Mike Fanelli· Aug 12, 2026
Fanelli ranks all 32 NFL teams for 2026 fantasy purposes, with the Bengals first and the Dolphins last, and makes assorted calls including Joe Burrow winning Comeback Player of the Year, Drake Maye leading the league in passing touchdowns, various starting-role and depth-chart projections, plus sleepers (Godwin, Travis Hunter, Jonathon Brooks) and a bust call on De'Von Achane.
“Maye is a dark horse candidate to lead the NFL in passing touchdowns this season.”
published in writing · FantasyPros · read the original →
40 checkable claims — 22 depth chart calls, 9 sleeper calls, 3 fantasy rankings, 3 positional finishes, 1 award pick, 1 fantasy bust call and 1 power ranking — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
It names 57 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
2 of 40 have settled so far, averaging 50 out of 100, against 0 for a naive guess at the same calls.
Of the 21 unsettled calls enough other pundits have weighed in on, this one lands above the room on 2 and below it on 19.
Where this call stands in the room
Kirk Cousins · 2026 season5 calls from 5 pundits between 1 and 1. Mike Fanelli said 1. the room's median is 1. not settled yet
Every dot is a call somebody published on the same question. Where the dots land says where this take sits, not whether it is right — nothing here is settled yet. Hover a dot for the name and number; click it to read that take.
Where do you stand? Pick this and every open claim on Picks →
Who this take is about
- Kyler Murray
- Minnesota Vikings
- Tua Tagovailoa
- Atlanta Falcons
- Jeremiyah Love
- Arizona Cardinals
- Jonathon Brooks
- Carolina Panthers
- Travis Hunter
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- DeVonta Smith
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Drake Maye
- New England Patriots
- De'Von Achane
- Miami Dolphins
- Kenneth Walker III
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Jaylen Warren
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Christian Watson
- Green Bay Packers
- Troy Franklin
- Denver Broncos
- Emeka Egbuka
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Tony Pollard
- Tennessee Titans
- Bhayshul Tuten
- Aaron Jones
- Jadarian Price
- Seattle Seahawks
- Isaiah Davis
- New York Jets
- Chris Godwin Jr.
- Malik Washington
- Joe Burrow
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Ladd McConkey
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Rico Dowdle
- Travis Etienne
- New Orleans Saints
- Zachariah Branch
- Jaylen Waddle
- Jordan Mason
- Josh Downs
- Indianapolis Colts
- Nico Collins
- Houston Texans
- Xavier Legette
- Jalen Nailor
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Isaiah Likely
- New York Giants
- Kirk Cousins
- Carson Beck
The games in this take
- Falcons at Steelers 34 calls
- Packers at Vikings 41 calls
40 checkable claims in this take
Each one is scored on its own against the published methodology. A pundit naming several outcomes is graded on each, not on all-or-nothing.
- Depth Chart CallsKyler MurrayMinnesota VikingsAug 12, 2026
Kyler Murray to be 1st on the depth chart
“everyone believes the veteran is in the driver's seat and all but guaranteed to be the Week 1 starter”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 0+200 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- MIN
- week:
- 1
- skill:
- 200
- player:
- Kyler Murray
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he starts
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- position:
- QB
- reported:
- named the starter
- naive slot:
- 2
- settled by:
- a confirmed report from the crawl (reported outcomes)
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he keeps the job he had last season
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- Depth Chart CallsTua TagovailoaAtlanta FalconsAug 12, 2026
Tua Tagovailoa to be 1st on the depth chart
“it sounds like Tua Tagovailoa will start in Week 1 with Michael Penix Jr. still recovering from a torn ACL”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 0+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- ATL
- week:
- 1
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- Tua Tagovailoa
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he starts
- accuracy:
- 0
- baseline:
- 0
- reported:
- he did not play that week
- naive slot:
- 1
- settled by:
- weekly snap counts (he took no snap in the game)
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he keeps the job he had last season
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- Depth Chart CallsJeremiyah LoveArizona CardinalsAug 12, 2026
Jeremiyah Love to be 1st on the depth chart
“While Love should be the lead running back, the veterans will cut into his workload”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsJonathon BrooksCarolina PanthersAug 12, 2026
Jonathon Brooks to outplay his draft cost
“the former Texas star is one of the hottest "sleeper" candidates in fantasy football... Brooks is one of my favorite RB3 draft targets”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsTravis HunterJacksonville JaguarsAug 12, 2026
Travis Hunter to outplay his draft cost (WR70 ADP)
“Travis Hunter could be the best bang for your buck with a WR70 ADP”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy RankingsAug 12, 2026
“Bijan Robinson is the top overall player on my board”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
DeVonta Smith to be 1st on the depth chart
“He should have a breakout season as the team's No. 1 wide receiver.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Drake Maye to finish top 1 at his position, by passing tds
“Maye is a dark horse candidate to lead the NFL in passing touchdowns this season.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy Bust CallsDe'Von AchaneMiami DolphinsAug 12, 2026
De'Von Achane to fall short of his draft cost (RB5 and first-round ADP)
“Yet, I am out on him at his RB5 and first-round ADP... I won't draft him in the first round and would like to avoid picking him altogether.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Kenneth Walker III to be 1st on the depth chart
“Reportedly, the Chiefs will make Kenneth Walker III their featured running back, including in the passing game.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Jaylen Warren to be 2nd on the depth chart
“I expect Dowdle to be the lead running back and play on early downs while Warren takes over Gainwell's role in passing situations.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Christian Watson to be 1st on the depth chart
“Christian Watson leads the Green Bay wide receiver corps”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsTroy FranklinDenver BroncosAug 12, 2026
Troy Franklin to be 2nd on the depth chart
“Don't be shocked if he ends up replacing Sutton as the No. 2 guy at some point this season.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Emeka Egbuka to finish top 5 at his position, by fantasy points
“he is one of my dark horse candidates to end the year as a top-five wide receiver with Mike Evans gone”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsTony PollardTennessee TitansAug 12, 2026
Tony Pollard to be 1st on the depth chart
“Don't be shocked if the Titans lean on Pollard on early downs and make Spears their passing-downs running backs”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy RankingsAug 12, 2026
“Jackson is the QB2 in my four points per passing touchdown scoring rankings behind Josh Allen.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsBhayshul TutenJacksonville JaguarsAug 12, 2026
Bhayshul Tuten to outplay his draft cost
“Tuten could have a massive sophomore-year breakout”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsAaron JonesMinnesota VikingsAug 12, 2026
Aaron Jones to be 2nd on the depth chart
“I prefer Mason to Jones... because he should get more of the rushing workload and the goal-line touches.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsJadarian PriceSeattle SeahawksAug 12, 2026
Jadarian Price to outplay his draft cost
“I have been a big believer in Jadarian Price all offseason... Price has been a star at the start of training camp and should get drafted as a low-end RB2.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsIsaiah DavisNew York JetsAug 12, 2026
Isaiah Davis to be 2nd on the depth chart
“Isaiah Davis could see some passing game work as the No. 2 running back”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Chris Godwin Jr. to outplay his draft cost (WR42)
“he could be a massive steal at his ADP (WR42) if he can return to his 2024 form”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsMalik WashingtonMiami DolphinsAug 12, 2026
Malik Washington to be 1st on the depth chart
“leaving Malik Washington as the favorite to be the team's No. 1 wide receiver”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Award PicksJoe BurrowCincinnati BengalsAug 12, 2026
Joe Burrow to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year
“It's an even year, which means Joe Burrow is going to be a fantasy superstar and win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsLadd McConkeyLos Angeles ChargersAug 12, 2026
Ladd McConkey to outplay his draft cost
“While some are sour on Ladd McConkey, I believe he could be this year's Jaxon Smith-Njigba.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsRico DowdlePittsburgh SteelersAug 12, 2026
Rico Dowdle to be 1st on the depth chart
“I expect Dowdle to be the lead running back and play on early downs while Warren takes over Gainwell's role in passing situations.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Travis Etienne to be 1st on the depth chart
“he will be New Orleans' lead running back after signing a massive contract in free agency”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsZachariah BranchAtlanta FalconsAug 12, 2026
Zachariah Branch to be 2nd on the depth chart
“Atlanta has no better option than the rookie as their No. 2 wide receiver”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsJaylen WaddleDenver BroncosAug 12, 2026
Jaylen Waddle to be 1st on the depth chart
“However, Jaylen Waddle is the new No. 1 wide receiver”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsJordan MasonMinnesota VikingsAug 12, 2026
Jordan Mason to be 1st on the depth chart
“I prefer Mason to Jones, even in PPR scoring leagues, because he should get more of the rushing workload and the goal-line touches.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsJosh DownsIndianapolis ColtsAug 12, 2026
Josh Downs to outplay his draft cost
“Downs could have a breakout year and finish second on the team in targets with Pittman in Pittsburgh.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Positional FinishesNico CollinsHouston TexansAug 12, 2026
Nico Collins to finish top 10 at his position, by fantasy points
“Collins is a top-10 wide receiver in my rankings.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy RankingsAug 12, 2026
“He is my TE1 for this season... The only tight end I would draft over Trey McBride is Brock Bowers”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsDeVonta SmithPhiladelphia EaglesAug 12, 2026
DeVonta Smith to outplay his draft cost
“DeVonta Smith is one of my favorite wide receivers to draft this season... He should have a breakout season as the team's No. 1 wide receiver.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Power RankingsAug 12, 2026
“I've put together fantasy football rankings for all 32 NFL teams, along with my thoughts on each squad for the 2026 season.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsXavier LegetteCarolina PanthersAug 12, 2026
Xavier Legette to be 3rd on the depth chart
“leaving Xavier Legette as the likely No. 3 wide receiver for Carolina”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsJalen NailorLas Vegas RaidersAug 12, 2026
Jalen Nailor to be 1st on the depth chart
“making him the favorite to be the team's No. 1 wide receiver”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsIsaiah LikelyNew York GiantsAug 12, 2026
Isaiah Likely to outplay his draft cost
“Isaiah Likely should finish second on the team in targets with New York lacking a legit No. 2 wide receiver, making him an appealing sleeper tight end.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsKirk CousinsLas Vegas RaidersAug 12, 2026
Kirk Cousins to be 1st on the depth chart
“Kirk Cousins is expected to start in Week 1 and keep the job until the Raiders feel that Mendoza is ready”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Bhayshul Tuten to be 1st on the depth chart
“opening the door for Bhayshul Tuten to take over as the starting running back”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsCarson BeckArizona CardinalsAug 12, 2026
Carson Beck to be 1st on the depth chart
“it's only a matter of time until Arizona gives Carson Beck the starting role”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
- Tyler SullivanDepth Chart Calls · Drew LockMiss · 0In an unsigned Week 2 odds roundup, the piece states that with Sam Darnold hurt, Drew Lock will likely start at quarterback for Seattle against Arizona.
- Ralph VacchianoDepth Chart Calls · Tua TagovailoaMiss · 0Vacchiano ranks all 32 NFL teams entering the 2026 season, with the Rams first and Dolphins last. He also flags the Giants as a potential surprise team with a top-10 defense, and notes Deshaun Watson won Cleveland's QB job while Tua Tagovailoa starts Week 1 in Atlanta.
- Chris BrockmanTrade and Signing Calls · Baker MayfieldHit · 100Brockman's season-preview overreactions: Fernando Mendoza becomes an Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist; Dak Prescott wins MVP and the Cowboys win the Super Bowl; Jesse Minter's Ravens win the AFC North; C.J. Stroud leads Houston to the AFC's No. 1 seed; Jonathan Taylor approaches 2,000 rushing yards; Baker Mayfield wins the NFC South, goes 12-5 and reaches the NFC title game while landing a $60 million-per-year deal; and Aaron Rodgers throws 35-plus touchdowns as the Steelers go 11-6 and win the North.
- Pat FitzmauriceDepth Chart Calls · Kyler MurrayHit · 100Fitzmaurice touts Kyler Murray as a value QB who will start Week 1 for Minnesota, Tyler Shough as the Saints' undisputed starter, and Juwan Johnson and Terrance Ferguson as late-round tight end targets.
- John ShipleyRoster Spot Calls · Jack KiserMiss · 0Shipley projects a full 16-player (plus one international/exemption spot) Jaguars practice squad for 2026, naming specific players at each position he expects to land there.
- Bucky BrooksTrade and Signing Calls · Keenan AllenHit · 100Brooks predicted J.J. McCarthy won't be on the Vikings' roster (traded or released), said Kyler Murray wins the Vikings' QB competition, made a series of 2025 award picks, made 2026 Heisman/draft projections including Arch Manning as the front-runner for the No. 1 overall pick, and said none of Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen or Joe Burrow win a championship this season.
More depth chart calls
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- Mike FlorioDepth Chart Calls · Shedeur SandersMiss · 0Florio reports the Browns will start Deshaun Watson in Week 1 but predicts Shedeur Sanders will likely be the starting quarterback by Week 3.
- Emmett MatasovskyDepth Chart Calls · Christian IzienMiss · 0Matasovsky says Dobbs is currently leading the backup quarterback race and suggests Christian Izien may be pressed into a starting safety role in Week 1 while Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph rehab.
- Paul KerenDepth Chart Calls · Teven JenkinsMiss · 0Keren says Teven Jenkins still projects as Cleveland's Week 1 starting right guard despite a push from KT Leveston, and that Carson Schwesinger and Quincy Williams will be the Browns' lead linebackers.
- Mike MoraitisDepth Chart Calls · Ozzy TrapiloMiss · 0Moraitis writes that although Braxton Jones has looked like the favorite, Ozzy Trapilo is likely to take over as the Bears' starting left tackle once he's healthy enough to play.
- Pete MartuneacDepth Chart Calls · Ozzy TrapiloMiss · 0After Trapilo's activation from the PUP list roughly seven months after rupturing his patellar tendon, Martuneac says the Bears' left tackle competition is over and Trapilo will be starting at left tackle early in the 2026 season, even if not by Week 1.
- Mason CameronDepth Chart Calls · Ethan PocicMiss · 0An unsigned PFF piece ranks the NFL's top 32 centers heading into the 2026 season, with Creed Humphrey first for the fourth straight year, and names Ethan Pocic and Austin Schlottmann as the favorites to win starting center jobs in Baltimore and Tennessee.