Fantasy Football Player Notes

Ashton Jeanty will be seen as a disappointment for fantasy managers exiting his rookie season. It wasn't a failure, but you can make the argument that, because of his talent and the hype, it didn't live up to lofty expectations. Jeanty was the RB15 in fantasy points per game, finishing with 321 touches and 1,321 total yards. He ranked fifth in snap share, first in opportunity share, seventh in weighted opportunities, and 15th in red zone touches. Among 49 qualifying backs, Jeanty ranked 16th in missed tackle rate and 17th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). The ecosystem surrounding Jeanty stunk. The Raiders were 31st in red zone scoring attempts per game and 30th in yards per play. Among those 49 qualifying backs previously, Jeanty had the second-fewest yards before contact per attempt (1.28), and 65% of his rushing yards came after first contact. With Klint Kubiak in town, Fernando Mendoza or Kirk Cousins at the helm, a healthy Brock Bowers, and improved blocking up front, Jeanty could be poised to post a strong RB1 season in his second season.

Mike Washington Jr. could help Ashton Jeanty with the early down lifting in 2026 and slot in as one of the best handcuffs in the NFL. Washington Jr. tested like an alien during the predraft process, leading to his fourth-round draft capital. During his final collegiate season, Washington Jr. broke out, ranking 33rd in yards after contact per attempt and 17th in breakaway rate (per PFF). Washington Jr. has blistering 4.3 speed and the size (6'1", 223 lbs) to be a three-down back if called upon. Stash him as a wonderful handcuff in 2026, where you can.