Betting

The Chargers have used free agency to stockpile players custom made for McDaniel’s Shanahan-style offense, including fullback Alex Ingold and tight end Charlie Kolar. Popper describes Kolar as “an elite run blocker who is an ideal fit in McDaniel’s movement offense” who “will allow Oronde Gadsden to play in a role that maximizes the 2025 fifth-round pick’s receiving skill set.” Gadsden was a welcome surprise in fantasy circles last season, totaling 664 yards and three touchdowns on 49 receptions. He ranked 14th among 50 qualifying tight ends in yards per route run, in line with Tyler Warren and Harold Fannin. If he runs 60 or 70 percent of the Chargers’ routes in 2026, Gadsden could be a tight end to target late in drafts.

Popper, like other observers and analysts, says Mitchell is a great fit for offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel’s rushing offense. Mitchell last week signed a two-year contract with LA worth $9.3 million. The explosive Mitchell, who last season ran for 341 yards at a 5.8 yards per carry clip in Baltimore, compares favorably to De’Von Achane, who was one of the NFL’s most efficient backs in McDaniel’s system in Miami. Though Omarion Hampton is likely to remain the Chargers’ lead back in 2026, Mitchell could see a handful of designed touches that might make hum flex viable in what should be a run-first Bolts offense. Mitchell would have a shot at RB1 duties in 2026 if Hampton once again struggles with injuries.

Wentz explored free agency for a few weeks and the Jets seemingly showed some interest before going in a different direction. He’s now back in Minnesota after throwing for 1,216 yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions in 2025. Wentz went 2-3 as the team’s starter and before a shoulder injury knocked him out for the year. His return casts some doubt on the idea of J.J. McCarthy as the team’s QB2 behind Kyler Murray. At best, Wentz will push McCarthy for that role during the offseason.

Seifert notes that if the league cannot agree on a new collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Referees Association, replacement officials will be considered for the 2026 season. The league is looking for a list of “about 150 mostly small college officials” in its approach to prepare for not reaching an agreement. This approach is similar to what occurred during the 2012 lockout of officials, which ended after Week 3 of the regular season. The current CBA expires at the end of May, putting a timeline on the NFL’s decision to consider replacement officials.

Dortch is following new Lions OC Drew Petzing from Arizona to Detroit. He turned 29 catches into 206 yards and three scores last year. Dortch is primarily a slot receiver and Amon-Ra St. Brown has the role locked down. At best, the former Cardinal will give ARSB the occasional breather. He could be an interesting PPR option if anything happens to St. Brown, but that isn’t something early fantasy drafters should plan for.

Speaking on the creatively titled “The Adam Schefter Podcast”, Schefty said Love watch begins at pick No. 5 with the Giants. He closed out Love’s range at pick No. 9 with the Chiefs. Kansas City just inked Kenneth Walker to a massive deal, though Schefter doesn’t believe that rules them out entirely. The Giants hit on Cam Skattebo in last year’s draft, but the rookie suffered a catastrophic ankle injury that ended his debut campaign early. Love could be in play if they are worried about his ability to come back from the injury.

It was previously reported that the Panthers were getting calls for Andy Dalton. The team then went out and signed Kenny Pickett, making it clear they were moving on from Dalton this offseason. Getting even a seventh-round pick in return for Dalton is mildly impressive for Panthers GM Dan Morgan. After the trade, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo insisted, “Tanner McKee firmly locked into the No. 2 spot behind Jalen Hurts.” That would be a bit odd given that the Eagles just sought out Dalton, though they did carry three quarterbacks on their roster last year.

The Dolphins said the same thing about Jaylen Waddle before trading him to the Broncos in exchange for draft picks. Schefter said teams had reached out about Achane and been rebuffed by a Dolphins organization entering what appears to be a multi-year rebuild. If he remains in Miami for 2026, Achane — who ran for 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025 — will remain the centerpiece of the team’s offense. Entering his age-25 season, Achane could end up signing an extension with the Dolphins if they are intent on keeping him during a total franchise rebuild.

Njoku was released by the Browns as the new league year began, designated as a post-June 1st cut. The 29-year-old spent the first nine seasons of his career in Cleveland, making a Pro Bowl in 2023 when he caught 81-of-123 targets for 882 yards and six touchdowns. Njoku played in 12 games last season as Harold Fannin Jr. slowly took over, catching 33-of-48 targets for 293 yards and four touchdowns. The Ravens are in the market for a receiving tight end after Isaiah Likely departed for the Giants. Njoku would fit into a limited role between Mark Andrews and newly-signed blocking tight end Durham Smythe if he lands in Baltimore.

He also projects some of Pittman’s targets to head to Josh Downs, perhaps elevating Downs to the fantasy WR4 line. Warren tapered off down the stretch as the Colts struggled with injured Daniel Jones and without Really Injured Daniel Jones. It does make sense that he’d take a second-year leap and be the preferred possession receiver in Pittman’s absence.