Pat Fitzmaurice· Sep 14, 2026
In his Week 2 waiver wire column, Fitzmaurice recommends a slate of pickups he expects to outperform their current rostership (Kaelon Black, Deebo Samuel, Tyler Shough, Geno Smith and others), lays out several depth-chart expectations (Black as the 49ers' No. 2 back, Shedeur Sanders eventually taking over in Cleveland, Penix returning for Atlanta), and flags Fool's Gold/drop candidates such as Mike Gesicki, Kendrick Bourne and Rashid Shaheed.
“Black is still clearly the No. 2 running back in San Francisco (sorry, Jordan James truthers) and quite possibly the most indispensable handcuff in fantasy football.”
published in writing · FantasyPros · read the original →
28 checkable claims — 12 sleeper calls, 10 depth chart calls and 6 fantasy bust calls — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
It names 46 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
None of them have settled yet — they grade once their results are in.
Of the 10 unsettled calls enough other pundits have weighed in on, this one lands below the rest of the room on every one.
Where this call stands in the room
Michael Penix Jr. · 2026 season10 calls from 10 pundits between 1 and 1. Pat Fitzmaurice 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.
Their call against the room
Their call against everyone else's, while this is still unsettled.
Where do you stand? Pick this and every open claim on Picks →
Who this take is about
- Kaelon Black
- San Francisco 49ers
- Tyjae Spears
- Tennessee Titans
- Emmett Johnson
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Braelon Allen
- New York Jets
- Raheim Sanders
- Cleveland Browns
- Deebo Samuel Sr.
- Rashod Bateman
- Baltimore Ravens
- Caleb Douglas
- Miami Dolphins
- Tyler Shough
- New Orleans Saints
- Geno Smith
- Michael Penix Jr.
- Atlanta Falcons
- Mike Gesicki
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Kendrick Bourne
- Arizona Cardinals
- Tyler Allgeier
- Adonai Mitchell
- Indianapolis Colts
- Kalif Raymond
- Chicago Bears
- Malik Willis
- Shedeur Sanders
- Brenton Strange
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Pat Freiermuth
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Devaughn Vele
- Dontayvion Wicks
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Jeremiyah Love
- Terrance Ferguson
- Los Angeles Rams
- Dalton Schultz
- Houston Texans
- Ja'Kobi Lane
- Rashid Shaheed
- Seattle Seahawks
28 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 CallsKaelon BlackSan Francisco 49ersSep 14, 2026
Kaelon Black to be 2nd on the depth chart
“Black is still clearly the No. 2 running back in San Francisco (sorry, Jordan James truthers)”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsKaelon BlackSan Francisco 49ersSep 14, 2026
Kaelon Black to outplay his draft cost
“There's a chance for Black to provide stand-alone flex value over the next two weeks with the 49ers expected to be heavy favorites in home games against the Dolphins and Cardinals.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsTyjae SpearsTennessee TitansSep 14, 2026
Tyjae Spears to outplay his draft cost
“Still, Spears could be a worthwhile depth piece.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Emmett Johnson to be 2nd on the depth chart
“Emmett Johnson impressed the Chiefs' brass in training camp and the preseason and has become the clear handcuff to Kenneth Walker III.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsBraelon AllenNew York JetsSep 14, 2026
Braelon Allen to be 2nd on the depth chart
“Allen played 40.3% of the Jets' offensive snaps in Week 1 and is the handcuff to Breece Hall.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsRaheim SandersCleveland BrownsSep 14, 2026
Raheim Sanders to be 2nd on the depth chart
“With Dylan Sampson injuring his knee on Sunday, Raheim Sanders is the clear handcuff to Quinshon Judkins in Cleveland.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsDeebo Samuel Sr.San Francisco 49ersSep 14, 2026
Deebo Samuel Sr. to outplay his draft cost
“Samuel is likely to play a prominent role in a very good San Francisco offense for the foreseeable future... Samuel is a worthwhile fantasy asset.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsRashod BatemanBaltimore RavensSep 14, 2026
Rashod Bateman to be 1st on the depth chart
“Rashod Bateman could be the Ravens' de facto No. 1 WR when the Ravens host the Saints in Week 2.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsCaleb DouglasMiami DolphinsSep 14, 2026
Caleb Douglas to be 1st on the depth chart
“the Dolphins' season opener made it look as if Douglas might be the team's No. 1 receiver”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsTyler ShoughNew Orleans SaintsSep 14, 2026
Tyler Shough to outplay his draft cost
“Still, there's a lot to like here. Shough has shown competence early in his career. He's an aggressive downfield thrower.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsGeno SmithNew York JetsSep 14, 2026
Geno Smith to outplay his draft cost
“Smith isn't an attractive name brand, but he could provide big-time value in the coming weeks for a small FAAB bid.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Michael Penix Jr. to be 1st on the depth chart
“The Falcons need Penix to attempt a resuscitation of their offense, and I suspect we might see Penix this week in Atlanta when the Falcons host the Panthers.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy Bust CallsMike GesickiCincinnati BengalsSep 14, 2026
Mike Gesicki to fall short of his draft cost
“He has a tough Week 2 matchup against the Texans and should be left on waivers.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Kendrick Bourne to fall short of his draft cost
“But Bourne is the Cardinals' No. 3 receiver and played fewer Week 1 snaps than Michael Wilson or Marvin Harrison Jr. Only in the deepest of leagues is Bourne rosterable.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Tyler Allgeier to fall short of his draft cost
“Most likely, it will be only a week or two before Love relegates Allgeier to a much smaller role. It's OK to drop Allgeier”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsAdonai MitchellIndianapolis ColtsSep 14, 2026
Adonai Mitchell to outplay his draft cost
“He hasn't put it all together yet, but the former first-round pick might be worth a bet.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy Bust CallsKalif RaymondChicago BearsSep 14, 2026
Kalif Raymond to fall short of his draft cost
“Kalif Raymond lands in the Fool's Gold category for now... For now, put Raymond on your watch list.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsMalik WillisMiami DolphinsSep 14, 2026
Malik Willis to outplay his draft cost
“Running quarterbacks are a fantasy cheat code... Trust the legs and fret not that Willis has a young and inexperienced group of pass-catchers.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsShedeur SandersCleveland BrownsSep 14, 2026
Shedeur Sanders to be 1st on the depth chart
“It's only a matter of time before the Browns pull the plug on franchise albatross Deshaun Watson and insert second-year passer Shedeur Sanders”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Brenton Strange to be 1st on the depth chart
“Strange remains the team's top pass-catching tight end.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsPat FreiermuthPittsburgh SteelersSep 14, 2026
Pat Freiermuth to outplay his draft cost
“If you're planning ahead, Freiermuth is a good grab-and-stash.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsDevaughn VeleNew Orleans SaintsSep 14, 2026
Devaughn Vele to outplay his draft cost
“Vele is worth your attention this week if you're looking to plug a hole at receiver.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsDontayvion WicksPhiladelphia EaglesSep 14, 2026
Dontayvion Wicks to outplay his draft cost
“Wicks is a worthwhile addition with favorable matchups coming against the Titans and Bears the next two weeks.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsJeremiyah LoveArizona CardinalsSep 14, 2026
Jeremiyah Love to be 1st on the depth chart
“Most likely, it will be only a week or two before Love relegates Allgeier to a much smaller role.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsTerrance FergusonLos Angeles RamsSep 14, 2026
Terrance Ferguson to outplay his draft cost
“The Rams are rumored to have big plans for Ferguson. This is a growth stock to hold.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsDalton SchultzHouston TexansSep 14, 2026
Dalton Schultz to outplay his draft cost
“If you need a Week 2 streamer at tight end and Dalton Schultz is available in your league, grab him.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy Bust CallsJa'Kobi LaneBaltimore RavensSep 14, 2026
Ja'Kobi Lane to fall short of his draft cost
“He was a worthwhile dart throw in drafts, but it's not worth waiting for him to return.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy Bust CallsRashid ShaheedSeattle SeahawksSep 14, 2026
Rashid Shaheed to fall short of his draft cost
“Go ahead and drop Rashid Shaheed.”
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.
- 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.
- Steven RuizDepth Chart Calls · Michael Penix Jr.Miss · 0In a retrospective tiering of all 32 starting quarterbacks, Ruiz treats Michael Penix Jr. as the Falcons' Week 1 starter over Kirk Cousins, whom he places in his lowest tier.
- 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.
More sleeper calls
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- Matt Money SmithSleeper Calls · Tre HarrisMiss · 0Smith says Ladd McConkie is a legitimate No. 1 receiver who could post a Jaylen Waddle-like season of roughly 1,700 yards and eight touchdowns, and he predicts second-year Chargers receiver Trey Harris will have a big year under Mike McDaniel. He also expects Philip Rivers to become an NFL head coach and thinks the Chargers offense will be good in the coming season.
- Brandon CarneySleeper Calls · Javonte WilliamsHit · 100Carney predicted AJ Brown would not be back with the Eagles, forecast a wave of free-agent landing spots (Breece Hall to the Chiefs, Alec Pierce to the 49ers, Rico Dowdle to the Saints, George Pickens to the Patriots, Mike Evans to the Bills), and named Week 1 starting quarterbacks for several teams in flux. He also gave fantasy takes on Javonte Williams, Chris Olave and others.
- Greg CosellSleeper Calls · Omarion HamptonMiss · 0Cosell expects the Nick Bonito vs. Will Campbell matchup to be pivotal, predicts Caleb Williams' future is bright, expects the Chargers' run game to improve dramatically under Mike McDaniel with a good season from Omarion Hampton, and expects Sean Payton not to hide Stidham.
- Andrew EricksonSleeper Calls · Malik NabersMiss · 0Erickson gave his 2026 first-round board, leaning on running backs early with Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, Ja'Marr Chase as his WR1 and Christian McCaffrey slipping to 12. He also touted Malik Nabers as a buying opportunity, projected big touchdown numbers for Burrow and Chase, and called Barkley a buy-low.
- Joe PisapiaSleeper Calls · Omarion HamptonMiss · 0Joe Pisapia's 2026 first round is receiver-heavy, starting with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Ja'Marr Chase, insisting Amon-Ra St. Brown belongs in the top five, keeping Justin Jefferson in round one, and dropping Christian McCaffrey to 12. He also sees Omarion Hampton as a value who will be a top-10 pick a year later.
- Mike HarmonSleeper Calls · Ray DavisMiss · 0Harmon gave his Week 18 fantasy rankings — top five quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers — plus lists of 'hot plays,' 'cold sores' (players to avoid) and 'ninjas' (sneaky plays), and said Trevor Lawrence would land around a top-four fantasy quarterback finish for the season.