love doesn't suffer compensatory injuries after a high-ankle sprain in preaseson, he could earn 250-270 touches from scrimmage with 1,300-1,400 yards and 6-8 scores. This is strong RB2 production and the split in rushing/receiving will look reminiscent of an ascending talent with Alvin Kamara's style of play. 

The Cardinals have a better offensive line in the running game than credited, and if Brissett continues his torrid pace from last year, there could be enough balance for Love to thrive as a consistent high-end fantasy RB2.  However, temper your expectations for this volume and keep it around 220-240 touches and about 1000-12000 yards and 5-7 scores. This places him in RB2 territory, at best. 

LaFleur and Hackett's last five combined playcalling seasons have averaged 27th in rush attempts (396) and 6th in running back target share (22.52%). Love will split touches with Allgeier and Conner, but can reach value with a significant passing game share.