Mike Harmon· Sep 11, 2026
Harmon gave his top-five weekly fantasy rankings at quarterback, running back and wide receiver for Week 1, plus a slate of start recommendations ("hot plays" and "ninjas") and players to avoid ("cold sores"), and expected the Steelers to land around the usual 8-9 wins.
“Lock and load one of the highest point totals on the board for this week, 50 and a half. So let's take Joe Burrow.”
said on air or in an interview · Fox Sports Radio (podcast) · read the original →
33 checkable claims — 20 sleeper calls, 8 fantasy bust calls, 3 fantasy rankings, 1 depth chart call and 1 season win total — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
It names 30 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
None of them have settled yet — they grade once their results are in.
Where do you stand? Pick this and every open claim on Picks →
Who this take is about
- Javonte Williams
- Baker Mayfield
- David Montgomery
- D'Andre Swift
- Travis Etienne
- Breece Hall
- Trevor Lawrence
- Jameson Williams
- Jack Strand
- Drake London
- Dontayvion Wicks
- Caleb Douglas
- Tetairoa McMillan
- Patrick Mahomes
- Jayden Daniels
- Wan'Dale Robinson
- Tyler Murray
- Josh Allen
- Kenneth Walker III
- Jalen Nailor
- Christian Watson
- Tony Pollard
- Chris Rodriguez Jr.
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Malik Nabers
- Devaughn Vele
- Mike Washington
- Bryce Young
- Dak Prescott
- Caleb Williams
33 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.
- Sleeper CallsJavonte WilliamsSep 11, 2026
Javonte Williams to outplay his draft cost
“Go back to the running back position, Javante Williams. He's the established and right now running unopposed.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsBaker MayfieldSep 11, 2026
Baker Mayfield to outplay his draft cost
“Alright, how about Baker Mayfield? He no longer has the chip on his shoulder, but he's got the opportunity.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsDavid MontgomerySep 11, 2026
David Montgomery to outplay his draft cost
“David Montgomery going up against Buffalo. Look, I'm looking for some short yardage”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsD'Andre SwiftSep 11, 2026
D'Andre Swift to outplay his draft cost
“DeAndre Swift going up against Carolina. He's the number one guy.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsTravis EtienneSep 11, 2026
Travis Etienne to outplay his draft cost
“I'm looking for for Etienne to be very active as a pass catcher out of the backfield.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy Bust CallsBreece HallSep 11, 2026
Breece Hall to fall short of his draft cost
“Bree Saul going up against Tennessee. They're stout up front.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsTrevor LawrenceSep 11, 2026
Trevor Lawrence to outplay his draft cost
“Trevor Lawrence going up against the Cleveland Browns... looking for him this Spread the ball around”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsJameson WilliamsSep 11, 2026
Jameson Williams to outplay his draft cost
“Jameson Williams, and then the aforementioned, going back to that Carolina game”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsJack StrandSep 11, 2026
Jack Strand to be 1st on the depth chart
“that Jack Strand would end up being QB1 for more than half a year”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy Bust CallsDrake LondonSep 11, 2026
Drake London to fall short of his draft cost
“I got Drake London. Well, I mean, I've got to take one chalk... I don't know if Joey Porter Jr. is going to play, but we know it's Cooper Rush.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsDontayvion WicksSep 11, 2026
Dontayvion Wicks to outplay his draft cost
“What about that Dontavian Wicks going up against Washington?”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsCaleb DouglasSep 11, 2026
Caleb Douglas to outplay his draft cost
“Caleb Douglas, why? Because we've got to get a rookie in.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsTetairoa McMillanSep 11, 2026
Tetairoa McMillan to outplay his draft cost
“Ted McMillan, no question about it. Get him on, get him over, get him in, because that back seven for the Bears, struggling.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy Bust CallsPatrick MahomesSep 11, 2026
Patrick Mahomes to fall short of his draft cost
“It's Patrick Mahomes going up against that Denver defense... But against Denver's defense, he's a no-fly.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy Bust CallsJayden DanielsSep 11, 2026
Jayden Daniels to fall short of his draft cost
“Jaden Daniels, mentioned him before... I got to see proof of concept. And Philly's defense and that defensive front, not exactly one I want to see.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsWan'Dale RobinsonSep 11, 2026
Wan'Dale Robinson to outplay his draft cost
“Wanda Robinson, one of my favorite guys the last couple of years, PPR machine... So we get him in looking at a ton of opportunities”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsTyler MurraySep 11, 2026
Tyler Murray to outplay his draft cost
“Tyler Murray going up against Green Bay. We talked about that earlier.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy Bust CallsJosh AllenSep 11, 2026
Josh Allen to fall short of his draft cost
“How about Josh Allen? Normally in the top three on the medal stand here every week, but going up against the Houston Texans. It's been their kryptonite... So no, thank you.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy Bust CallsKenneth Walker IIISep 11, 2026
Kenneth Walker III to fall short of his draft cost
“Kenneth Walker going up against Denver. Again, owing to questions about the offense as it gets going in week one.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsJalen NailorSep 11, 2026
Jalen Nailor to outplay his draft cost
“How about Naylor going up against Miami? Opportunity here with no Brock Bowers, distribution of pass attempts to roll around for Captain Kirk.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy Bust CallsChristian WatsonSep 11, 2026
Christian Watson to fall short of his draft cost
“we look at Christian Watson going up against Minnesota. They were the best against wideouts a year ago. Expect more of the same.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsTony PollardSep 11, 2026
Tony Pollard to outplay his draft cost
“Tony Pollard going up against the Jets... Back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, though. So let's plot along a little bit”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsChris Rodriguez Jr.Sep 11, 2026
Chris Rodriguez Jr. to outplay his draft cost
“How about Chris Rodriguez Jr. going up against the Cleveland Browns... So opportunity here knocks against the Browns.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Season Win TotalsPittsburgh SteelersSep 11, 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers to finish with ? wins
“you're looking at the Steelers are going to be, you know, right near the old Tomlin line is the expectation of the 8-9 wins”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy Bust CallsMalik NabersSep 11, 2026
Malik Nabers to fall short of his draft cost
“Malik neighbors again going up against Dallas. They're giving him the option of whether he's going to play or not.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy RankingsSep 11, 2026
“Amon Ra, one of our favorites. Let's go... Jamar Chase going up against Tampa... How about Justin Jefferson making his return to the top five... Nico Collins going up against Buffalo... And then finally, Chris Alave”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsDevaughn VeleSep 11, 2026
Devaughn Vele to outplay his draft cost
“How about Devon Vele going up against the Detroit Lions? We watched him start to break out a little bit last year”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsMike WashingtonSep 11, 2026
Mike Washington to outplay his draft cost
“Mike Washington, Jr., going up against Miami... Washington, the guy who really shown out a bunch in the preseason.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsBryce YoungSep 11, 2026
Bryce Young to outplay his draft cost
“And for Bryce Young, he'll shut people up at least for one week in terms of having himself a big opportunity.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy RankingsSep 11, 2026
“Who are your Top five quarterbacks for week one... So let's take Joe Burrow... Jalen Hurts at Washington... Lamar going up against Indianapolis... Got Justin Herbert against Arizona... Finally, Jared Goff going up against the New Orleans Saints.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy RankingsSep 11, 2026
“It's Devon Achan right off the jump going up against Los Angeles... You've got Jameer Gibbs going up against New Orleans... O'Marion Hampton comes in third... Saquon Barkley going up against Washington... And finally, we'll end it with Chase Brown”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsDak PrescottSep 11, 2026
Dak Prescott to outplay his draft cost
“the obligatory nod to the greatest offense there is in Dak Prescott, getting it done early and often. He's owned the Giants throughout his career.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsCaleb WilliamsSep 11, 2026
Caleb Williams to outplay his draft cost
“Caleb Williams is going to keep winging the ball down the field, which means more level and more opportunity and big-time points.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
- 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.
- Jon GrudenTrade and Signing Calls · Baker MayfieldHit · 100The former Buccaneers head coach predicted that Tampa Bay and Baker Mayfield are closer on a new contract than believed and that an extension will get done.
- Joel CorryTrade and Signing Calls · Baker MayfieldHit · 100The unsigned CBS Sports analysis lays out the contract it believes Tampa Bay will have to give Mayfield at minimum: a two-year extension averaging $50 million per year with $110 million in guarantees and a no-trade clause.
- Jason McIntyreTrade and Signing Calls · Baker MayfieldMiss · 0Filling in for Colin Cowherd, McIntyre argued the 49ers' window is closed amid a brutal injury list and record travel, floated a Bijan Robinson trade to the Bears, predicted the Lions can win the NFC North, doubted Atlanta is even a playoff team, said Baker Mayfield's Tampa run ends after this season, and delivered a top-10 quarterback ranking.
- Evan SilvaFantasy Defense Calls · Pittsburgh SteelersHit · 100In his 2020 fantasy defense/special teams rankings, Silva puts the Steelers first, the 49ers second and the Ravens third, citing pass rush, favorable early schedules and game scripts.
- Jordan DajaniGame Outcome Picks · Pittsburgh SteelersHit · 100Dajani expects the Steelers to comfortably beat the Falcons in Week 1, arguing Atlanta's quarterback situation under Tua Tagovailoa is a mess; he also picks the Vikings to beat the Packers in a low-scoring game.
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.
- Chad Ochocinco JohnsonSleeper Calls · Saquon BarkleyMiss · 0Johnson says the Steelers aren't legitimate Super Bowl contenders even with Aaron Rodgers back, and that Saquon Barkley can have a bounce-back season in year nine with the Eagles competing for a championship if the offensive line stays healthy.
- 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 · Saquon BarkleyMiss · 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.
- Jake CielySleeper Calls · Saquon BarkleyMiss · 0Sealey laid out his projected first round for 2026 fantasy drafts, opening with Bijan Robinson followed by three wide receivers, then a tier of running backs, and closing with Rashee Rice, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Omarion Hampton. He also called Saquon Barkley a buy-low.