Nathan Jahnke#72 of 87 NFL pundits · 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.
Published in writing · Pro Football FocusRead the original
What Nathan Jahnke said
This included Lane, giving even more evidence that Lane will be the third wide receiver in 11 personnel this season.
- Where it was published
- Pro Football Focus
- The piece
- 2026 NFL Preseason Week 3 Recap: Immediate fantasy football takeaways from Friday’s games
- The original
- Read the original
- Read it wrong?
- Tell us and we will look
- SaidAug 28
- GradedSep 25–Oct 11
Box score, by kind
HitCloseMissWaiting| Group | Hits | Close | Misses | Waiting | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roster Spot Calls | 11 | 0 | 4 | 6 | |
| Depth Chart Calls | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | |
| Trade and Signing Calls | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| All | 11 | 0 | 4 | 24 |
How each call scored
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 call.
It names 53 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
15 of 39 have settled so far, averaging 73.3 out of 100, against 86.7 for a naive guess at the same calls.
Of the 11 unsettled calls enough other pundits have weighed in on, this one lands above the room on 5 and below it on 6.
Each call is scored 0 to 100 against what happened, on its own, by the published methodology. The naive guess is what knowing nothing would have scored on the same calls; the gap, weighted by how hard the call was, is the skill.
Roster Spot Calls11 hits · 4 misses · 6 waitingShow ▸Hide ▾
Van Jefferson to be cut
“Jefferson appears unlikely to make the roster at this point, but McCaffrey appears to be in danger too.”
1 week on a 530Miss0 − 100 naive = −100 × 2 difficulty = −200 skill
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- club:
- WAS
- skill:
- −200
- player:
- Van Jefferson
- 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:
- 1
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 5
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 4
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.”
4 weeks on a 53100Hit100 − 100 naive = 0 × 2 difficulty = 0 skill
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- club:
- NO
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- Kendre Miller
- 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:
- 4
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 1
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
Mitchell Tinsley to be cut
“That could leave Tinsley as the odd man out at wide receiver.”
1 week on a 530Miss0 − 100 naive = −100 × 2 difficulty = −200 skill
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- club:
- CIN
- skill:
- −200
- player:
- Mitchell Tinsley
- 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:
- 1
- weeks left when called:
- 18
- first week on the53:
- 4
- weeks on the practice squad:
- 0
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.”
3 weeks on a 53100Hit100 − 100 naive = 0 × 2 difficulty = 0 skill
Think this is wrong?How 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
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.”
3 weeks on a 53100Hit100 − 0 naive = 100 × 2 difficulty = +200 skill
Think this is wrong?How 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
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.”
3 weeks on a 53100Hit100 − 100 naive = 0 × 2 difficulty = 0 skill
Think this is wrong?How 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
Feleipe Franks to make the roster
“Feleipe Franks is expected to make the roster for his play on special teams.”
3 weeks on a 53100Hit100 − 100 naive = 0 × 2 difficulty = 0 skill
Think this is wrong?How 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.”
3 weeks on a 53100Hit100 − 100 naive = 0 × 2 difficulty = 0 skill
Think this is wrong?How 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 be cut
“It's also possible Smith doesn't make the roster if Kansas City keeps only three running backs.”
3 weeks on a 530Miss0 − 100 naive = −100 × 2 difficulty = −200 skill
Think this is wrong?How 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
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.”
3 weeks on a 53100Hit100 − 100 naive = 0 × 2 difficulty = 0 skill
Think this is wrong?How 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 be cut
“Unless the Panthers keep five tight ends, he is unlikely to make the roster.”
3 weeks on a 530Miss0 − 100 naive = −100 × 2 difficulty = −200 skill
Think this is wrong?How 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.”
3 weeks on a 53100Hit100 − 100 naive = 0 × 2 difficulty = 0 skill
Think this is wrong?How 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
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.”
3 weeks on a 53100Hit100 − 100 naive = 0 × 2 difficulty = 0 skill
Think this is wrong?How 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
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.”
3 weeks on a 53100Hit100 − 100 naive = 0 × 2 difficulty = 0 skill
Think this is wrong?How 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
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.”
3 weeks on a 53100Hit100 − 0 naive = 100 × 2 difficulty = +200 skill
Think this is wrong?How 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
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.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Ameer Abdullah — “Jacksonville will keep four running backs”
“The fact that Abdullah didn't play suggests Jacksonville will keep four running backs.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
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.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
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”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
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”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Jalen Reagor to be cut
“However, Tolbert was clearly ahead of Reagor in this game, putting Reagor's roster spot in jeopardy.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Depth Chart Calls17 waitingShow ▸Hide ▾
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.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
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.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
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.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
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”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
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.”
—WaitingNot 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.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
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.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
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”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
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.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Pat Bryant to be 3rd on the depth chart
“In reality, Bryant is likely the third wide receiver, as he sat out this game.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
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.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
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.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
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.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
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.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Tyler Badie to be 4th on the depth chart
“If the Broncos keep a fourth running back, Badie appears to be the current favorite.”
—WaitingNot 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.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
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.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Trade and Signing Calls1 waitingShow ▸Hide ▾
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.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Who this take is about
Van Jefferson, Washington Commanders, Kendre Miller, New Orleans Saints, Mitchell Tinsley, Cincinnati Bengals, 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, Tahj Brooks, Jonathan Mingo, Dallas Cowboys, Reggie Virgil, Dohnte Meyers, Trevor Etienne, Elijah Arroyo, Seattle Seahawks, Malik Davis, Myles Price, Emmanuel Henderson, Ja'Kobi Lane, Noah Fant, Sean Tucker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Pat Bryant, Denver Broncos, Ameer Abdullah, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kevin Coleman, Miami Dolphins, Phil Mafah, Colbie Young, Justin Joly, Charlie Jones, Malik Washington, Jalen Reagor, Tyler Badie, Emmett Johnson, Jonnu Smith, Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants
Others on the same people
Zack Kelberman · Roster Spot Calls · Sean Fresch Jr. · Miss 0
Kelberman expects Sean Fresch Jr. to clear waivers and return to the Broncos' practice squad, sees Riley Moss back from concussion for the Week 11 game at Las Vegas, and projects newly acquired Daiyan Henley to begin as the third inside linebacker behind Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad before likely moving into a starting role.Zack Kelberman · Roster Spot Calls · Sean Fresch Jr. · Miss 0
Kelberman writes that Riley Moss may sit out the preseason finale against Minnesota but should be available for the Week 1 opener at Kansas City; they also suggest undrafted corners Sean Fresch Jr. and Brent Austin are being evaluated for practice squad spots.Chris Clark · Trade and Signing Calls · Nikko Remigio · Miss 0
Clark expects the Chiefs to bring back exclusive-rights receiver Nico (Remigio) and long snapper James Winchester, to re-sign JuJu Smith-Schuster as a cheap veteran fifth receiver, and not to bring back Hollywood Brown, Josh Dobbs-type depth, Gardner Minshew, Janarius Robinson or Mike Caliendo; they also say the Chiefs will not use a franchise tag and believes Bryan Cook won't return.Sam Monson · Game Outcome Picks · New York Giants · Miss 0
Monson picked every Week 10 game, taking the Giants, Lions, Packers, Panthers, Colts, Texans, Bills, Chiefs, Jaguars, Seahawks, Rams, Cowboys, Bengals and Ravens, and also suggested the Chargers' only likely wins the rest of the way come against the Jets and Dolphins.Jordan Dajani · Score Predictions · Washington Commanders · Hit 95
Dajani picks the Commanders to edge the Giants 21-20 on Thursday and the Chiefs to beat the Falcons 26-20 in Week 10.Tyler Sullivan · Score Predictions · Washington Commanders · Hit 100
Sullivan takes the Commanders 24-21 over the Giants on Thursday night and calls for a Steelers upset of the Bengals, 27-24, in Week 10.
More roster spot calls
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
Christian Booher · Roster Spot Calls · Anthony Lucas · Miss 0
Booher previews the Lions' Week 9 trip to Miami, predicting Derrick Barnes takes over as the green-dot linebacker in Jack Campbell's absence, Juice Scruggs starts at center, and boldly forecasting Detroit's first defensive touchdown of the season on an Aidan Hutchinson strip-sack recovered and returned by Barnes.Mike Moraitis · Roster Spot Calls · Salvon Ahmed · Hit 100
Moraitis expects D'Andre Swift's workload to spike while Kyle Monangai is out, with a floor of 20 touches a game that could push them into RB1 range temporarily; they also expect Roschon Johnson to be the RB3 and primary beneficiary behind Swift, with both Johnson and Salvon Ahmed making Chicago's roster.