In a summer full of hot takes and false arguments, there are some truths that are self-evident:
— Most Americans watch soccer only during the World Cup.
— Neither Mike Lindell nor Francesa Hong will ever be the governor of … anything.
— Kyler Murray was always going to be the Vikings’ starting quarterback.
The former No. 1 draft pick was locked in an alleged competition with J.J. McCarthy to be Minnesota’s No. 1. But Murray will start Game 1 against Green Bay, and the former Cardinal has a lot of upside for fantasy football mavens.
Murray’s 2025 season was cut short after only five games because of a foot sprain. But he’s healthy now, and he’ll be leading the best offense he has ever had as a pro.
You don’t have to look far back for proof. Just two years ago in Arizona, Murray accounted for more than 4,400 yards and 26 touchdowns. If he approaches those numbers, he’ll be one of the biggest bargains of fantasy drafts.
Here are our other favorites: Players we suspect will post better stats than the fantasy projectionists predict:
Our fave running backs
Kenneth Walker III (Chiefs) — The Super Bowl MVP is set up in Kansas City for his first top-10 season. Walker managed only five touchdowns in his final season in Seattle; he should double that as the standout running back that Patrick Mahomes has longed for.
Omarian Hampton (Chargers) — New Chargers coordinator Mike McDaniel helped make De’Von Achane a fantasy star in Miami, and he could do the same for this sophomore whose 545-yard rookie season was cut in half by injuries. If healthy, he could be a second-round fantasy steal.
Quinshon Judkins (Browns) — Off-field issues clouded his rookie season, when he rushed for 827 yards and seven TDs. But he’s the clear No. 1 RB for a Cleveland team that, to be kind, has an iffy passing attack. He’ll be available in the fourth round of most drafts, and he’ll overperform.
Jonathan Brooks (Panthers) — After two blown-out knees and two aborted seasons, Brooks is back and is the favorite to be the eventual lead back in Carolina. If he shows in camp that he has regained the skills he showed in 2023 at Texas, he will skyrocket up the charts.
Jordan Mason (Vikings) — A late-round gem. Mason averaged almost five yards per carry last season, outrushed Aaron Jones and ran for three times the TDs as his teammate (6 to 2). The key comparison: He’s four years younger than Jones, and his share of the carries will only increase.
Others — Cam Skattebo (Giants), Bhayshul Tuten (Jaguars), David Montgomery (Texans), Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Commanders), MarShawn Lloyd (Packers), Jaylen Warren (Steelers).
Our fave receivers
Jaylen Waddle (Broncos) — After five seasons in the Miami shadow of Tyreek Hill, Waddle will be Bo NIx’s top receiver in Denver. Coach Sean Payton will take full advantage of a speedster who, in his first three seasons as a Dolphin, tallied 3,385 yards and 18 TDs.
Mike Evans (49ers) — Injuries ended his streak of 11 consecutive seasons topping 1,000 yards. Now that he has upgraded from Tampa Bay to San Francisco, he’ll start a new streak as Brock Purdy’s No. 1 target. Currently ranked the 25th receiver among NFL watchers with short memories.
Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars) — A great buy-low candidate who’s buried outside the top 30 for good reason. The former LSU standout was arguably the biggest fantasy disappointment of 2025 with only two TDs and barely 50 yards per game. This fall, he’ll actually contribute to the Jags’ offense.
Parker Washington (Jaguars) — Speaking of Duval County, this former Nittany Lion finished last season in blazing fashion. In his last three games, including a breakout performance in their wild-card game, Washington had 26 catches for 454 yards and three TDs. Get him while he’s hot.
Others — Terry McLaurin (Commanders), Christian Watson (Packers), Romeo Doubs (Patriots), WanDale Robinson (Titans), Quentin Johnston (Chargers), Tre Tucker (Raiders), Isaac TeSlaa (LIons).
Our fave quarterbacks
Jalen Hurts (Eagles) — How quickly they forget. Hurts is ranked sixth by the experts after one down season (only eight Tush Push TDs). He had 52 of those over the preceding four seasons. While the Eagles’ O-line is less formidable now, Hurts could still lead the league in QB paydirt.
Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars) — Ranked a mere ninth this summer, Lawrence was second only to Buffalo’s Josh Allen in the second half of ’25. The former No. 1 pick ran for seven TDs in the second half of the season, throwing 18 TD passes in his last seven games as the Jaguars won eight in a row.
Malik Willis (Dolphins) — The biggest wild card ranked outside the top 20. Willis starred in his brief action last season in Green Bay (409 passing yards and 2 TDs over 1½ games). Miami is hoping/praying he regains his Liberty magic (5,122 yards, 47 TDs in his last two college seasons).
Others — Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Daniel Jones (Colts), Justin Herbert (Chargers).
Our fave tight ends
Brock Bowers (Raiders) — Folks with short memories rate Arizona’s Trey McBride as the top tight end, but Bowers is healthy again, and he’s still the best in the business. With better quarterbacking in Vegas, Bowers may top his sterling rookie season (112 catches for 1,194 yards).
Isaiah Likely (Giants) — After years of sharing the Baltimore load with Mark Andrews, Likely has the job to himself in New York and has a great shot at a top-10 season. After four seasons with a total of 15 touchdowns, he could reach double-digits in the improved Giants offense.
Chig Okonkwo (Commanders) — This former Titan, ranked in the middle teens by the experts, is in line for a breakout season where he could emerge as Jayden Daniels’ No. 2 target. While he has only eight TDs in his four seasons, he could match that total over 17 weeks in Washington.
Others — Travis Kelce (Chiefs), Mark Andrews (Ravens), Brenton Strange (Jaguars), Orande Gadsden (Chargers).
Coming up
On August 30 we unveil our picks for the most overrated fantasy performers. Then the spirit of Nipsey Russell will be with us on September 6 when we present the “Match Game” legend-inspired NFL preview. There’ll be plenty of rhyme and reason for all.
You can hear Kevin Cusick on Thursdays on Bob Sansevere’s “BS Show” podcast on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on X — @theloopnow. He can be reached at kcusick@pioneerpress.com.