Everything that happens in the NFL has some additional context when viewed from a fantasy football perspective. From position battles to injuries and so much more, the news cycle will constantly affect player values in fantasy football.
Our fantasy football buzz file, with contributions from our ESPN fantasy writers and our NFL Nation reporters, aims to provide fantasy managers with the intel they need as news breaks around the NFL.
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June 30: What trade to Steelers means for TE Jonnu Smith’s value
Tristan H. Cockcroft: Smith was one of 2024’s biggest breakthrough players, pacing all tight ends in PPR fantasy points following the Miami Dolphins’ Week 6 bye. He was heavily targeted in the red zone during that time, seeing 17 in 12 games, so some regression, particularly in the touchdown department, was inevitable. Considering Smith is now reunited with Arthur Smith, under whom he finished 48th (2017), 35th (2018), 20th (2019), 17th (2020) and 17th (2023) in scoring at his position in five of his eight NFL seasons, those concerns only heighten. The Pittsburgh Steelers also have Pat Freiermuth to soak up some targets at the position.
That said, Smith is expected to serve in a hybrid tight end/slot receiver/fullback role with his new team, creative usage that should at least keep him on the position’s top-10 radar, albeit barely. Much of his fantasy production will hinge on how effectively Aaron Rodgers rebounds from his disappointing 2024. Smith’s arrival renders Freiermuth a near afterthought in all but the deepest (read: 16-plus team) leagues.
June 10: How the Dobbins signing impacts Broncos’ backfield
Matt Bowen: The Denver Broncos signed free agent running back J.K. Dobbins to a one-year contract Tuesday. Dobbins had 1,058 total yards and nine touchdown last season for the Los Angeles Chargers, while averaging 14.4 PPG in 13 games played. So, let’s quickly discuss the fantasy impact of the veteran’s arrival in the Broncos’ running back room.
Rookie RJ Harvey should be expected to maintain his role as the lead runner in Sean Payton’s offense, which includes the designed targets in the pass game. Harvey has the traits to be deployed as a dual-threat back in this system. However, Dobbins will take some carries away from Harvey, and his physical running style could lead to more work on the goal line. Because of that, Harvey will drop down some slots in my preseason rankings, but he remains a solid RB2/Flex.
Yes, Dobbins does have an injury history, playing in just 37 games over his first four seasons as a pro. That must be mentioned here. But if Dobbins can stay healthy, he fits as a No. 2 in this offense, which would diminish the roles of Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin in 2025.
June 5: What Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers means for fantasy
Matt Bowen: Aaron Rodgers plans to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Thursday.
Rodgers, who will turn 42 during the 2025 season, threw for 3,897 yards, 29 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions last year as a member of the New York Jets, who, coincidentally, will host the Steelers in Week 1. Justin Fields, who started the first six games for Pittsburgh last season, is now the presumed starter for the Jets.
In terms of Rodgers’ fantasy impact, we had already been projecting his stats based on him joining the Steelers.
So let’s discuss the veteran quarterback’s skill set at this stage of his career and what it means on the fantasy front for the Pittsburgh offense.
Based on the tape I’ve watched, the arm talent still pops with Rodgers, as do the quick release and accelerated field vision. He can get the ball out and identify post-snap coverage rotations with ease. Yes, the mobility and pocket poise have declined, which does limit his opportunities to create outside of structure at a higher rate, but in a run-oriented offense, one that will also use play-action elements to keep the pocket firm, Rodgers can function and produce in Arthur Smith’s system.
With Rodgers’ arrival, DK Metcalf’s fantasy value gets a slight boost from where it had been before the QB’s arrival. Metcalf has the field-stretching ability to run the outside verticals and deep in-breakers, plus he will be a top quick-gain target for Rodgers on slants, unders and screens. That puts Metcalf in the WR2/Flex range heading into the 2025 fantasy season, while Pat Freiermuth remains a midtier TE2 with potential streaming upside who can be viewed as a big body option in the middle of the field.
Remember, Rodgers averaged 15.1 PPG with both Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams as his top targets last season in New York. And in a Steelers offense that will use the run game as a foundational piece, Rodgers fits best as a QB2 who can be started in 2QB Superflex formats or as a matchup-based streaming option.
