Nathan Jahnke· Aug 28, 2026
PFF's preseason fantasy recap makes a series of depth-chart, roster and usage projections based on final-week preseason snap counts, including Ja'Kobi Lane locking down the Ravens' third receiver role, Luke McCaffrey's roster spot being in danger, Kyle Pitts facing reduced 12-personnel usage, Kendre Miller as the Saints' RB2 and Emmett Johnson as the Chiefs' backup running back.
“This included Lane, giving even more evidence that Lane will be the third wide receiver in 11 personnel this season.”
published in writing · Pro Football Focus · read the original →
39 checkable claims — 21 roster spot calls, 17 depth chart calls and 1 trade and signing call — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
It names 53 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
12 of 39 have settled so far, averaging 83.3 out of 100, against 83.3 for a naive guess at the same calls.
Of the 10 unsettled calls enough other pundits have weighed in on, this one lands above the room on 3 and below it on 7.
Where this call stands in the room
Pat Bryant · 2026 season4 calls from 4 pundits between 2 and 3. Nathan Jahnke said 3. the room's median is 3. 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.
Where do you stand? Pick this and every open claim on Picks →
Who this take is about
- Devin Duvernay
- Arizona Cardinals
- Elijah Sarratt
- Baltimore Ravens
- Carson Wentz
- Minnesota Vikings
- Feleipe Franks
- Carolina Panthers
- Brycen Tremayne
- Brashard Smith
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Bo Melton
- Green Bay Packers
- Ja'Tavion Sanders
- Luke McCaffrey
- Washington Commanders
- Tahj Brooks
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Jonathan Mingo
- Dallas Cowboys
- Reggie Virgil
- Myles Price
- Elijah Arroyo
- Seattle Seahawks
- Charlie Jones
- Malik Washington
- Miami Dolphins
- Kevin Coleman
- Emmett Johnson
- Emmanuel Henderson
- Kendre Miller
- New Orleans Saints
- Malik Davis
- Dohnte Meyers
- Van Jefferson
- Phil Mafah
- Trevor Etienne
- Ameer Abdullah
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Jonnu Smith
- Jalen Reagor
- Justin Joly
- Denver Broncos
- Ja'Kobi Lane
- Tyler Badie
- Pat Bryant
- Noah Fant
- Mitchell Tinsley
- Tyrone Tracy Jr.
- New York Giants
- Colbie Young
- Sean Tucker
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
39 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.
- Roster Spot CallsDevin DuvernayArizona CardinalsAug 28, 2026
Devin Duvernay to make the roster
“Duvernay appears locked into a roster spot, likely more because of his special teams value than his receiving ability.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- ARI
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- Devin Duvernay
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he makes the 53
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 100
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 3
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
- Roster Spot CallsElijah SarrattBaltimore RavensAug 28, 2026
Elijah Sarratt to make the roster
“While he is likely to make the Ravens' roster given the investment Baltimore made in him, he isn't as high on the depth chart.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 0+200 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- BAL
- skill:
- 200
- player:
- Elijah Sarratt
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he makes the 53
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 3
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
- Roster Spot CallsCarson WentzMinnesota VikingsAug 28, 2026
Carson Wentz to make the roster
“Carson Wentz played only the second quarter last week and just eight snaps in this game, suggesting he should make the Vikings' roster.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- MIN
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- Carson Wentz
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he makes the 53
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 100
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 3
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
- Roster Spot CallsFeleipe FranksCarolina PanthersAug 28, 2026
Feleipe Franks to make the roster
“Feleipe Franks is expected to make the roster for his play on special teams.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- CAR
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- Feleipe Franks
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he makes the 53
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 100
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 3
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
Brycen Tremayne to make the roster
“This means Tremayne is the one backup receiver who is a lock to make the roster.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- CAR
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- Brycen Tremayne
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he makes the 53
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 100
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 3
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
Brashard Smith to make the roster
“It's also possible Smith doesn't make the roster if Kansas City keeps only three running backs.”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 100-200 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- KC
- skill:
- -200
- player:
- Brashard Smith
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he does not make the 53
- accuracy:
- 0
- baseline:
- 100
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 3
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
- Roster Spot CallsBo MeltonGreen Bay PackersAug 28, 2026
Bo Melton to make the roster
“The only Packers skill-position player who appeared in this game and is likely to make the roster is Bo Melton.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- GB
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- Bo Melton
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he makes the 53
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 100
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 3
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
Ja'Tavion Sanders to make the roster
“Unless the Panthers keep five tight ends, he is unlikely to make the roster.”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 100-200 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- CAR
- skill:
- -200
- player:
- Ja'Tavion Sanders
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he does not make the 53
- accuracy:
- 0
- baseline:
- 100
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 3
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
Luke McCaffrey to make the roster
“Luke McCaffrey's roster spot is in danger: The Washington Commanders receiver was active while six other receivers were inactive, so McCaffrey is only likely to make the roster if Washington keeps seven wide receivers.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- WAS
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- Luke McCaffrey
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he makes the 53
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 100
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 3
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
- Roster Spot CallsTahj BrooksCincinnati BengalsAug 28, 2026
Tahj Brooks to make the roster
“Bengals running back Tahj Brooks appears likely to make the roster as the team's third running back unless Cincinnati adds someone from another roster.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- CIN
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- Tahj Brooks
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he makes the 53
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 100
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 3
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
- Roster Spot CallsJonathan MingoDallas CowboysAug 28, 2026
Jonathan Mingo to make the roster
“Davis and Mingo weren't roster locks entering training camp, so the fact that both sat out this week strongly suggests they have secured spots on the 53-man roster.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- DAL
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- Jonathan Mingo
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he makes the 53
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 100
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 3
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
- Roster Spot CallsReggie VirgilArizona CardinalsAug 28, 2026
Reggie Virgil to make the roster
“Fifth-round rookie Reggie Virgil hasn't been able to move up the depth chart but is also likely to make the roster.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 0+200 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- ARI
- skill:
- 200
- player:
- Reggie Virgil
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he makes the 53
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he was on somebody's 53 last season, so he makes one again
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks on the53:
- 3
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
- Depth Chart CallsTahj BrooksCincinnati BengalsAug 28, 2026
Tahj Brooks to be 3rd on the depth chart
“Bengals running back Tahj Brooks appears likely to make the roster as the team's third running back”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsMyles PriceMinnesota VikingsAug 28, 2026
Myles Price to be 4th on the depth chart
“The fact that Price didn't play in this game while Tai Felton did suggests Price is fourth on the depth chart.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsElijah ArroyoSeattle SeahawksAug 28, 2026
Elijah Arroyo to be 2nd on the depth chart
“Still, he remains the top backup receiving tight end and should see a decent amount of playing time this season.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Roster Spot CallsCharlie JonesCincinnati BengalsAug 28, 2026
Charlie Jones to make the roster
“he is listed as Cincinnati's top kick and punt returner and will likely make the roster because of his special teams value”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsMalik WashingtonMiami DolphinsAug 28, 2026
Malik Washington to be 1st on the depth chart
“He didn't play in either of the last two preseason games, and will be the Dolphins' top fantasy receiver to start this season.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsKevin ColemanMiami DolphinsAug 28, 2026
Kevin Coleman to be 2nd on the depth chart
“Rookie Kevin Coleman Jr. has consistently been in the slot and will be Washington's backup there.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Emmett Johnson to be 2nd on the depth chart
“This suggests Johnson will be Walker's primary backup to start the season.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Emmanuel Henderson to be 8th on the depth chart
“Sixth-round rookie wide receiver Emmanuel Henderson Jr. remains eighth on the wide receiver depth chart, as he has throughout the preseason.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Roster Spot CallsKendre MillerNew Orleans SaintsAug 28, 2026
Kendre Miller to make the roster
“Miller's roster spot now appears safe, while there should be room for at least one of Estime or Neal until Kamara returns.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Roster Spot CallsMalik DavisDallas CowboysAug 28, 2026
Malik Davis to make the roster
“Davis and Mingo weren't roster locks entering training camp, so the fact that both sat out this week strongly suggests they have secured spots on the 53-man roster.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsDohnte MeyersCincinnati BengalsAug 28, 2026
Dohnte Meyers to be 5th on the depth chart
“Colbie Young and Dohnte Meyers appear to be fourth and fifth on Cincinnati's wide receiver depth chart.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Van Jefferson to make the roster
“Jefferson appears unlikely to make the roster at this point, but McCaffrey appears to be in danger too.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Roster Spot CallsPhil MafahDallas CowboysAug 28, 2026
Phil Mafah to make the roster
“Mafah playing in this game makes it clear that he is behind both and could be in danger of missing the roster.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsTrevor EtienneCarolina PanthersAug 28, 2026
Trevor Etienne to be 3rd on the depth chart
“Third-string running back Trevor Etienne played the first two snaps and then his night was done, suggesting his spot as the third running back is safe.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Ameer Abdullah to make the roster
“The fact that Abdullah didn't play suggests Jacksonville will keep four running backs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Jonnu Smith to move to Green Bay Packers
“While it has been reported that Jonnu Smith will sign with the Packers, he has not officially been added to the roster yet.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Roster Spot CallsJalen ReagorMiami DolphinsAug 28, 2026
Jalen Reagor to make the roster
“However, Tolbert was clearly ahead of Reagor in this game, putting Reagor's roster spot in jeopardy.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Roster Spot CallsJustin JolyDenver BroncosAug 28, 2026
Justin Joly to make the roster
“While tight end Justin Joly is likely to make the roster as a fifth-round pick, he didn't enter the game until late in the second quarter”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsKendre MillerNew Orleans SaintsAug 28, 2026
Kendre Miller to be 2nd on the depth chart
“Kendre Miller appears set to be the Saints' RB2 in Week 1: Miller appears to have emerged as the top backup among New Orleans' healthy running backs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsJa'Kobi LaneBaltimore RavensAug 28, 2026
Ja'Kobi Lane to be 3rd on the depth chart
“This included Lane, giving even more evidence that Lane will be the third wide receiver in 11 personnel this season.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsTyler BadieDenver BroncosAug 28, 2026
Tyler Badie to be 4th on the depth chart
“If the Broncos keep a fourth running back, Badie appears to be the current favorite.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsPat BryantDenver BroncosAug 28, 2026
Pat Bryant to be 3rd on the depth chart
“In reality, Bryant is likely the third wide receiver, as he sat out this game.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsNoah FantNew Orleans SaintsAug 28, 2026
Noah Fant to be 2nd on the depth chart
“providing further evidence that he will be the tight end alongside Juwan Johnson in 12 personnel this season, with Delp serving as Johnson's backup”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Mitchell Tinsley to make the roster
“That could leave Tinsley as the odd man out at wide receiver.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsTyrone Tracy Jr.New York GiantsAug 28, 2026
Tyrone Tracy Jr. to be 4th on the depth chart
“It wouldn't be surprising if Tracy drops to fourth on the depth chart, even if he's healthy.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsColbie YoungCincinnati BengalsAug 28, 2026
Colbie Young to be 4th on the depth chart
“Colbie Young and Dohnte Meyers appear to be fourth and fifth on Cincinnati's wide receiver depth chart.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsSean TuckerTampa Bay BuccaneersAug 28, 2026
Sean Tucker to be 3rd on the depth chart
“The fact that Tucker started suggests he has a slight edge, but the rotation indicates it's not decided.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
- Chris SimmsScore Predictions · Kansas City ChiefsHit · 100Simms went through the entire Week 3 slate with straight-up winners and predicted final scores, taking Jacksonville, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Detroit, Houston, Carolina, Kansas City, Seattle, the Giants, Baltimore, New Orleans, Minnesota, San Francisco, Denver and Philadelphia. He also expected Zay Flowers and Puka Nacua to sit, Kyler Murray to play, and said Marvin Harrison Jr. projects as no better than a good No. 2 or high-end No. 3 receiver.
- Connor RogersGame Outcome Picks · New York GiantsHit · 100Rogers picked Detroit, Houston, Carolina, Kansas City, Seattle and the Giants to win their Week 3 games, saying the Chiefs win by two touchdowns and the Giants by a field goal.
- Chris LongGame Outcome Picks · Cincinnati BengalsMiss · 0Long liked the Rams over the Broncos on Sunday night even without Puka Nacua, and expected the Bills to beat the winless Chargers in Buffalo. He also backed the Bengals over the Steelers, expected an angry Detroit team to handle the Jets, and still thought both the Lions and Vikings could win the NFC North.
- Steven RuizGame Outcome Picks · Denver BroncosHit · 100Previewing Week 3, Ruiz picked the Ravens to beat the Cowboys in Brazil, Jacksonville over New England in a low-scoring game, an upset by the Broncos over the Rams, the Raiders over the Saints, the Eagles over the Bears, the Lions over the Jets, and his Hail Mary that Houston beats Indianapolis by two touchdowns.
- Nate TiceGame Outcome Picks · Baltimore RavensHit · 100Tice matched his guest on every Week 3 game, picking the Ravens over the Cowboys, the Jaguars over the Patriots in a close game, the Broncos to upset the Rams, the Raiders over the Saints, the Eagles over the Bears and the Lions over the Jets.
- Chris SimmsScore Predictions · Green Bay PackersMiss · 10Simms picked the Packers to beat the Falcons in the Thursday night game by a low score, expecting a defensive struggle.
More roster spot calls
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- Jeff KerrRoster Spot Calls · Zach ErtzMiss · 0Kerr expects Zach Ertz to be elevated from the practice squad and play in the Eagles' Week 3 Monday night game against the Bears, and to serve as Philadelphia's clear TE1 with Dallas Goedert out.
- Jeff KerrRoster Spot Calls · Chance CampbellHit · 100Kerr ranks the Eagles' eight undrafted free agents by their chances of making the initial 53-man roster, with Kapena Gushiken the most likely and predicts at least one UDFA makes the 53. He also forecasts practice squad spots for Zion Wilson, Deontae Lawson and Maximus Pulley, and a release for long snapper Rocco Underwood.
- Jeff KerrRoster Spot Calls · Chance CampbellHit · 100Kerr's third Eagles 53-man roster projection names the players he expects to make the team at each position, with Cole Payton, Elijah Moore, Johnny Wilson, Gabe Hall and Rocco Underwood left off; he also predicts Underwood is exposed to waivers and returns to the practice squad, Deontae Lawson lands on the practice squad, and Eli Stowers is the TE3.
- Jeff KerrRoster Spot Calls · Chance CampbellHit · 100Kerr's updated 53-man roster projection for the Eagles after eight training camp practices, naming which players make the team at each position plus depth-chart placements like Wicks as WR2, Mundt as TE2, Kendall as third guard, Bell as third tackle, and Epps/Carter battling to start at safety.
- Ralph VentreRoster Spot Calls · Christian BenfordMiss · 0Ventre expects Christian Benford's toe injury to sideline him for at least the Week 4 game against New England, and believes the Bills will have to add a cornerback to the 53-man roster this week — likely by moving Benford to injured reserve — with practice squad rookie Kani Walker the most likely player elevated.
- Thomas MartinezRoster Spot Calls · Patrick HerbertMiss · 0Martinez projects the Chargers' starting lineups on offense and defense for their Week 3 game at Buffalo, with injuries forcing several changes — Oronde Gadsden II at tight end, Trevor Penning at left guard, Jamaree Caldwell at defensive tackle and RJ Mickens at safety — while expecting Ladd McConkey to play and Marquez Valdez-Scantling to debut.