A Minnesota Vikings helmet rests on the sideline before a road matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The scene was captured on Nov. 3, 2019, in Kansas City as the Vikings prepared for another regular-season contest, highlighting the franchise branding and game-day atmosphere before kickoff. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings have already revealed a few surprises this offseason, including firing general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah three and a half weeks after the regular season ended and signing Kyler Murray for $1.3 million. So, what’s next?
The following list highlights surprises that could reasonably occur. They’re ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = most surprising possible development).
Vikings’ Depth Chart May Not Be a Finished Product
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. reacts during second-half action against the Los Angeles Rams in an NFC Wild Card matchup at State Farm Stadium. The moment occurred on Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale as Pace continued his energetic style of play and helped lead Minnesota’s defensive effort during postseason competition. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
6. Ivan Pace Jr. Gets Released
When Minnesota began the offseason, the off-ball linebacking situation looked murky. Eric Wilson was scheduled for free agency, Pace Jr. was not guaranteed to return, and rookie Jake Golday had not entered the roster orbit. The depth chart revealed Blake Cashman — and that was pretty much it.
Then, of course, Wilson re-signed, along with Pace Jr., and the Vikings used a 2nd-Round pick on Golday from Cincinnati.
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There’s a world where Pace Jr. may not make the 53-man roster, believe it or not, if Golday is ready for action in Week 1. Minnesota benched Pace Jr. early in 2025, and the cap hit to drop him this summer is quite low: $0 added in dead money.
The Vikings could also rather easily sign a veteran linebacker like Bobby Okereke or Devin White while releasing Pace Jr., who struggled to tackle last season.
5. Vikings Trade for Another RB
Minnesota could explore the RB trade market. Trey Benson, for example, is a prime candidate. The Arizona Cardinals now have Jeremiyah Love, James Conner, Tyler Allgeier, and Benson in the same backfield, creating a challenging situation for distributing carries. Benson, like fellow 2024 draftee Jonathon Brooks, has also dealt with injuries.
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By his third year, Benson would ideally be vying for a more prominent role. Instead, Arizona acquired another back and retained Conner. Teams typically avoid such a crowded backfield for players they view as future stars. If the Cardinals are open to discussions, the Vikings should inquire for a 6th-Round pick or so.
Jaylen Wright presents another intriguing possibility. With Frank Smith, formerly Miami’s offensive coordinator, now serving as Minnesota’s assistant head coach, a connection already exists. Wright is currently Miami’s RB2, but the arrival of Ollie Gordon this summer could alter the depth chart. If Wright finds himself as the RB3, a new environment might be beneficial.
His speed is a major asset, with a reported 4.38 40-yard dash time. Through two seasons, he has accumulated approximately 600 scrimmage yards and recently turned 23. Like Benson, Wright could be gettable for a late-round pick.
4. Another WR Signed — Like Deebo Samuel or DeAndre Hopkins
The Vikings signed Jauan Jennings to complete their deepest WR corps since the days of Randy Moss, Cris Carter, and Jake Reed. But why not more firepower if the price is right?
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Samuel is unsigned through three months of free agency. Hopkins already stated publicly in March that he’d love to play for the Vikings with Kyler Murray at the helm. Minnesota could opt for an embarrassment of riches at WR, enabling “no excuses” for Murray or J.J. McCarthy in 2026.
3. Extra TE Enters the Mix — Like Michael Mayer or Darren Waller
Mayer remains buried on the Las Vegas Raiders’ depth chart because Brock Bowers is just too good. He doesn’t get the targets that most envisioned when Las Vegas spent 2nd-Round draft capital on him in 2023. Mayer needs a fresh start, and Minnesota’s TE1, T.J. Hockenson, is on tap for free agency next March.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer celebrates after a successful 2-point conversion against the Pittsburgh Steelers during fourth-quarter action at Allegiant Stadium. The scoring play unfolded on Sept. 24, 2023, in Paradise, Nevada, as Mayer contributed to the Raiders’ offensive effort in a tightly contested regular-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Waller is a free agent with ties to the aforementioned Smith from his time in Las Vegas and Miami. Signing Waller would cost next to nothing and provide the Vikings’ offense with a sweet redzone target.
2. Rookie CB Charles Demmings Wins a Starter’s Job
The summer hype train has already left the station regarding Demmings — and it could be real. The 5th-Rounder has the physical tools to shine in the NFL, and Minnesota is long overdue for a cornerback that it organically drafted to work out. The last one to succeed was Xavier Rhodes or Trae Waynes over a decade ago.
The Vikings’ roster is also ripe for a cornerback to emerge. Byron Murphy Jr., Isaiah Rodgers, and James Pierre are good or decent defensive backs, but none are shutdown corners. If an unsung cornerback wants to take flight out of nowhere, Minnesota’s depth chart is prime territory.
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1. J.J. McCarthy Does the Unthinkable by Upsetting Kyler Murray
Perhaps McCarthy really did improve his mechanics from January to June. It’s not inconceivable for a quarterback in his third year to take the next step. It really isn’t.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy throws during pregame warm-ups before a preseason contest against the Las Vegas Raiders at U.S. Bank Stadium. The rookie passer was on the field on Aug. 10, 2024, in Minneapolis as attention continued to build around his development and readiness entering his first NFL season. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Murray remains the heavy favorite to win the QB1 job, but the Vikings could face a champagne-problem reality in August and September — what if McCarthy just looks too damn good to leave on the bench? Murray would not be fond of signing with the Vikings and immediately getting pushed to the QB2 spot on the depth chart, but that doesn’t really matter if McCarthy looks like the real deal.
Not long ago, McCarthy was considered the unabashed QB1 in Minnesota, taking the cake over 2025 offseason options like Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones, and Aaron Jones.
Danhausen has named his price for yet another major uncursing. He has shockingly asked for ten million dollars and that is something that he has never done before.
The Very Nice Very Evil star has been on the lips of all sports fans ever since he helped the New York Knicks win the NBA title in June. The Knicks had not won the NBA championship in 53 years and only did so after he lifted their curse.
Thanks for the submission!
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He has since become a household name and has also appeared on a lot of sports channels where they spoke about his powers. Danhausen will be taking on Dominik Mysterio at SummerSlam which will be held in Minnesota.
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He was posing for pictures with the fans when a fan asked him what would it take for him to uncurse the Minnesota Vikings, who have never won the NFL Championship. He jokingly said that it would take ten million dollars for him to uncurse the Vikings.
Danhausen makes bizarre request to the New York Knicks
The name Danhausen has been etched in the history of the New York Knicks. Ever since they won the NBA title, thanks to their curse being lifted, he has been praised by many of the Knicks players themselves.
After they won the title, the former AEW star made a bizarre request to the New York Knicks. He asked for a one day contract with the franchise so he can play and retire as a world champion. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, after the historic championship win, the former AEW star wrote:
“Danhausen is requesting a one day contract with The KNICKSHAUSEN so he may retire from basketball’s as a champion of the world”
It is the off season right now and there is not a lot of movement. However, given the kind of coverage and sensation the team has received from the WWE star, it should come as no surprise if they decide to adhere to the request and give him a one day contract.
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Derek Chisora is looking to secure a third world title shot, this time against a far different champion to Tyson Fury or Vitali Klitschko.
The Brit lost those two attempts in 2022 and 2012, respectively, but gave a gallant performance when he challenged the long-reigning Klitschko on away soil.
‘Del Boy’ – as he was then known – ultimately lost a unanimous decision to the Ukrainian, before getting stopped in five rounds by David Haye in his following outing.
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Then, around a decade later, Chisora suffered a punishing 10th-round stoppage defeat in his third encounter with Fury, no longer seeming capable of competing at world level.
Yet despite showing signs of deterioration, the heavyweight veteran has continued plugging away and is now coming off a split decision defeat to Deontay Wilder.
Their April encounter, which was supposed to be his ‘last dance’, saw Chisora touch the canvas twice but nonetheless contest the result of his 50th professional bout.
The 42-year-old then went on to demand an immediate rematch with Wilder, who appears to be one of the leading options for Oleksandr Usyk’s swansong next year.
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So, instead, Chisora has made a slight pivot and is now targeting Murat Gassiev, who was elevated from ‘regular’ to full WBA champion after Usyk vacated his belts.
Taking to social media, Chisora tagged Gassiev’s promoter, IBA Pro, and posted a graphic of himself and the Russian as two chickens, along with the caption: “Fight 51”.
The two heavyweights also went face to face earlier this month, shortly after Gassiev, 32, defended his title with a sixth-round finish over Peter Kadiru.
Former Maple Leafs winger Jeff O’Neill spilled the beans on first-overall pick Gavin McKenna asking for his permission to wear No. 92 on his jersey.
O’Neill had a brief two-season stint with the Maple Leafs from 2005-07, playing 146 games. During that time, he became the first player in franchise history to wear No. 92.
The Leafs never retired the number, and after drafting McKenna first overall in the 2026 NHL Draft, the 18-year-old chose to wear the same jersey number O’Neill once donned.
It was revealed earlier this month when O’Neill posted on X (formerly called Twitter) that McKenna had asked his permission to wear No. 92, which the former Maple Leafs winger gladly granted.
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“Last night I got a FaceTime after dinner. Gavin asked if it was cool if he wore the number. I said ‘It’s the only way to go son. LFG,’” O’Neill wrote.
Last night I got a FaceTime after dinner. Gavin asked if it was cool if he wore the number. I said “ it’s the only way to go son. LFG. “
When it was confirmed that McKenna would be wearing the same number, O’Neill was credited with making it happen after allowing the young star to use it.
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However, during a recent appearance on OverDrive, O’Neill revealed the truth: Gavin McKenna never actually called him for permission, and he was just having fun on social media.
“I’m probably gonna get somebody call me a p*s. But I have to confess something, and it’s something that should be so obvious. But I didn’t. It went too far, and I couldn’t go back on it. Gavin McKenna did not, nor would he ever, call me to get my input on wearing number 92. I only played for the Leafs for two years. I do know both of his agents, but that did not happen,” said O’Neill.
He added:
“He picked 92 because he wanted some type of combination of 72 and 97. So he picked 92, and that’s what happened. He did not call me. Why would he call me? Like, I scored 40 goals in two years for the Leafs. I was just trying to have some fun on social media, and it got to a place where I’m like, I just have to leave this there because I can’t delete it or I can’t go back on it now.”
Gavin McKenna training with Macklin Celebrini ahead of highly anticipated debut
Toronto Maple Leafs first-overall pick Gavin McKenna is getting a head start on his rookie season by training alongside San Jose Sharks superstar Macklin Celebrini.
The two young guns were recently spotted working out together in Vancouver as McKenna prepares for what many expect to be a strong NHL debut with the Maple Leafs next season.
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Celebrini, meanwhile, is coming off a career-high 115-point season with the San Jose Sharks. He will be entering the new season as the highest-paid player in the NHL after signing a five-year, $94 million contract with an $18.8 million AAV recently.
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles secured a place in the semi-finals of the WAFU B U-20 Tournament after beating Togo 3-0 in their second Group B match in Yamoussoukro on Thursday.
The victory follows Nigeria’s impressive 4-2 win over Ghana in their opening game, making it two wins from two in the competition.
Togo made life difficult for the Flying Eagles in the first half and almost took the lead in the 38th minute, but their effort went wide. Nigeria also created chances, but both teams went into the break with the score at 0-0.
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The Flying Eagles returned stronger after half-time and broke the deadlock just one minute into the second half. Muiz Adeleke, who scored twice against Ghana, found the back of the net again to give Nigeria a 1-0 lead.
Adeleke doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 59th minute after a swift counter-attack. The forward rounded the Togolese goalkeeper before calmly finishing to score his fourth goal of the tournament.
Substitute Abdoulaye Agbejoye completed the scoring in the 85th minute, finishing well shortly after coming on to seal a convincing 3-0 victory.
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The seven-time African champions will now face Burkina Faso on Sunday for a place in the final.
Two Pakistan Army Aviation helicopters joined the operation on Friday, while an experienced ground team deployed to the area where the group of at least 10 climbers was last believed to have been.
“The team has been out of communication since Thursday,” Alpine Club vice president Karrar Haidri said.
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Authorities were in contact with the climbers’ families, he added.
Pakistani security sources said the four bodies were located but had not yet been recovered.
Chhang Dawa Sherpa, a director at trekking company Seven Summit Treks, said the climbers were believed to have been swept away by an avalanche at around 6,600 meters (21,650 feet).
The Alpine Club said also said it had received “deeply concerning reports” that the avalanche struck the expedition around midday on Thursday.
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“The Alpine Club of Pakistan is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with all concerned stakeholders,” the organization said.
One of the missing climbers is Nepal-born Nirmal Purja, who climbed the world’s 14 highest peaks in under seven months (file photo)Image: Subash Shrestha/Pacific Press/IMAGO
It added that it remained hopeful the missing climbers would be found safely.
The missing group includes five Nepalese climbers, Pakistani mountaineer Sohail Sakhi, an Omani climber identified as Nathira, US climber Mallory Geis, a Chinese climber identified only as Wang and another international climber.
Three Sherpa guides from Seven Summit Treks were among those missing.
Who is Nirmal Purja?
Purja, widely known as Nims Dai, is a former British Army soldier who served with the Brigade of Gurkhas and later became the first Gurkha accepted into Britain’s elite Special Boat Service.
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He rose to international prominence after climbing all 14 of the world’s mountains above 8,000 meters in 189 days in 2019.
The achievement was featured in the Netflix documentary “14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible.”
What is Broad Peak?
Broad Peak stands at just over 8,000 meters in Pakistan’s Karakoram range, close to the border with China. It is the world’s 12th-highest mountain and lies only a few kilometers from the better-known K2.
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Originally designated K3 during the surveying of the Karakoram, its more modern name refers to its unusually wide summit ridge, which stretches for roughly 1.5 kilometers (just under a mile).
The region contains five of the world’s 14 peaks above 8,000 meters and attracts climbers from across the globe, although avalanches and rapidly changing weather make expeditions particularly dangerous.
Edited by: Darko Janjevic
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Trainer Danny O’Brien has outlined an ambitious spring program for Sass Appeal, with three Group 1 races firmly in focus as the talented mare resumes at Flemington this Saturday.
The So You Think filly is set to kick off her preparation in the VRC Membership Renewals Open (1410m) after a stellar three-year-old season that culminated in a victory in the Kewney Stakes.
Sass Appeal has competed in just five races, achieving a runner-up finish on debut at Sandown before securing four consecutive wins, including her Group 2 success at Flemington in March.
O’Brien made the strategic decision to conclude her autumn campaign immediately after that win, believing a timely spell would position her perfectly for the spring season.
“She went to the paddock early in the autumn after the first Saturday in March as she had raced through the summer, so we weren’t keen to do too much more with her,” O’Brien stated.
“The benefit of going out early was we were able to have her ready for the early part of the spring as we are hoping to get her to a Sir Rupert Clarke or a Toorak Handicap.
“She needs to win a race or two between now and those races to get her rating up to that sort of level and this looks a good starting point on Saturday.”
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Although Sass Appeal was also entered for the Aurie’s Star Handicap, O’Brien felt the 1410m assignment was a more suitable option.
The mare also benefits from the weight allocation, carrying 53kg compared to what she would have shouldered in the Group 3 sprint.
“She already has a good record at the 1400 (metres),” O’Brien commented.
“She’s won twice at the course and distance, so we thought we would stick with what she does best and is already proven at. It’s a lower rating race than what the Aurie’s Star is, a Group 3, and she is a lot better handicapped in this.”
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O’Brien plans to give Sass Appeal one more lead-up run in another Benchmark 100 over 1400m at Caulfield on August 29 before stepping her into elite company.
“There’s only time to have two runs before potentially running in the Sir Rupert Clarke,” O’Brien explained.
“She can run this weekend and then go four weeks to Memsie Stakes Day to a similar race there, another 1400-metre at Caulfield and then it’s a three-week gap to the Sir Rupert Clarke. After that it’s potentially the Toorak Handicap into the Empire Rose.”
Despite the substantial prizemoney and the recent elevation of The Golden Eagle to Group 1 status, O’Brien’s preference is to keep Sass Appeal racing in Melbourne throughout the spring.
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Find the best betting sites for the Flemington races.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has moved its 2026 Elective Congress by one day, with the election now set to take place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
The congress was first scheduled for Saturday, September 26, and will elect members of the NFF Executive Committee, who will lead the federation for the next four years.
The decision was approved during an extraordinary General Assembly held virtually on Wednesday after the NFF Executive Committee proposed the change.
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NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said the date was changed because of the Super Eagles’ opening qualifier for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations against Madagascar.
According to Gusau, after talks with CAF, the match was fixed for Friday, September 25, 2026. He explained that many candidates contesting the NFF election are expected to be involved with the Super Eagles, making it difficult for them to travel to Lafia in time for the congress the next day.
“In view of this development, the Executive Committee considered it necessary to seek the approval of Congress for a one-day postponement of the Elective Congress,” Gusau said.
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The proposal received full support during the virtual meeting after it was moved and seconded by members of Congress, confirming Sunday, September 27, 2026, as the new date for the NFF Elective Congress.
San Diego Padres right fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. delivered one of the best defensive highlights in Thursday’s game against the San Francisco Giants. The 27-year-old robbed slugger Rafael Devers of a home run with a spectacular leaping catch against the wall at Petco Park.
The play came in the first inning with Tatis covering 94 feet to haul the homer. In the end, Rafael Devers had to settle for a sacrifice fly as the Giants took a 1-0 lead. The Giants eventually won the game 4-1.
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The video of the catch quickly went viral, with fans taking to social media raving about Fernando Tatis Jr.’s jaw-dropping catch.
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“This is unapologetically exceptional ☺️😊”
This is unapologetically exceptional ☺️😊
“What a catch. You are right hit it to the wrong guy.”
What a catch. You are right hit it to the wrong guy.
“That catch was actually insane ngl, what a play 😤”
That catch was actually insane ngl, what a play 😤
“Guess the ball was just trying to get a better view of the skyline.”
Guess the ball was just trying to get a better view of the skyline.
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“That’s the kind of defensive play that changes games. Tatis Jr. is simply unreal. 👏⚾”
That’s the kind of defensive play that changes games. Tatis Jr. is simply unreal. 👏⚾
“Wrong guy to test! 😤”
Wrong guy to test! 😤 Fernando Tatis Jr. climbed the wall and stole a home run with an unbelievable catch. That’s a game-changing defensive play and another highlight for the reel. 🔥⚾
Ironically, it wasn’t the first time Fernando Tatis Jr. had denied the Giants’ $313.5M star’s of a home run. Tatis robbed Devers of a homer at Pecto Park last August, making Thursday’s catch feel like a deja vu to the Giants infielder.
Fernando Tatis Jr. fuels Padres’ push with career-best five-hit night
A couple of days ago, San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. put together a career-best five-hit performance in the team’s 8-7 walk-off win against the Colorado Rockies. Tatis played a crucial role in the team’s victory while shortstop Xander Bogaerts delivered the decisive sacrifice fly.
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Tatis’ continued production will be vital if the Padres hope to stay in the postseason race. They are currently third in the NL West standings, trailing the Arizona Diamondbacks and the division-leading Los Angeles Dodgers with a 55-54 record.
So far in 2026, Tatis Jr. has recorded eight home runs and 49 RBIs while averaging .285 with a .353 on-base percentage and .745 OPS in 108 games. Other than last year’s and Thursday’s home run robbery being similar, Tatis also went on an absurd stretch, robbing four home runs in 27 home games.
The San Francisco 49ers’ receiving corps took an early training camp hit as Ricky Pearsall’s knee injury became a growing concern.
That uncertainty led San Francisco back to a familiar name. Former All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel agreed Thursday to return to the 49ers on a one-year deal worth up to $7 million, ESPN reported.
San Francisco 49ers player Deebo Samuel Sr. warms up before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Nov. 17, 2024.(Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Samuel’s NFL career started in the Bay Area after the 49ers spent a second round draft pick on the South Carolina standout in 2019.
Samuel went on to spend the first six years of his NFL run with the Niners and helped the team reach the Super Bowl twice. He earned All-Pro honors in 2021 when he had 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns.
Washington Commanders player Deebo Samuel (1)warms up before a game at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, on Dec. 20, 2025.(Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Samuel was traded to Washington in 2025 for a fifth-round draft pick and had 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns for the Commanders last season.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., left, cannot catch a pass while being defended by Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Kinchens during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024.(AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
He became a free agent in March and now will join the Niners to provide reinforcement with Pearsall out.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.
I think Fantasy drafts get tricky around pick 30, which means if you’re picking eighth in a 12-team league, you’re going to have some tough calls in Rounds 3 and 4. But first, let’s figure out how to start your draft! In this 3-WR, PPR league, my goal is to come away with one running back and one wide receiver with my first two picks. I’m open to drafting two RBs or WRs, but if I do that, I might feel pressure to draft the other position in Round 3, which could lead me to reach for a player. Starting your team with one RB and WR gives you balance and flexibility.
You’ll have so many options with your first two picks. I went with Christian McCaffrey and Rashee Rice. McCaffrey is McCaffrey. If he stays healthy, he’s going to be amazing. I’m willing to take the risk as early as sixth overall. Rice has been one of the most consistent performers since breaking out late in his rookie season. In his last 17 healthy regular season games (removing Week 4 of 2024 when he suffered a knee injury), Rice has averaged more than 18.5 PPR points per game. That’s borderline elite.
If I’m picking eighth in the draft, I know I’m never going to have Josh Allen, Brock Bowers or Trey McBride on my team unless they somehow fall to me in Round 3 (and I’d wait until Round 4 for Allen). The 17th pick is too early for those guys. At quarterback with this draft slot, I’d be open to drafting Lamar Jackson as early as Round 4, but I’d rather wait until Round 5 or 6 and see if any of Drake Maye, Joe Burrow or Jayden Daniels is available. If not, just keep waiting until you find the value you love. In this particular draft, I was lucky that Jackson fell to me in Round 5.
At tight end, how do you feel about Colston Loveland in Round 3? It’s a little early for me, but if he’s there in Round 4, I’m interested. Otherwise, there are plenty of tight ends throughout the draft that I’m fine drafting as fallback options.
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It should be noted that my first four picks are unbelievably risky. I drafted a 30-year-old RB with injury history, two WRs with knee injuries and an RB dealing with serious off-field allegations. In each case, I felt the upside significantly outweighed the risk. If you’re not sure when to draft players you consider risky, ask yourself if the other options on the board have anywhere near that player’s upside. If the answer is no, it might be time to take the risk.
I think it’s imperative to have two Top 26 WRs. For me, the back end of this list includes guys like Davante Adams, DJ Moore and Mike Evans. None of them were available to me in Round 5, so I was glad I drafted Rice and Nabers early. Otherwise, I would have hated my WR corps. Before you start drafting, come up with your own list of dependable WRs and try to get two of them. Use average draft position to determine whether or not you can get that second guy in Round 5 or if you are better off using two of your first four picks on WRs.
I like this team and have no issues with the build. I could have taken Loveland in Round 3, which probably would have prevented me from taking Jackson in Round 5. If I had taken Loveland, I likely would have spent that fifth-round pick on a RB or WR. In that case, I would have just waited on QB and grabbed great value in the later rounds.
Bottom line: With the eighth overall pick, plan on taking a RB/WR combo with your first two picks and making a tough call on Loveland in Rounds 3 and 4. Consider leaving your first four picks with two WRs because you may not like the options available to you late in Round 5.
Favorite pick: Lamar Jackson
Jackson scored more than 33 points (6 points per passing TD leagues) in four of his first five starts. This was after he averaged 30 points per game and was by far the best Fantasy QB in 2024. Lower body injuries hampered him in the second half of 2025, but he’s healthy now and seems excited about his new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. This is one of the most obvious bounce-back candidates in Fantasy.
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Pick I’m already regretting: David Montgomery
Honestly, I’m not an egotistical man (I’m short, bad at sports and my hair is graying), but I really do not regret any of my picks. I thought Montgomery was perfectly fine. It’s hard to find a running back with Montgomery’s projected workload in Round 6, but he was available and became a pretty obvious pick for me. However, I could have taken tight end Harold Fannin Jr. and been a little stronger at that position.
Player who could make or break my team: Malik Nabers
It’s hard to know what to expect from Nabers. Videos of him at training camp are encouraging, and there is actually a fairly good track record of elite wide receivers having big seasons after ACL tears (Jordy Nelson, Keenan Allen, Cooper Kupp and Chris Godwin to a lesser extent), but Nabers tore his ACL and meniscus. Plus, the Giants figure to be a run-heavy offense. I suspect we won’t see Nabers in Round 4 much longer. I’m still inclined to wait until late Round 3 for Nabers. He might struggle coming back from the injury, but he also could be the steal of your draft.
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