Author: Yahoo Sports

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

Every fantasy football summer, there’s a running back whose name lingers in the later rounds, only for savvy managers to snatch him up and ride a surprising wave of production. In this year’s dynasty rookie drafts, that name should be Jaydon Blue.

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After listening to Matt Harmon and Nate Tice break down the rookie class on the latest Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, it’s crystal clear: Blue checks every sleeper box. Here’s why making him a priority in your dynasty drafts might be the move that wins your league.

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Unlike many Day 3 running backs who flash speed, Blue isn’t just a home run hitter. As Nate Tice noted, “He ran a sub-4.4. He’s 195 pounds. Usually, those guys bounce all their runs … [but] he runs between the tackles.”

That last part is crucial. So many undersized backs get pigeonholed into gadget or outside-only roles, but Blue presses the hole, sets up blockers and runs with vision and patience. Tice likened his style to Dolphins star De’Von Achane, noting, “He can do the real running back stuff — run between the tackles, has vision, sets up his blockers, runs with tempo.” There’s more than just “track speed” here; there’s legitimate, translatable football skill.

Let’s be real: the Dallas Cowboys’ RB room is ripe for the taking. As both hosts discussed, Blue’s only real competition right now is Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders — both players whose best days may be behind them.

“Javonte Williams is on the roster. Miles Sanders is on the roster. He’s [Blue] better than that. He’s a better running back than those guys, even if he’s smaller,” Tice said. Unless Dallas pulls off a surprise signing, there’s nobody on the roster who profiles as an obvious roadblock. And as Harmon pointed out, when you add in Dallas’ physical, mauling offensive line, Blue’s skill set could be maximized right away.

The Cowboys always build with their run game in mind. Nate Tice explained, “With this offensive line, they’re always going to run it. Dak [Prescott] wants to always have running be part of the offensive system.” Blue’s inside running prowess and ability to catch passes align perfectly with Dallas’ offensive DNA — a critical factor overlooked in rookie drafts.

And don’t forget the “Texas bump.” As Tice put it, the fact that Blue is a local product only helps his chances at getting opportunities and winning over the coaching staff.

Even as a fifth-round pick, Blue has the clearest runway among late-round rookie RBs. The hosts were quick to hammer home value: “How is he not going to see the field when we’re talking about Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders?” Harmon asked. The Cowboys will inevitably need fresh legs, and Blue could see meaningful carries from the jump.

Harmon summed up the excitement with: “He could outkick that Day 3 draft capital.” In the second round of their dynasty rookie mock on the latest Fantasy Football Forecast, Blue stood out for how easily he could surge up the depth chart and surprise the league, much like Isiah Pacheco did or past late-round breakouts.

In dynasty startups and rookie-only drafts, targeting Blue in the second or third rounds is a chance to capitalize on uncertainty and opportunistic roster construction. He’s not just a “sleeper” because he’s a real-life fifth-round pick — he’s a sleeper because he’s got NFL talent, an immediate path to touches and a coaching staff invested in his success.

If you want a running back who could shatter expectations and pay off big-time as the season unfolds, Jaydon Blue is your guy. Let your league-mates chase the obvious names. You’ll be the one with a future Cowboys starter before they know what hit them.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

If you’re piecing together your dynasty fantasy football rosters (or doing some redraft season-long research) after the NFL Draft, you’ve probably noticed the rising buzz around Tetairoa McMillan — otherwise known as "T-Mac"— the talented Arizona receiver who landed with the Carolina Panthers.

If you’re wondering what makes McMillan such an intriguing fit, particularly paired with Bryce Young, this week’s Yahoo Fantasy Forecast episode dropped some illuminating insights.

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Let’s break down why Yahoo Sports' Matt Harmon and Nate Tice believe the McMillan-Young duo could become fantasy dynamite.

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To start, Tice gushed about McMillan’s pro-readiness as a classic X receiver. The Panthers’ receiver room needed a genuine No. 1 target to stabilize the pecking order. As Harmon put it, McMillan can “bump everybody down to a more comfortable position, both from just a hierarchy, but also where they're going to line up in the receiver room.”

This gives the Panthers much-needed clarity and, more importantly, gives Young a true outside go-to threat. McMillan isn’t just a perimeter guy — he proved repeatedly on film he thrives on dig and in-breaking routes, excelling on “scramble drills” where he stays alive as a target for his QB.

Not all quarterbacks are created equal when it comes to supporting fantasy wideouts, especially rookies. While Young had his ups and downs in his rookie campaign, both Harmon and Tice see tangible reasons why his development points to a McMillan breakout.

Harmon pointed out that even though Young is a smaller QB, he “actually does operate the middle of the field really well,” a trait that matches McMillan’s best attributes. McMillan’s separation, especially on dig routes (where he posted above-average success in charting), lines up with what Young likes to throw, and on those critical, high-reward intermediate targets.

Additionally, Young, like No, 1 pick Cam Ward, is a QB who “likes to scramble, to throw ... he likes to run around and find throws.” McMillan, as noted by both hosts, shines on scramble drills and is adept at finding space when the play structure breaks down. That chemistry could mean big spike weeks for fantasy managers.

What also makes this pairing so tantalizing is the context. As Tice said, McMillan is going to be “the No. 1 receiver there.” There are complementary pieces, but McMillan is the target alpha — and that alone is significant for fantasy. And with a stronger offensive line, and a new staff making sound process moves, the Panthers offense is primed to take a leap. Tice even went so far as to say he sees Carolina being “at least a top-half unit, top-15, top-16 unit” on offense.

Both Harmon and Tice reminded us that not all rookie wideouts pop as instant superstars. We’ve become spoiled by chasing Justin Jefferson or Ja'Marr Chase-type breakouts. Even if McMillan’s start is more modest, the talent, role and fit all point toward a bet worth making.

“No matter what…I think he's going to make it in the league,” Tice said. “I don't think that's a bold statement. ... He's going to be the No. 1 receiver there. They have auxiliary options, but I think McMillan's going to hit the ground running.”

Dynasty managers looking for long-term value at the receiver position should be eagerly targeting McMillan — especially if they’ve already invested in or believe in Young’s emerging skillset.

Why? Because their games mesh perfectly: Young’s willingness (and ability) to operate over the middle and trust big receivers on in-breakers, McMillan’s route-running and scramble-drill polish, and the clear WR1 workload on a rising offense.

In short: The McMillan-Young pairing could be the exact kind of early dynasty connection you’ll want to plant your flag on before your league-mates catch up.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

In this episode of the "Inside Coverage" podcast, Yahoo Sports' Frank Schwab, Jori Epstein and Charles Robinson spent a significant amount of time discussing teams with the biggest question marks after the NFL Draft. Here are some of the teams they flagged as having the most uncertainty heading into the offseason:

San Francisco 49ers

Schwab ranked San Francisco's offseason 32nd — last in the NFL — due to major talent losses, questions about the aging core (like George Kittle, Trent Williams and Christian McCaffrey) and uncertainty around Brandon Aiyuk. 

Robinson emphasized that the team lost a lot of core talent, and its defensively heavy draft needs to hit perfectly for San Francisco to quickly rebound. There's also anxiety about whether Brock Purdy can succeed without the same level of skill-position talent he's had the past couple of years.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns’ quarterback situation is a “clown car,” with too many options, especially after drafting Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders, and no clear plan post-Deshaun Watson. 

Robinson points out that it's highly unusual and nearly unmanageable to go into the season with four quarterbacks. There’s also internal concern about front-office dynamics and whether team owner Jimmy Haslam is making things more chaotic. 

The quarterback room is crowded and unsettled — and, depending on how decisions play out, the Browns might be wasting draft capital and causing unnecessary drama in the locker room and front office.

New York Giants

Their quarterback situation is also murky. Russell Wilson was signed as a potential starter, Jameis Winston is in the mix, and first-round rookie Jaxson Dart is waiting in the wings. There are questions about how long Wilson will get before the team turns to Dart, especially with Brian Daboll coaching for his job. The Giants added talent this offseason, but the sequence and management of quarterbacks could dictate how the season unfolds — and whether the staff survives into 2026.

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect / Reuters

Dallas Cowboys

While the pundits praised the Cowboys' draft (especially for strengthening the offensive line), Schwab and Epstein both raised questions about the running back and wide receiver rooms. There is uncertainty around who, aside from CeeDee Lamb, is going to catch passes, and whether the Cowboys have enough firepower at running back, or might need to make moves (like an Amari Cooper reunion) before the season. 

Despite a positive draft grade, Dallas' offensive skill-position depth is lacking compared to divisional rivals.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers, after finally drafting a receiver in the first round (Matthew Golden), still don’t have a clear-cut WR1. There’s a logjam of “good but not great” receivers, and neither Epstein nor Robinson was sure if any will emerge as an alpha target for Jordan Love. The lack of a proven, dominant receiver could keep the Packers as a “good but not great” team, especially in a tough NFC North.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Inside Coverage" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

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There’s a lot of hype swirling around rookie running backs post-draft, but if you’re trying to figure out who will be the fantasy breakout star after Ashton Jeanty, you need to keep a close eye on Kaleb Johnson. In the latest episode of Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, both Andy Behrens and Matt Harmon dove deep into why Johnson, who landed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is set up for immediate fantasy success. Let’s break down exactly why Johnson should be at the top of your RB wishlist after Jeanty.

Kaleb Johnson is the perfect scheme fit for the Steelers

Both Behrens and Harmon absolutely love Johnson’s landing spot with Pittsburgh. The Steelers, under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, are a perfect fit stylistically for what Johnson brings to the table. As Andy put it, Johnson “needs, stylistically, needs scheme-wise, needs it to look a little bit like it did at Iowa,” and that’s exactly what he’s getting. The Steelers’ run game is built for a player like Johnson: they’re going to hammer inside- and outside-zone concepts, get vertical and grind out tough yards — just like Johnson did so effectively as a Hawkeye.

Post-draft depth charts see Johnson immediately slide into a vacancy. The Steelers let Najee Harris leave via free agency, and Jaylen Warren is best used as a change-of-pace back. As Harmon notes, “Kaleb Johnson just is touching the ball 15 to 18 times a game. He scores eight to nine touchdowns this year … I can easily make a case. Yeah, Kaleb Johnson is the [rookie] RB2 here."

The volume is going to be there. Pittsburgh’s offense, with weapons like George Pickens and DK Metcalf stretching the field — assuming Aaron Rodgers does eventually make his way to — should keep the box light enough for Johnson to find his lanes. 

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While Johnson isn’t a highlight-reel receiver out of the backfield, that’s not what Pittsburgh needs. They want a tough, decisive, early-down grinder who excels between the tackles. With over 1,000 rushing yards and 10-plus touchdowns firmly “on the table,” as Andy puts it, you’re looking at a player who could be a foundation piece for your fantasy team.

Pittsburgh’s offensive line, improved in recent seasons, is built to open up running lanes. “There’s a lot [here] to stress a defense. Kaleb’s going to eat,” says Behrens. That means easier sledding for Johnson and more efficient touches.

Both Andy and Matt are ready to slot Johnson right around overall RB20-21 and are willing to be personally bullish in drafts. You don't always get this kind of consensus after the draft, but Johnson landing in Pittsburgh is the rare intersection of talent, landing spot, volume and system fit — everything you want when making early bets on rookie running backs.

Don’t overthink it: after Ashton Jeanty, make Johnson your next rookie RB priority in fantasy drafts. You’ll thank yourself by midseason.

(This article was written with the assistance of Castmagic, an AI tool, and reviewed by our editorial team to ensure accuracy. Please reach out to us if you notice any mistakes.)

Here are the best player-team fits from this draft class, as discussed by the "Football 301" crew — Yahoo Sports' Nate Tice, Matt Harmon and Charles McDonald — in the latest podcast episode. 

RB Kaleb Johnson (Iowa), Pittsburgh Steelers

This was Harmon’s top “player-team fit” pick of the weekend. Johnson lands in an offense tailor-made for his running style. He’s a natural zone runner and the Steelers ran zone concepts at the second highest rate in the league. Harmon sees Johnson as a perfect fit for the Steelers' offensive philosophy and said he “could be the second-most productive rookie this year, behind Ashton Jeanty.” 

McDonald compared Johnson’s running style to Arian Foster, citing his glide and vision.

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CB Darien Porter (Iowa State), Las Vegas Raiders

McDonald highlighted this as his favorite “process pick,” lauding the fact that Porter — an extremely athletic, big, long corner — lands with Pete Carroll, one of football’s best cornerback teachers. It’s a fit made for developing Porter’s raw traits, especially in a defensive scheme that has a strong track record with this cornerback archetype.

Edge Mykel Williams (Georgia), San Francisco 49ers

Tice loved this pairing, calling it “exactly where he should go” and “what they needed.” 

The 49ers needed more punch up front, and Williams’ combination of upside and NFL-ready skills make him a plug-and-play fit alongside Nick Bosa and a defensive line that needs an injection of youth and athleticism.

OT Armand Membou (Missouri), New York Jets

Tice singled out this selection for the Jets, noting the great pairing of Membou at right tackle with Olu Fashanu at left tackle. The Jets wanted a true right tackle, and Membou is exactly that. Tice said the fit is “a lot of fun,” especially given how the Jets’ offensive line is shaping up for the run game and with Justin Fields at QB.

There were other fits discussed (like Ashton Jeanty with the Raiders and others), but these four got special recognition as “ideal matches”— the kind of selections where the player's skills and the team’s needs/philosophy lined up perfectly.

To hear more NFL discussions, tune into "Football 301" on Apple, Spotify or YouTube.