Fantasy Football 2026 Questions We Want Answered: Tucker Kraft Timeline And More
In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter, presented by Hims.
It is officially August and that means we are less than 40 days away from the first NFL game! While we are celebrating by cramming as many drafts in as possible and talking trash in the league group chat, there are still questions that we need answers to, hopefully sooner rather than later. In this current season, we are decoding coachspeak and following every beat reporter just to get a crumb of information that could change the outlook of our fantasy seasons. Here are some of the biggest questions still on the table and their current projections …
Tucker Kraft's timeline is optimistic
Less than nine months after surgery to repair the torn ACL in his right knee, Tucker Kraft was officially activated off the physically unable to perform list. We've had lots of offseason questions on injury timelines and when players might return, but Kraft is trending in the right direction. Kraft said his doctors told him that tests on his knee showed that "he looked like someone who has had more than a year of post-surgical healing." All things we want to hear! Kraft is a YAC monster, so there will be some cautious drafters, but overall even if he starts slow Kraft still offers high-end TE1 upside.
Projections: 80 targets, 62 receptions, 727 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns
Jordyn Tyson SZN upon us?
The fantasy community loved the fit when Jordyn Tyson landed with the Saints. The bigger concerns were always his injuries after they cost him time during all four collegiate seasons. But at this present moment, it looks like Tyson is on track for his rookie season. Saints GM Mickey Loomis told reporters that Tyson had suffered “a small recurrence during the pre-draft process,” which would explain not participating in the spring. There's been a lot of 1A-1B conversations between Chris Olave and Tyson, but my questions aren't with the receivers, it's more with Saints starting QB Tyler Shough. I believe he can support one fantasy-relevant wide receiver, but I'm ready for the training camp "highlights" where he's showing the ability to potentially support two. We love the offense—Kellen Moore and the Saints ranked first in pace of play last year! Let's just hope Shough has another leap in Year 2.
Projections: 119 targets, 77 receptions, 933 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns
Bhayshul Tuten vs. Chris Rodriguez: What's the real split?
Bhayshul Tuten managers have been cautiously optimistic that this will be the season we see the breakout … The only thing standing in their way might be Chris Rodriguez? On paper, it doesn't feel like too much to worry about—sure, Rodriguez spent time with Liam Coen at Kentucky, but what we really want to know is how much will he challenge Tuten for early-down opportunities and short-yardage work. Drafters are much much higher on Tuten (51 ADP on Underdog), but if this looks more like a split then the returns won't be as sweet. Hopefully we see one either pull away during these next few weeks or we get better insight into what the workload could be for both. Keep in mind that Rodriguez is returning from offseason foot surgery, so if any reports come in about him being limited, that should be good news for Tuten.
Tuten Projections: 197 rush attempts, 826 rushing yards, 240 receiving yards, 9 total touchdowns
Rodriguez Projections: 129 rush attempts, 566 rushing yards, 33 receiving yards, 5 total touchdowns.
Get Draft Ready This Summer
It’s summer, which means that your fantasy drafts are right around the corner. That also means some really good spreads to enjoy with your friends as you pick your teams. Before you indulge, there’s another way to get ready for those drafts.
Start losing weight the right way through Hims today. Weight-loss treatment plans through Hims now include access to FDA-approved Wegovy® pills and injections to fit your lifestyle (no insurance required)—helping users lose up to 20% of bodyweight in 1 year.* It’s convenient, legit and refreshingly simple to get started. You’ll fill out an online assessment and, if a provider determines you're eligible, receive your prescription—you’ll also get a dedicated Care Team with 24/7 messaging and personalized support to guide you through treatment plans that fit your goals.
With a Weight Loss Membership, you can get started for just $39 in your first month, then $149/month thereafter.** Whether you’re chasing better energy, more confidence, or just want to feel more in control, Hims is here to help you stick to the plan (no matter if you go Zero or Hero RB).
We’re proud to have Hims as a Fantasy Life partner. Their support keeps this newsletter free, fun and full of trade panic and waiver wire regret.
*Along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise. In a 68-week clinical study of Wegovy®, about 1 in 3 adults with obesity or with overweight and weight-related medical problems achieved 20% weight loss. Average weight loss achieved was 15%. Wegovy® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.
**$149/mo price includes medication only, if prescribed. An active Hims Weight Loss Membership is required ($39 for the first month, auto-renews at $149/month thereafter). Membership is billed separately and does not include or guarantee a prescription. Medication is not available without a membership. Membership fee is not included.
Not available in all 50 states. Prescription required. Weight Loss by Hims is a holistic program that includes nutrition support, technological tools, and medications prescribed based on what your provider determines is medically appropriate and necessary for you. See website for full details, important safety information, and restrictions. Wegovy® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.
Around the Watercooler
Your favorite football nerds are back and bringing you the latest news, content and memes from the NFL universe …
🂋 It’s all lining up for this RB to break out in 2026. Don’t pass him up.
📰 Broncos bringing in a familiar face? Quick look at the latest news.
🥵 We want you and your friends to enjoy a good sweat together. Start up a Guillotine LeagueTM.
🤔 Jonathon Brooks or Chuba Hubbard? Matthew weighs in.
👁️ Keep an eye on this linebacker in IDP leagues. His situation is Divine.
❤️ How should you spend your auction draft budget at TE? Gotta Love this option.
💪 A good year to wait at QB. Then double up your fun.
⛳️ Hit the links, and low score gets the 1.01. Fore!
🎯 This WR caught a bag. Is he a target in drafts?
Unlock Our Tools!
Stop hitting the paywall. FL+ gives you access to our expert rankings, projections, mock draft simulator, start/sit, and all the tools you need – all personalized to your league.
Editors’ Picks
Today around 1 p.m. ET settle in to your favorite spot on the couch and turn on the TV. There, you’re ready when football returns in six weeks! Meanwhile, our Fantasy Life Draft Guide, rankings and projections will get you ready for your drafts. And ICYMI, enjoy these articles.
Tight End Tiers
Will Brock Bowers and Trey McBride get some company this season? Dwain McFarland completes his Tiers series with a look at the tight ends.
Drafting From the 1.05
The Quandary: JSN or CMC? Chris Allen navigates that decision and then maps out his strategy by grabbing one of the last top-tier players in Round 1.
Starting WR-WR in Drafts
Afraid of bypassing RBs in the first two rounds? Jorge Martin gets uncomfortable drafting wide receivers in the first two rounds in this mock draft.
Elite WR Draft Strategy: Still Get Studs Early
We don’t blame you if you want to go RB-RB to start your draft. The past two years, running backs have been durable and performed. But it’s important that when you lock in, that you don’t get locked into a draft strategy that might have you bypass league winners on the WR side. That’s where Justin Carlucci comes in with his elite WR draft strategy.
Beyond players like Ja’Marr Chase and Amon-Ra St. Brown going in the first round, it’s time to examine the entire elite WR draft strategy and how you can employ it from different points where you might be selecting. ⤵️
Recent Trends Mean Changing Your RB Strategy?
If everyone starts hammering RB early in their drafts this summer, who will be the brave one to zag while others zig? As we saw above, there are still elite WRs worth drafting early. But let’s keep in mind the recent NFL trends that are pushing RB production to levels not seen in recent memory.
While we’re not playing in the pre-historic—see pre-internet—days of drafting as many RBs as possible before other positions, running back is more important than it has been in years because of the way NFL defenses are attacking the passing game. Something needs to give, and Anthony Rodriguez identifies the keys that are making RBs so valuable to fantasy rosters. ⤵️
Fantasy TEs, What Matters Most For Winning Titles
So you’re telling us that something more than fantasy points is important for fantasy tight ends? Dwain and Freedman are doing exactly that, and even dropping some players who could be league winners in this latest show,. Don’t miss an episode of Fantasy Football is Life Show by subscribing to our YouTube Channel.
Join Our Newsletter
Trusted by 400,000+ fantasy football players. Get access to Fantasy Life's free award winning newsletter and tools, all in one step.
By registering or logging in, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Published