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Jahmyr Gibbs’ three TD runs power Lions over Cowboys

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Jahmyr Gibbs’ three TD runs power Lions over Cowboys


DETROIT — As the Detroit Lions entered Thursday’s game with a 7-5 record, running back Jahmyr Gibbs described the regular-season homestretch as “must-win games.”

The first challenge was a big one against a surging Dallas Cowboys team, but the Lions proved up to the task with a 44-30 victory. Detroit’s odds to make the playoffs improved from 43% before the game to 56% with the win, according to ESPN Analytics.

“We need to treat it like playoff games,” Gibbs told ESPN beforehand. Gibbs responded with three touchdown runs and 77 receiving yards. His five games with multiple TD runs are tied for second most in a season in Lions history.

The Lions also got a boost from WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, who suited up after being a game-time decision because of an ankle injury. St. Brown had six catches for 92 yards.

It was the fifth time this season the Lions have scored at least 35 points, the most in the NFL.

Detroit Lions (8-5)

Turning point: During a pivotal moment, Lions WR Jameson Williams delivered a third-down conversion with a 29-yard catch at 8:26 in the fourth after Dallas pulled within three points. Williams’ big catch helped set up a 10-yard touchdown run by Gibbs on the same drive to push the Lions ahead 37-27 with 7:17 left.

Trend to watch: Lions All-Pro offensive tackle Penei Sewell has allowed a sack for the fourth consecutive game, which is the longest streak of his career, per ESPN Research. In the opening quarter, his former teammate James Houston juked past Sewell to sack QB Jared Goff on third down. Sewell hasn’t given up a streak of sacks since his rookie season in 2021.

Stat to know: This is the 15th time that Gibbs and David Montgomery have scored a touchdown in the same game, breaking a tie with the Cowboys’ Emmitt Smith and Daryl Johnston for the most by a pair of RB teammates in the Super Bowl era. Smith and Johnston shared congratulatory messages via social media for Detroit’s duo after they broke the record. Gibbs has scored 47 career touchdowns, tying Hall of Famer Barry Sanders for the most touchdowns in a player’s first three NFL seasons. He also has three games this season with three touchdowns, the most by a Lions player in a season since Cloyce Box in 1952. — Eric Woodyard

Next game: at Los Angeles Rams (Dec. 14, 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox)


Dallas Cowboys (6-6-1)

The Dallas Cowboys‘ playoff chances were dampened with their loss to the Detroit Lions. ESPN Analytics puts the Cowboys’ playoff chances at 8% with four games left after their first loss since the bye week.

At 6-6-1, the Cowboys lose head-to-head tiebreakers against the Lions, Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears. Dallas’ best chance of making the postseason might be winning the NFC East, which would require Philadelphia (8-4) to falter.

Turnovers (one fumble, one interception), key penalties, like the one that wiped out a pass interference penalty at Lions 4, and too many big plays allowed by the defense were costly for the Cowboys. The Cowboys likely need to win their four remaining games to have a chance.

Trend to watch: On a night when Javonte Williams topped 1,000 yards this season, the run game scuffled. Through three quarters, the Cowboys had one run top 10 yards. Though the Cowboys rushed for 125 yards and 137 yards in their wins against the Eagles and Chiefs, respectively, 109 of those yards came on four carries, including a 43-yard touchdown run by Malik Davis against Kansas City. The Cowboys’ run game has not been consistent, and it needs to find it again with four games to play.

Stat to know: Struggling to get to the quarterback in recent games, with four sacks in their four previous games, the Lions sacked Dak Prescott three times in the first half. Prescott had 2.65 seconds to throw in the first half. In their three-game winning streak, he had at least 2.8 seconds to throw. Two of the three sacks came on the blitz. In the first 12 games, he had been sacked just six times against the blitz.

Turning point: Despite not scoring a touchdown in the first half and trailing 20-9, the Cowboys hoped to use the first drive of the second half to establish themselves. Disaster struck on the first play. Prescott’s pass — to George Pickens — was tipped and intercepted by Derrick Barnes. Two plays later, Jared Goff hit Isaac TeSlaa for a 12-yard touchdown to up the lead to 18 points. It was a terrible 42 seconds for the Cowboys. — Todd Archer

Next game: vs. Minnesota Vikings (Dec. 14, 8:20 p.m., NBC)





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Fantasy guide to offseason signings: Broncos add to WR room, trade for Waddle

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Fantasy guide to offseason signings: Broncos add to WR room, trade for Waddle


The fantasy football offseason is heating up with NFL free agency upon us and the potential for big-time trades at any time. This column is designed to be a one-stop shop for quick-hitting analysis of the most impactful player movement.

ESPN Fantasy writers Matt Bowen, Tristan H. Cockcroft, Eric Karabell, Liz Loza and Eric Moody offer their insights into what each move means for a player’s fantasy value in 2026, and Mike Clay supplies his projections for each player. (All projections are for 17 games unless otherwise noted)

Jump to: QB | RB | WR | TE

Wide receiver

March 17: Broncos add WR Waddle in deal with Dolphins

Fantasy impact: Positive

Moody: The Miami Dolphins continued their rebuild by sending wide receiver Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos. The Broncos will receive Waddle and the Dolphins’ fourth-round pick (111th overall), while the Broncos will send their first-round pick (30th overall) as well as third- and fourth-round picks (94th and 130th overall) to Miami. Waddle, who opened his career with three straight 1,000-yard seasons, had 910 yards and six touchdowns last year, averaging 56.9 yards per game in a declining Miami offense.

In Denver, he’ll step into a pass-heavy system that ranked fourth in attempts and pair with Courtland Sutton to give Bo Nix a legitimate downfield threat. Waddle averages 13.5 yards per reception for his career, far above the Broncos’ 10.1 team mark from last season, which suggests a potential efficiency boost for Denver.

For Miami, free agent addition Malik Willis no longer has a proven top target, with no returning wide receiver having surpassed 317 yards last season. The offense could struggle significantly. Meanwhile, Waddle’s fantasy outlook gets a boost in a more stable and aggressive passing environment. This move shouldn’t cause a significant spike in his average draft position, but Waddle still profiles as a high-end WR2 with WR1 upside heading into the 2026 season.

March 10: Romeo Doubs signs with Patriots

Fantasy impact: Positive

Cockcroft: Fantasy managers will rejoice at the idea of Doubs, who never saw greater than an 18.4% target share in his first four NFL seasons, getting out of Green Bay — but that doesn’t necessarily guarantee him No. 1 receiver status in his new digs. It’s a fair guess that he’ll settle as that, and QB Drake Maye‘s sophomore-year progression heightens the amount of upside for Doubs, whose 8.4 yards per target average last season ranked 16th. Assuming the offseason dust settles in his favor, Doubs could sneak into the top-20/WR2 class for fantasy, though he’s wiser selected among the WR3 group.

Clay’s projection: 63 receptions, 821, 6 TD

March 9: Veteran Mike Evans signs with 49ers

Fantasy impact: Positive

Karabell: Evans, 32, comes off the worst season of his Hall of Fame career, the first in 12 years that he failed to reach 1,000 receiving yards. Evans missed nine games with hamstring/collarbone injuries. Then again, in 2024, he caught more than 70 passes for the ninth time, despite missing three games, and he scored 11 touchdowns. The 49ers get a motivated player who can still produce when healthy, and there is excellent opportunity for volume and touchdowns with QB Brock Purdy and a mostly underwhelming crew of wide receivers. Evans should return to 1,000 receiving yards and perhaps double-digit touchdowns, making him a likely WR2 option who, because of his age, will not be evaluated as such in most drafts.

Clay’s projection: 65 receptions, 1,089 yards, 7 TD

March 9: Wan’Dale Robinson joining Titans on four-year deal

Fantasy impact: Positive

Bowen: It’s a four-year deal for Robinson to reunite with former Giants head coach Brian Daboll, who now takes over as the offensive play caller in Tennessee. A dynamic mover in the slot, Robinson (13.6 PPG) caught 92 passes last season with the Giants, while also displaying more vertical production. The second-year development of Titans quarterback Cam Ward is critical to Robinson’s numbers in ’26, and we need to see if the team adds more receivers or moves on from veteran Calvin Ridley. Robinson, for now, should be viewed as a reliable target for Ward, putting him in the lower-tier WR3 mix.

Clay’s projection: 82 receptions, 890 yards, 2 TD

March 9: Rashid Shaheed remains with the Seahawks

Fantasy impact: Neutral

Loza: Re-signed by Seattle to a contract worth upwards of $51 million, Shaheed is committed to Seattle for the next three years. After being traded by the Saints early last November, Shaheed’s consistent usage as a receiver diminished but his speed and versatility became more regularly showcased. In addition to working as the team’s No. 3 WR, Shaheed excelled on special teams and worked as a rusher, hauling in three grabs of 20 or more yards and ripping off three runs of 10 or more yards from Weeks 10 through 18. The heft of his deal suggests potential growth in the offense, though he’s unlikely to provide regular production from a fantasy perspective.

Clay’s projection: 41 receptions, 625 yards, 4 TD

March 9: Alec Pierce re-signs with Colts

Fantasy impact: Positive

Bowen: Pierce returns to Indianapolis on a four-year deal, one that pays him top-tier money ($86 million guaranteed). With the team also trading away wide receiver Michael Pittman to the Steelers on Monday, Pierce is now in line to see a bump in volume. In 2025, Pierce’s 21.3 YPC led the league, and he had 17 receptions of 20 or more yards. There’s a true vertical stretch element to his game, plus we should see Pierce deployed on three-step throws and in-breakers at a much higher rate this season. The Colts still need to address the quarterback position, either bringing back Daniel Jones or signing another veteran passer, but the arrow is pointing up on Pierce, who joins tight end Tyler Warren and slot receiver Josh Downs as the top targets in Indy. Pierce should be viewed as a WR2/Flex.

Clay’s projection: 59 receptions, 875 yards, 6 TD

March 9: Colts trade Michael Pittman Jr. to Steelers

Fantasy impact: Neutral

Karabell: Pittman, 28, finished last season as fantasy’s No. 18 PPR WR, though much of his production occurred in the first half of the season when he caught six touchdown passes. Pittman scored only once in the final nine games, his production stymied even before starting QB Daniel Jones (Achilles) was injured and replaced by Philip Rivers. Fantasy managers were not pleased.

Pittman’s best season came in 2023 (109 receptions, 1,152 receiving yards), with career backup Gardner Minshew as the primary QB. Pittman needs bigger volume, not necessarily a prime Tom Brady at QB, and he might get more looks with Pittsburgh, even if Aaron Rodgers, 42, announces his return. The possession-minded Pittman should be able to coexist with DK Metcalf, who plays a different role as a downfield threat in an offense. Pittman has enjoyed no fewer than 111 targets in the past five seasons, and he should reach that mark again in Pittsburgh.

Clay’s projection: 93 receptions, 981 yards, 4 TD

March 5: Bears trade veteran wideout Moore to Bills

Fantasy impact: Positive

Bowen: With ESPN’s Adam Schefter reporting that the Chicago Bears are trading wide receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills — which will become official at the start of the league year — let’s discuss the fantasy implications for both clubs.

In Buffalo, Moore fills a need as a volume target for quarterback Josh Allen in new head coach Joe Brady’s offensive system. Moore, who caught 50 of 83 targets for 682 yards and six scores in 2025, will see a bump in usage with the Bills, using his physical traits to play through contact while creating separation to the ball.

Moore will be a three-level route runner under Brady, too. He’ll be pressing defenses vertically and running the in-breakers, in addition to the screens and unders that cater to his explosive run-after-catch ability. When paired with Allen, Moore should be viewed as a WR2 who can produce breakout weeks.

Back in Chicago, we know about the emergence of wide receiver Luther Burden III, who showed flashes of his high-level playmaking ability late in his rookie season. Burden, who had a breakout game in Week 17 versus the 49ers (27.8 points), is an electric mover and an easy fit in Ben Johnson’s system. That’s the multilevel speed and the ball carrier vision in space.

Burden’s role will elevate in 2026, as he joins wide receiver Rome Odunze and tight end Colston Loveland as the top targets for quarterback Caleb Williams. We could see any of these three players taking the lead week-to-week depending on the game plan and/or opponent. But as we sit here now in March, Loveland will be in my TE1 ranks, and I’ll pencil in Odunze as a midtier WR2 and Burden as an upside WR3 who has the ability to post some WR1 weeks.

Clay’s projection: 63 catches, 870 yards, seven touchdowns receiving


Quarterback

March 16: Jets trade Justin Fields to Chiefs

Fantasy impact: Negative

Cockcroft: Fields, who among qualifiers during his five-year NFL career has the worst sack (10.5%) and quarterback contact (36.7%) rates, as well as the third-worst completion percentage (61.4%) and fourth-worst off-target rate (17.7%), provides puzzling contrast in styles to Patrick Mahomes (torn ACL and LCL) as the latter’s prospective short-term fill-in. It’s a potential signal of the Chiefs’ confidence that Mahomes could be ready in time for Week 1, though any games Fields starts runs the risk of hampering the team’s passing production, particularly wide receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy and tight end Travis Kelce. Fields’ mobility is the one skill that might make him a superflex/QB2 fill-in against weaker defensive opponents, but he’s otherwise not much of a fantasy option.

March 12: Kyler Murray signs one-year deal with Vikings

Fantasy impact: Positive (for the team more than the player)

Cockcroft: In Minnesota, Murray will have a multitude of receivers with whom to work, from Justin Jefferson to Jordan Addison to tight end T.J. Hockenson, not to mention that running back Aaron Jones Sr. is a capable pass catcher in his own right. It’s an upgrade over what Murray had with the Arizona Cardinals the past three seasons, though injuries cost him 21 of the Cardinals’ 51 games in that time. He averaged 17.4 fantasy points with the Cardinals, which would have placed him 13th among the 27 qualified quarterbacks using only 2025 statistics. Murray should be able to match and probably exceed that with the Vikings, meaning his healthy games should manage to scrape the back of the top 10, but his injury history keeps him out of that rankings range for draft-day purposes.

Clay’s projection: 360-for-537 passing, 3,601 yards, 23 TD, 11 INT; 504, 4 TD

Read more about the move here.

March 11: Daniel Jones re-signs with Colts

Fantasy impact: Positive

Cockcroft: Jones returns to the very place where he scored more fantasy points through his team’s first 12 games than in any of his prior six NFL seasons — and at reasonable cost relative to others at his position. He was fantasy’s QB7 through those 12 fully healthy games, and the Colts’ decision to re-sign Alec Pierce, who emerged as a premier receiver over the season’s final 10 weeks (fantasy’s WR13 in that time), assures Jones a well-rounded offense from which to work. Jones, who suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in Week 14, might not quite be ready by Week 1 and has more injury risk than a typical quarterback. Still, he’s a good backup option in standard leagues and could be a value in superflex/2QB leagues if his recovery progresses swiftly.

Clay’s projection: 335-for-505 passing, 3,563 yards, 22 TD, 11 INT; 306 yards rushing, 6 TD

March 10: Raiders trade Geno Smith to Jets

Fantasy impact: Positive

Cockcroft: Smith, the Jets’ 2013 second-rounder and their starter in 2013-14, returns to the team where he flopped initially after what was a three-year resurgence with the Seattle Seahawks. Unfortunately, those good Seattle years were followed by a miserable 2025 with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he either led or tied for the league’s lead in both sacks (55) and interceptions (17). Smith could rebound behind a far better Jets offensive line than the 2025 Raiders line, and he’ll have productive players to work with in running back Breece Hall and No. 1 receiver Garrett Wilson. Assuming Smith beats out Justin Fields for the starting job (which is a fair guess), there could be some fantasy matchup opportunities, and Smith would warrant a superflex/2QB bench spot.

Clay’s projection: 363-for-537 passing, 3,755 yards, 18 TD, 14 INT passing

March 9: Malik Willis signs with Dolphins

Fantasy impact: Positive

Karabell: Willis, 26, entering his fifth NFL season, finally gets a legitimate opportunity to be a starting QB in Miami. The Tennessee Titans‘ third-round pick from 2022 started six games in four seasons. He shined during his brief work last season for the Green Bay Packers, rushing for 60 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and completing 85% of his 35 passes for the season, so there is obvious statistical upside for this athletic, dual-threat option. Willis replaces Tua Tagovailoa, Miami’s often-underwhelming starter for six seasons.

The Dolphins last won a playoff game during the 2000 season, but adding Willis to an offense led by magnificent RB De’Von Achane and solid WR Jaylen Waddle is a good start to energizing the offense (remember, WR Tyreek Hill is no longer on the team). Willis instantly becomes a fantasy sleeper, not someone we can call a safe top-10 option because, let’s face it, quarterback is deep with proven veterans, and some of them add value with their legs. But Willis might become a reliable option soon.

Clay’s projection: 334-for-522 passing, 3,596 yds, 17 TD, 11 INT; 105 carries, 545 yards, 5 TD rushing

March 9: Tua Tagovailoa signs with Falcons

Fantasy impact: Neutral

Loza: Shortly after officially being released by the Dolphins, Tua Tagovailoa agreed to a one-year, $1.3 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons. The move suggests Atlanta will release Kirk Cousins and that Michael Penix Jr. (ACL) is unlikely to be ready at the start of the 2026 regular season. Newly hired offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, who served as the Browns’ offensive coordinator in 2025, figures to focus on the ground game, relying heavily on the talents of Bijan Robinson. Given the lack of depth behind Drake London and Kyle Pitts Sr., Tua figures to work as a game manager with minimal fantasy upside.

Clay’s projection: 202-for-298 passing, 2,311 yards, 11 TD, 8 INT


Running back

March 12: Emanuel Wilson signs with Seahawks

Fantasy impact: Neutral to positive

Cockcroft: At quick glance, Wilson will serve as a temporary fill-in for Zach Charbonnet (torn ACL), whose timetable ranges anywhere from 8-12 months from when he suffered the injury in January, though the Seattle Seahawks could add further depth to fill in those September (and perhaps October) games. George Holani and Kenny McIntosh are also around as alternative options. Wilson scored 32.3 fantasy points combined in a pair of late-season starts (Weeks 12 and 18) for the Green Bay Packers, but he also added 33.8 more points in his three other games with double-digit carries. If this is where the Seahawks wind up with their backfield come training camp, Wilson could be a fantasy late-rounder with early-season potential in standard leagues.

Clay’s projection: 58 carries, 248 yards, 2 TD rushing; 14 receptions, 109 yards, 1 TD receiving

March 12: Rachaad White signs with Commanders

Fantasy impact: Positive

Cockcroft: White’s production has declined since he finished 2023 as the RB4, with Bucky Irving emerging as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers‘ clear primary back in the two seasons since, but Washington is a good landing spot for the fifth-year player. White should serve as the Commanders‘ passing-down back and might challenge Jacory Croskey-Merritt — who cooled to the tune of nine games of under six fantasy points in his final 12 after scoring in double digits in three of his first five — for the starting role. Expect the Commanders to bring in additional depth to compete for carries, keeping the situation fluid, but White might wind up the most logical pick to lead the backfield in yardage. It’s not unthinkable that he could come out of the offseason with a ceiling among the top 25 running backs.

Clay’s projection: 163 carries, 696 yards, 7 TD rushing; 42 receptions, 270 yards, 2 TD receiving

March 10: Isiah Pacheco joining Lions

Fantasy impact: Negative

Cockcroft: Pacheco appears to be the Lions’ choice to replace David Montgomery as the team’s complementary back to Jahmyr Gibbs, though that hardly means he’ll slide directly into the role that made Montgomery the RB17, RB18 and RB27 the past three seasons, respectively. Pacheco’s metrics tumbled the past two seasons, and his 8.5% explosive play rate last year was noticeably beneath the league’s average (10.0%). He’ll probably be more of a change-of-pace back behind Gibbs, the top-scoring running back in 2025 who is in the prime of his career. Consider Pacheco a fantasy insurance policy.

Clay’s projection: 162 carries, 702 yards, 5 TD rushing; 21 receptions, 141 yards, 1 TD receiving

March 9: Chiefs adding Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III to backfield

Fantasy impact: Positive

Karabell: The Kansas City Chiefs, coming off a disappointing 6-11 season and needing running back help, plan to sign Super Bowl LX MVP Walker during free agency. That might solve the problem, as Walker is coming off the second 1,000-yard rushing season of his four-year career. He was a productive player with the Seattle Seahawks, averaging 4.4 yards per carry and scoring 31 touchdowns, but he never approached 250 rushing attempts (or 300 touches) in a season.

That might change with the Chiefs, whose most recent 1,000-yard rusher was Kareem Hunt during the 2017 campaign. Hunt led the 2025 Chiefs with 611 rushing yards. Walker, who finished 22nd among running backs in PPR scoring this past season, has long been viewed as a potential top-10 fantasy option at the position, but the Seahawks opted to share his touches with Zach Charbonnet, blunting each player’s intriguing statistical upside. The Chiefs need to rebuild (and get healthy) a once-standout offensive line and get star QB Patrick Mahomes (knee) back for September, but the signs are here for Walker to handle the largest workload of his career. This is, of course, good news for fantasy, assuming Walker, who missed games in each of his first three seasons with various ailments, can stay healthy.

Clay’s projection: 264 carries, 1,180 yards, 9 TD rushing; 48 receptions, 367 yards, 2 TD receiving

March 9: Rico Dowdle agrees to sign with Steelers

Fantasy impact: Positive

Bowen: Dowdle, who agreed to a two-year deal with the Steelers on Monday evening, brings a decisive north/south running style to Mike McCarthy’s club. Straight-line juice here. In 2025, Dowdle had three breakout games with the Panthers — scoring 26 or more fantasy points — and he finished the season with 39 receptions. Dowdle joins Jaylen Warren in an anticipated split-backfield approach, which keeps both players near the RB2/Flex line. However, if Dowdle can emerge as the early down/goal-line runner, he would carry more value on a week-to-week basis.

Clay’s projections: 197 carries, 864 yards, 5 TD rushing; 30 receptions, 221 yards, TD receiving

March 9: Travis Etienne Jr. signs with Saints

Fantasy impact: Potentially positive

Karabell: Etienne, 27, finished the 2025 season as fantasy’s No. 10 PPR RB, as much of his volume from his outstanding 2023 returned. Like many Jaguars, Etienne was not effective in 2024, scoring only two touchdowns among 189 touches. He scored 13 touchdowns on his 296 touches last season, though it might be asking a lot for him to see similar volume in New Orleans with franchise stalwart Alvin Kamara remaining on the team.

Kamara (knee) missed the final six games of 2025, and he wasn’t thriving statistically to start with as the team introduced rookie QB Tyler Shough. However, we cannot ignore that Kamara, 30, is one of the top pass-catching running backs of the era, and he caught 68 passes two seasons ago. Etienne has been an effective receiver, scoring six of his touchdowns through the air last season, but this could easily be a frustrating timeshare. Kamara’s fantasy value takes a bigger hit here, as we should not expect nearly as many rushing attempts, but it is also likely that Etienne lacks the volume to perform as a fantasy top-10 running back after doing so two of the past three seasons.

Clay’s projection: 240 carries, 1,070 yards 5 TD rushing; 37 receptions, 328 yards, 2 TD

March 9: Tyler Allgeier signs with Cardinals

Fantasy impact: Positive

Karabell: Allgeier, 25, rushed for more than 1,000 yards during his rookie season with the Falcons … and then the franchise drafted Bijan Robinson. Let’s just say there is no Bijan Robinson in Arizona. Allgeier, a bruiser at 225 pounds who can run between the tackles, remained a productive player with his lesser volume over the past three seasons, including 2025 when he rushed for eight touchdowns, and now the volume should rise. The Cardinals brought back veteran James Conner (foot) and Trey Benson (knee) is still here, but Allgeier is younger, more durable and he certainly could become an RB2 option for fantasy. All he really needs is more volume, and depending on Conner’s health, he might get it.

Clay’s projection: 127 carries, 510 yards, 4 TD rushing; 18 receptions, 133 yards

March 9: Kenneth Gainwell signs with Buccaneers

Fantasy impact: Negative

Karabell: Gainwell, 26, was a surprise fantasy contributor during the 2025 season, as he led all Steelers flex-eligible players with 221.3 PPR points, finishing No. 16 among RBs in scoring. That was certainly not expected, as Gainwell, after years of reserve work with the Eagles, surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards and scored eight touchdowns. The good news, for him, is he earns his biggest contract. But Tampa Bay already has a star RB in Bucky Irving, so it might be difficult to expect another 187 touches from Gainwell.

After all, Gainwell caught 73 passes in his lone Steelers season! That seems unlikely to continue with the Buccaneers, as the team might opt for a typical timeshare, with Irving handling a high majority of rushing attempts. Regardless, this signing doesn’t appear to aid Gainwell’s fantasy value, and Irving, nearly a RB1 option during his rookie season, should see his volume compromised as well. Although we could see each of these Buccaneers RBs earn RB2 status in 2026, it might be frustrating for fantasy managers looking for upside.

Clay’s projection: 122 carries, 549 yards, 6 TD rushing; 55 receptions, 366 yards, 2 TD

March 2: Lions trade David Montgomery to Texans

Fantasy impact: Positive

Karabell: Montgomery, 28, thrived in his first two seasons in Detroit in a timeshare with star Jahmyr Gibbs, scoring 25 rushing touchdowns, but his role and volume decreased in Year 3, especially over the final eight weeks. The Lions decided to move on, clearing Gibbs for more volume and production, and certainly one now can make the case for him as the first running back — and perhaps player at any position — off the PPR draft board for 2026. After all, Gibbs was already a top-three PPR RB the past two seasons. More touches would be exciting for all.

Montgomery should return to 200-plus touches in Houston — perhaps pushing promising Woody Marks aside a bit — but there might be a receiving-minded running back to be named later helping him out, too. Sans veteran Joe Mixon (foot) for the entire season, no Texans running back reached even the low bar of 25 receptions, with the entire crew combining to catch only 54 passes. Montgomery caught 54 passes for the 2020 Chicago Bears, but he averaged only 25 receptions per his three Lions campaigns.

The Texans might not be done adding to their backfield, searching for a third-down option. Marks delivered six double-digit PPR efforts (though he did not rush for 75 yards in any game) during his rookie season despite little pass-catching relevance, so adding Montgomery to the crew is bad news for him. Then again, Marks had his chance; he scored two rushing touchdowns all season. Montgomery has scored multiple rushing touchdowns nine times.

This trade aids Montgomery’s stock, though. Solidly built at 5-foot-11 and 230 pounds, expect the Texans to utilize the seven-year veteran on early downs and near the goal line. Do not expect double-digit touchdowns, because the Texans are certainly not the Lions’ equal in terms of offensive talent, scheme, creativity or coaching. However, before this move, we could not make a case for Montgomery, the No. 27 PPR RB scorer last season, as even a safe RB3 for the 2026 draft. Now we can dream about RB2 production.

Clay’s projection: 199 carries, 863 yards, six touchdowns rushing, 31 receptions, 241 yards and one touchdown receiving


Tight end

March 11: Okonkwo likely to command TE targets in D.C.

Loza: Chig Okonkwo agreed to a three-year deal worth an estimated $27 million with the Washington Commanders on Thursday. Despite flashing moments of YAC brilliance, the Maryland product was unable to consistently produce in Tennessee, failing to clear 60 receptions or 600 yards in any of his four seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Likely to emerge as the team’s TE1 and replace Zach Ertz (who averaged 5.5 targets per contest in back-to-back seasons), Okonkwo is back on the breakout radar. Operating in a more explosive offense led by Ben Johnson acolyte David Blough and catching passes from Jayden Daniels, Okonkwo could flirt with top-15 positional fantasy numbers in 2026.

Clay’s projection: 53 receptions, 565, 2 TD

March 9: Isaiah Likely signs with Giants

Fantasy impact: Positive

Karabell: Likely, 25, failed to reach 50 receptions or 500 receiving yards in any of his four seasons playing in Baltimore with three-time Pro Bowler Mark Andrews, but opportunity is calling with the New York Giants. Sure, the Giants boast third-year option Theo Johnson, who broke out statistically last season, but they get more upside with Likely, a more athletic, better downfield target for QB Jaxson Dart. Likely, who individually profiles more as a large WR with TE eligibility, might not garner TE1 consideration initially, but it is certainly possible he doubles his 2025 production (27 receptions, 307 receiving yards, one TD) in his first season in New York and becomes quite relevant in fantasy.

Clay’s projection: 62 receptions, 647 yards, 4 TD

March 9: Travis Kelce stays in Kansas City for one more season

Fantasy impact: Neutral

Loza: Despite rumors about a potential retirement, Kelce is set to stay in Kansas City, inking a one-year contract worth an estimated $12 million. The 36-year-old averaged 11.4 fantasy points per game (TE8) in 2025, drawing his fewest number of looks (108, TE4) and collecting his fewest number of catches (TE6) since 2015. With Patrick Mahomes‘ (ACL) health in question and given the infusion of young talent at the position, Kelce’s days as a top-five producer appear to be in the rearview. Still, the vet remains a key element in the team’s offense, likely to command a hearty target share. He’s shaping up to be a less-than-inspiring low-end TE1 for fantasy purposes.

Clay’s projection: 73 receptions, 753 yards, 5 TD



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Michigan basketball star says he received stunning offer to play at Kentucky

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Michigan basketball star says he received stunning offer to play at Kentucky


NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Michigan Wolverines men’s basketball star Yaxel Lendeborg suggested in a recent interview he could have been raking in the cash if he chose to play elsewhere.

Lendeborg was among the top players in the transfer portal entering the 2025-26 season as he was set to leave the UAB Blazers. He eventually committed to Michigan, but he said he was offered major money to play for the Kentucky Wildcats.

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Michigan forward Yaxel Lendeborg celebrates the team’s Big Ten Championship by cutting down a piece of net following their win over Michigan State in Ann Arbor, March 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Lon Horwedel)

“They started the number with $7 (million) to $9 (million),” he told The Associated Press in a story published Monday night. “They were pretty much going off on the route like we’ll pay him anything to get here.”

Instead, he chose to play for Dusty May instead of Mark Pope.

“I was raised without it and I went my whole life without it,” Lendeborg said. “Anything was going to make me super, super happy at the time.

“I was thinking long term. What if I mess up my career because I chased the money instead of a future? Another big reason why I went with Dusty was he didn’t talk about money at all. It was all about making me better and helping me achieve my goals.”

Yaxel Lendeborg stars down his opponent

Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg  looks to pass as Purdue Boilermakers guard Gicarri Harris defends during the Big Ten Conference Tournament Championship at United Center on March 15, 2026. (Kamil Krzaczynski/Imagn Images)

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Lendeborg emerged as one of the top players in the nation during the 2025-26 season with his NBA potential increasing as well.

He’s averaging 14.4 points and 7 rebounds per game with the Wolverines. Michigan earned the No. 1 seed in the Midwest Region of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Kentucky has the No. 7 seed in the same region.

The Wildcats took criticism from ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale earlier this month for being unable to perform better with a loaded roster thanks to name, image and likeness (NIL) deals.

“I’m going to say this right here, I’ve done several Kentucky games, win or lose, $22 million this team [which has been reported] in terms of the NIL for their players,” he said. “I think in $22 million, they could have put together a better roster than they did. I really do.”

Yaxel Lendeborg drives to the basket

Michigan Wolverines forward Yaxel Lendeborg dribbles as Purdue Boilermakers guard C.J. Cox defends during the Big Ten Conference Tournament Championship on March 15, 2026. (David Banks/Imagn Images)

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Kentucky is 21-13 this season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Jordon Hudson aims fiery message at critics after cheerleading triumph

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Jordon Hudson aims fiery message at critics after cheerleading triumph


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Jordon Hudson, the girlfriend of North Carolina Tar Heels football coach Bill Belichick, fired back at critics on Monday with a post about her cheerleading team’s success.

Hudson’s team, Cheer Extreme Raleigh, took home a grand national championship and appears set for the world championships. She shared photos of herself with her teammates and a video of the team performing one of their routines.

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Jordon Hudson chats with Chapel Hill Police during warmups prior to the North Carolina Tar Heels game against the Duke Blue Devils at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Nov. 22, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Jaylynn Nash/Getty Images)

“#GOLDDIGGER GOT #PAID,” she captioned the carousel.

She joined Code Black in 2025 as Belichick was about to end his first season as the Tar Heels’ head coach. She also competed in Miss Maine USA pageants in 2024 and 2025, but fell short of receiving the crown.

Hudson previously attempted to trademark “gold digger” to poke fun at critics of her relationship with Belichick, who will turn 73 next month. TCE Rights Management filed the trademark for the term “Gold Digger,” with the goods and services being labeled as “jewelry” and “keychains.” Belichick owns the business and Hudson manages it.

Bill Belichick and Jordon Hudson

Head coach Bill Belichick of the North Carolina Tar Heels and Jordon Hudson look on prior to the game against the Richmond Spiders at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Sept. 13, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Lance King/Getty Images)

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She had been in the crosshairs of media criticism since she shut down an interview question with a CBS host over how the two started dating and has been firing off messages toward detractors ever since.

Hudson has also threatened to sue sports media personality Pablo Torre over his reporting about her relationship with the North Carolina football program.

Jordon Hudson in October 2025

Jordon Hudson attends the game between the Clemson Tigers and the North Carolina Tar Heels at Kenan Memorial Stadium on Oct. 4, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Lance King/Getty Images)

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Belichick is about to enter his second season as the team’s head coach. North Carolina was 4-8 in 2025.

Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.

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