|
Howdy Reader,
Welcome In.
And we are so back.
We dialed back the mailing schedule to twice a week during the "offseason" — that stretch between the Super Bowl and the NFL Draft.
But the Draft is in the books, and it's go-time.
For 25 years, my promise with this Newsletter has been the same: We'll bring you the Fantasy Football news you need — and just as important, we'll tell you what it means.
Not just the headlines. Not just the surface-level stuff. The insights.
The angles. The edge.
Our mission is simple: Help you win more at Fantasy Football.
That's the heartbeat of everything we do here.
So grab a beverage, settle in, and let's crush these next few months together.
And most of all — thank you.
Thanks for being part of the Footballguys family.
We know your time is valuable, and we take that seriously. We won't let you down.
Let's go.
J
PS. Don’t miss Interactive Live Trivia every Monday at 9:00 PM ET! This week’s theme: Star Wars. Play along, go head-to-head with other Footballguys, and win sweet prizes. 👉Join us HERE 👉
|
|
|
📺 Trivia Night LIVE!
📅 Tuesday, February 10th at 7:00 PM ET on YouTube
Tuesday Trivia LIVE is here!
Join us every Tuesday at 7 PM ET as we stay connected in the offseason with themed trivia! Let's go to the ball game because this week is baseball-themed!
Plus, we'll be giving away some sweet prizes.
|
|
What's New At Footballguys
|
📣 Voice Of The Footballguy 🎤
📊 POLL RESULTS: In our last issue of the Daily Update, we asked you Footballguys:
Which rookie RB takes control of his backfield first?
And the Footballguy says: I trust TreVeyon Henderson more than the Patriots do.
TODAY: Clayton Gray’s deep dive into how player values are shifting in high-stakes NFFC drafts reveals one clear trend — quarterbacks are climbing.
Among the biggest movers this week: Lamar Jackson surged 6 spots, Jayden Daniels climbed 4, and Bo Nix jumped 8. But which of these rising QBs most deserves the boost?
So today, we ask you Footballguys:
🗳️ POLL: Which rising QB most deserves their recent NFFC ADP surge?
When you vote in the Poll below, you'll see the current standings, and we'll post the final results in the next edition of the Daily Update.
|
|
| 🗳️ POLL: Sick of getting sniped in these hypothetical drafts, you grab the first rookie tight end off the board. Who are you betting on? |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Eric Smith, from Chargers.com, reports Los Angeles Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh plans to deploy rookie first-round pick Omarion Hampton and free agent addition RB Najee Harris as a 1-2 punch. "I look at Najee and Omarion — both starters. He brings that same type of mentality Najee brings. Like I said last week, we’re looking for someone who complements but also offers the same," Harbaugh said.
Our view: The Chargers are going to run the ball early and often, so the veteran and rookie will be splitting touches. Harris can be the early-down back, and Hampton can be the best option on passing downs. If Harris gets banged up, Hampton has the ability to take over the backfield and doesn't need to come off the field. He's got RB1 fantasy potential, but in this committee Hampton may be more like a flex play with upside.
Back to Top
|
Irie Harris, from Cleveland.com, reports Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry believes second-round pick RB Quinshon Judkins can be their featured back. "Really a bell cow, versatile runner who can run through you, run by you, run around you. We’re really excited to have him available to us at the 36 pick," Berry said.
Our view: Judkins runs with violence, and he has bad intentions for would-be tacklers on every carry. In addition to his powerful style, Judkins has more speed than some think and can rip off big plays as a runner or receiver out of the backfield. The Browns will have an... interesting... offense this year, but a bell cow back in the Shanahan system HC Kevin Stefanski runs can be at least an RB2 for Fantasy GMs.
Back to Top
|
Ashton Jeanty To Shedeur Sanders, NFL Truths Have Been Told: The Fantasy Notebook
By Bob Harris - Exclusive to Footballguys
The following feature is a free preview of our content. If you like it, click here to sign up for access to our Footballguys Premium Subscriptions, and you'll get all of our content. We're so sure you'll love it that we have an industry-leading 30-day MoneyBack Guarantee, so there's zero risk.
Welcome to the weekly Fantasy Notebook, the must-stop spot for keeping your finger on the pulse of Fantasy Nation. NFL news and developments drive fantasy values. The Notebook is here to keep you in the loop on all of it throughout the season.
EXCERPT...
Panthers Land A Playmaker
Jaylen McMillan, who comes off back-to-back seasons of at least 84 catches, 1,300 yards, and more than 15 yards per reception, gives Bryce Young a legitimate big-play threat. In the moment, this is better news for Young than McMillan, who will work alongside Adam Thielen, last year's first-round pick Xavier Legette, and Jalen Coker.
Still, in terms of willingness to invest, McMillan is next on my list as a viable WR3-level play in redraft and best-ball formats. Of course, his long-term Dynasty value could grow quickly if he asserts himself as Young's top deep threat, and Thielen's age adds to that interest . . .
Tighten It Up
Loveland won over a lot of front offices throughout the pre-draft process. At 6-6, 248 pounds with legit speed, he just broke the Wolverines' single-season record with 56 catches. He could be a significant weapon for incoming coach Ben Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams in Chicago, but he must prove himself.
Johnson leaned heavily on two TE sets in Detroit, so Loveland and veteran holdover Cole Kmet will likely see a lot of time together. With Keenan Allen no longer on the roster, Loveland could also line up in the slot. Footballguy Dave Kluge contends that a receiving corps boasting Loveland, Kmet, DJ Moore, and Rome Odunze allows Johnson to create mismatches on defenders and play up-tempo with the same grouping. Johnson's creative playcalling with an array of versatile weapons on the field should make Williams' job easy.
Warren's landing spot with Indianapolis raises concerns. Neither Anthony Richardson nor Daniel Jones inspires great confidence as passers, and head coach Shane Steichen's offense has done nothing to elevate pass catchers like Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, or Adonai Mitchell.
Johnson was going as TE13 in pre-NFL Draft best balls; Warren was going as TE7. I expect that order to swap post-NFL Draft. Even if that doesn't happen, Dynasty managers should note Loveland's long-term upside as Williams' potential safety blanket in a high-tempo attack . . .
CONTINUED...
|
3. DEN: RB Harvey Can Improve as a Receiver
Source: Aric DiLalla - DenverBroncos.com
Aric DiLalla, from DenverBroncos.com, reports Denver Broncos GM George Paton believes second-round RB RJ Harvey can improve as a receiver. "His ability to get in and out [of his breaks], his ability to catch [stood out]. You can see he has instincts in the pass game. Man, he had a lot of big plays in the pass game. You just don't see all the routes, and you can see those at the pro day. And we think he can keep going [upward]," Paton said.
Our view: Broncos HC Sean Payton was looking for his 'joker' on offense — an elite receiver that plays running back or tight end. Harvey has great vision and balance as a runner, and his quickness is likely to make him a dangerous receiver out of the backfield. Harvey could become a fantasy darling in Payton's offense if he becomes the primary ball-carrier in 2025. He will compete with Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin to establish a pecking order in Denver's backfield.
Back to Top
|
4. CLE: Nothing Promised to QB Sanders
Source: Irie Harris - Cleveland.com
Irie Harris, from Cleveland.com, reports Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry says fifth-round QB Shedeur Sanders is going to have to come in and compete for his spot on the roster. "I think obviously Shedeur has kind of grown up in the spotlight, but our expectation is for him to come in here and work and compete. Nothing’s been promised. Nothing will be given... we are excited to work with him," Berry said.
Our view: Many felt Sanders would be a first- or second-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, but he fell to Day 3 and the Browns scooped him up in the fifth round. He joins fellow rookie, third-round pick Dillon Gabriel, and an already crammed room with Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. If Hard Knocks doesn’t camp out in Cleveland, someone should be fired — because with a polarizing player like Sanders in town, the circus is coming either way.
Back to Top
|
5. PHI: Philly GM coy about Dallas Goedert
Source: NFL.com - Bobby Kownack
Philadelphia Eagles TE Dallas Goedert had been the center of trade speculation but wasn't dealt during the 2025 NFL Draft. General manager Howie Roseman was vague about the situation, according to the team press transcript. "Dallas is part of the team as we speak," Roseman said when asked if not drafting a tight end reflects upon Goedert's status. "Obviously, as we go forward, we're going to continue to address things on this team and right now nothing further."
Our view: Goedert's future has been questioned due to his $11.7 million cap hit in 2025 and zero guaranteed money remaining on his contract. Now 30 years old, Goedert has played a full slate of games only once in his seven-year career — and that was as a rookie. He managed a career-low 10 regular-season appearances last season due to injury, leading to a career-low two touchdown catches. Goedert's 496 receiving yards and 42 catches also marked lows outside his inaugural campaign in Philly. Roseman's non-answer likely speaks volumes. There's still plenty of offseason left to see if this is keeping things in-house... or a breakup waiting to happen.
Back to Top
|
6. DEN: Rookie WR Bryant like Michael Thomas?
Source: Nick Kosmider - The Athletic
Nick Kosmider, from The Athletic, reports Denver Broncos third-round WR Pat Bryant reminds HC Sean Payton of former New Orleans Saints WR Michael Thomas. "(Bryant) has just a lot of traits that Mike (Thomas) had," Payton said. "Especially at the line of scrimmage."
Our view: Thomas was a second-round pick who racked up four straight 1,000-yard seasons under Payton in New Orleans. We’re not projecting that level of absurd success for Bryant, but he’ll get a real shot to earn the WR2 role opposite Courtland Sutton. Bryant’s competition includes Marvin Mims, Troy Franklin, and Devaughn Vele — a group about as stable as a house of cards in a hurricane.
Back to Top
|
7. CLE: RB Sampson 'Untapped Potential' in the Passing Game
Source: Irie Harris - Cleveland.com
Irie Harris, from Cleveland.com, reports Cleveland Browns GM Andrew Berry likes the upside of RB Dylan Sampson. "I think he really complements our room nicely. Runs a really tough and physical style despite being a little bit undersized. He’s a player who has A+ makeup and a player that we think has untapped potential in the passing game," Berry said.
Our view: Sampson is an intriguing prospect who could be more than just a third-down back. For now, he’s likely to compete with veteran Jerome Ford for passing-down duties. Expect second-round pick Quinshon Judkins to be the bell-cow bruiser, but Sampson’s versatility could carve out a sneaky-good fantasy role if things break right.
Back to Top
|
8. CAR: Hunter Renfrow Comes Out Of Retirement To Sign With Carolina
Source: Darin Gantt - Panthers.com
Following the draft, the Panthers added another pass-catching option, agreeing to terms with former Raiders receiver and Clemson star Hunter Renfrow Sunday night.
Our view: The 29-year-old Renfrow was out of the league last year but has a track record of production out of the slot. He caught 103 passes for 1,038 yards and nine touchdowns for the Raiders in 2021, a breakout after a pair of solidly productive years. In five seasons, he has 269 catches for 2,884 yards and 17 touchdowns. In Carolina, he joins a receiving corps with a pair of first-round picks in Xavier Legette and Tetairoa McMillan, veteran Adam Thielen, and second-year man Jalen Coker.
Back to Top
|
9. IND: HC Steichen says RB Giddens a 'Good Get'
Source: Indianapolis Colts YouTube channel
Indianapolis Colts HC Shane Steichen believes rookie RB DJ Giddens — and his ability to catch out of the backfield — makes him a "good get" for the team in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Our view: Giddens was a nice sleeper from this deep running back class. He's a slashing runner who catches cleanly out of the backfield. In 2025, he’s buried behind Jonathan Taylor and veterans Khalil Herbert and Tyler Goodson, but dynasty managers should stash him anyway. Giddens has the juice to carve out a future role if injuries (or Colts chaos) strike.
Back to Top
|
That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being a Footballguy.
We'll see you tomorrow with the Update.
Peace,
J
|
|
|
|
Written By Joe Bryant. News by Sigmund Bloom, Bob Harris, and Cecil Lammey
Advertise with us and get your brand in front of 700,000+ football fans
You’re subscribed as Reader - Manage Preferences - Unsubscribe here
Copyright @ 2026 Sportsguys, LLC. 118 N Peters Road, Suite 208. Knoxville, TN 37922
|
|
|
|
|