Nathan Jahnke· Aug 24, 2026
PFF's preseason fantasy recap makes a large number of depth-chart, role and fantasy-value calls across the league, including Chig Okonkwo as a top sleeper tight end, Tre Tucker as the Raiders' top receiver, and various backfield hierarchies.
“Tucker appears to be the clear option at this point.”
published in writing · Pro Football Focus · read the original →
59 checkable claims — 41 depth chart calls, 12 roster spot calls, 3 positional finishes, 2 fantasy bust calls and 1 sleeper call — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
It names 85 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
6 of 59 have settled so far, averaging 83.3 out of 100, against 100 for a naive guess at the same calls.
Of the 37 unsettled calls enough other pundits have weighed in on, this one lands above the room on 8 and below it on 29.
Where this call stands in the room
Kaelon Black · 2026 season3 calls from 3 pundits between 2 and 2. Nathan Jahnke said 2. the room's median is 2. 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
- Laquon Treadwell
- Indianapolis Colts
- Bam Knight
- Arizona Cardinals
- Kyle Williams
- New England Patriots
- Xavier Smith
- Los Angeles Rams
- Efton Chism III
- Jalen Tolbert
- Miami Dolphins
- Devin Singletary
- New York Giants
- Erick All
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Jalen Brooks
- Tony Pollard
- Tennessee Titans
- AJ Barner
- Seattle Seahawks
- Luke Schoonmaker
- Dallas Cowboys
- Stefon Diggs
- Washington Commanders
- Colston Loveland
- Chicago Bears
- Josh Whyle
- Green Bay Packers
- Bucky Irving
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Jonathon Brooks
- Carolina Panthers
- Xavier Hutchinson
- Houston Texans
- Eli Raridon
- Roman Wilson
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Calvin Ridley
- Odell Beckham Jr.
- Jaydon Blue
- Chig Okonkwo
- Ja'Kobi Lane
- Baltimore Ravens
- De'Zhaun Stribling
- San Francisco 49ers
- Seth McGowan
- Keaton Mitchell
- Los Angeles Chargers
- Courtland Sutton
- Denver Broncos
- Kaelon Black
- Malik McClain
- New York Jets
- Jonathan Mingo
- Jaylin Lane
- Tre Tucker
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Darnell Washington
- Malik Benson
- Brenen Thompson
- Calvin Austin III
- Denzel Boston
- Cleveland Browns
- Jaylen Waddle
- Christian Kirk
- Zachariah Branch
- Atlanta Falcons
- MarShawn Lloyd
- Kendre Miller
- New Orleans Saints
- Gunnar Helm
- Jaylen Wright
- Tyjae Spears
- Tyquan Thornton
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Malik Davis
- Trey Benson
- Malachi Fields
- Ihmir Smith-Marsette
- Kimani Vidal
- Demond Claiborne
- Minnesota Vikings
- Omar Cooper
- Eli Stowers
- Philadelphia Eagles
The game in this take
- Dolphins at Raiders 48 calls
59 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.
Laquon Treadwell to make the roster
“Laquon Treadwell locks into a roster spot: Treadwell played only one drive before exiting ahead of the rest of the Colts players who started the game.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- IND
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- Laquon Treadwell
- 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 CallsBam KnightArizona CardinalsAug 24, 2026
Bam Knight to make the roster
“Knight’s chances of making the roster have continued to increase”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- ARI
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- Bam Knight
- 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
Kyle Williams to make the roster
“Most Patriots beat writers expect the team to keep seven wide receivers this season, so Williams and Chism appear likely to make the roster.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- NE
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- Kyle Williams
- 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 CallsXavier SmithLos Angeles RamsAug 24, 2026
Xavier Smith to make the roster
“His absence this week makes it clear that his roster spot is secure.”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- LAR
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- Xavier Smith
- 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
Efton Chism III to make the roster
“so Williams and Chism appear likely to make the roster”
Hit · 100Scored 100a naive guess scored 100+0 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- NE
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- Efton Chism III
- 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
- Depth Chart CallsJalen TolbertMiami DolphinsAug 24, 2026
Jalen Tolbert to be 1st on the depth chart
“should be considered the favorite to play Z in 11 personnel in Week 1”
Miss · 0Scored 0a naive guess scored 100-200 skillHow this was scored
- club:
- MIA
- week:
- 1
- skill:
- -200
- player:
- Jalen Tolbert
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he starts
- accuracy:
- 0
- baseline:
- 100
- reported:
- he did not play that week
- naive slot:
- 5
- settled by:
- weekly snap counts (he took no snap in the game)
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he keeps the job he had last season
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 18
Kyle Williams to be 6th on the depth chart
“It’s clear through the first two preseason games that Williams and Chism sit sixth and seventh on the depth chart.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsDevin SingletaryNew York GiantsAug 24, 2026
Devin Singletary to be a starter
“Singletary and Tracy are likely competing for playing time, and Singletary appears to have the edge.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Positional FinishesErick AllCincinnati BengalsAug 24, 2026
Erick All to finish top 37 at his position, by fantasy points
“Fant finished as TE37 last season, while All was TE38 over the first nine weeks of 2024. A similar finish is a reasonable expectation for All this season.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsJalen BrooksArizona CardinalsAug 24, 2026
Jalen Brooks to be 4th on the depth chart
“Jalen Brooks appears to be the favorite for Arizona’s fourth wide receiver spot.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsTony PollardTennessee TitansAug 24, 2026
Tony Pollard to be 1st on the depth chart
“This generally suggests that Pollard is ahead of Spears, but the gap between the two may be smaller than it has been in past years.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsAJ BarnerSeattle SeahawksAug 24, 2026
AJ Barner to be 1st on the depth chart
“Arroyo will be someone to pick up off the waiver wire if Barner suffers an injury”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsLuke SchoonmakerDallas CowboysAug 24, 2026
Luke Schoonmaker to be 3rd on the depth chart
“Cowboys third tight end Luke Schoonmaker played eight of the first nine snaps and left the game early, making it clear he is the third tight end.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Stefon Diggs to be 3rd on the depth chart
“On the first drive, McLaurin lined up at X, Burks at Z and Diggs in the slot in 11 personnel. ... His usage in this game suggests he could again be limited primarily to 11 personnel”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Positional FinishesColston LovelandChicago BearsAug 24, 2026
Colston Loveland to finish top 3 at his position, by fantasy points
“he is the consensus TE3 by ADP and rankings ... Fantasy managers can draft Loveland with slightly more confidence after this usage”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsJosh WhyleGreen Bay PackersAug 24, 2026
Josh Whyle to be 2nd on the depth chart
“Josh Whyle is the likely second tight end option this season”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Bucky Irving to be 1st on the depth chart
“All this game did was confirm that Irving is the lead back.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsJonathon BrooksCarolina PanthersAug 24, 2026
Jonathon Brooks to outplay his draft cost (his current ADP)
“His ADP has skyrocketed, but he still might be a value at his current ADP. ... Brooks is someone to continue targeting in drafts.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsXavier HutchinsonHouston TexansAug 24, 2026
Xavier Hutchinson to be 1st on the depth chart
“the injury to Higgins will likely return Hutchinson to his Z position. He will likely start there in Week 1”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsEli RaridonNew England PatriotsAug 24, 2026
Eli Raridon to be 2nd on the depth chart
“He is expected to be the Patriots’ second tight end as long as they don’t add another from a different roster.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsRoman WilsonPittsburgh SteelersAug 24, 2026
Roman Wilson to be 3rd on the depth chart
“This suggests there is no clear favorite for the third spot, and if anything, Wilson has a slight lead given his playing time in the slot this week.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsCalvin RidleyTennessee TitansAug 24, 2026
Calvin Ridley to be 1st on the depth chart
“For the first three drives, Ridley played X, Tate played Z and Robinson lined up in the slot. ... Titans’ wide receiver depth chart appears set”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Odell Beckham Jr. to be 2nd on the depth chart
“That usage suggests Fields has won the starting X job, with Beckham as his backup.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Fantasy Bust CallsJaydon BlueDallas CowboysAug 24, 2026
Jaydon Blue to fall short of his draft cost (the late rounds)
“Blue was worth drafting in the late rounds when it seemed clear he was on track to win the backup job, but this is now a situation to avoid.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Chig Okonkwo to be 1st on the depth chart
“Washington’s new lead tight end appears poised for a larger role than he ever had with the Tennessee Titans.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsJa'Kobi LaneBaltimore RavensAug 24, 2026
Ja'Kobi Lane to be 3rd on the depth chart
“More evidence that Ja’Kobi Lane is the Ravens’ WR3: Lane appears poised for a significant role in Baltimore’s offense this season.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
De'Zhaun Stribling to be 3rd on the depth chart
“De’Zhaun Stribling pushes for a starting job: Stribling was a frequent target in the first half and is making a push for a top-three spot on the depth chart.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsSeth McGowanIndianapolis ColtsAug 24, 2026
Seth McGowan to be 2nd on the depth chart
“Rookie Seth McGowan may win the backup running back job by default with Giddens sidelined.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Keaton Mitchell to be 2nd on the depth chart
“Keaton Mitchell remains the RB2 ... we should expect Mitchell to see more snaps and touches than Vidal this season.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsCourtland SuttonDenver BroncosAug 24, 2026
Courtland Sutton to be 2nd on the depth chart
“we can expect Sutton to be second given his long history with the team”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Jonathon Brooks to be 1st on the depth chart
“This has opened the door for Brooks to be the Week 1 starter, and potentially keep the role for the season.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsKaelon BlackSan Francisco 49ersAug 24, 2026
Kaelon Black to be 2nd on the depth chart
“He was the clear starter with the first team for this game, and given his health, is now the slight favorite for the backup job.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Roster Spot CallsMalik McClainNew York JetsAug 24, 2026
Malik McClain to make the roster
“If New York keeps six wide receivers, he appears to be the favorite for the sixth spot.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Roster Spot CallsJonathan MingoDallas CowboysAug 24, 2026
Jonathan Mingo to make the roster
“Jonathan Mingo appears to be the favorite for the fifth wide receiver spot after starting both preseason games”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Jaylin Lane to make the roster
“That usage suggests Lane could be the odd man out if Washington keeps only seven wide receivers.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsTre TuckerLas Vegas RaidersAug 24, 2026
Tre Tucker to be 1st on the depth chart
“Tre Tucker is the Raiders' top receiver: Tucker was among the Raiders' wide receivers who didn’t play in this game, suggesting he is the top wideout on the pecking order.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Darnell Washington to be 1st on the depth chart
“This suggests Washington will play more snaps this season, but Freiermuth will run more routes.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsMalik BensonLas Vegas RaidersAug 24, 2026
Malik Benson to be 2nd on the depth chart
“However, Benson has played well enough in training camp to suggest he might be ahead of Thornton on the depth chart at this point.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Brenen Thompson to be a starter
“Brenen Thompson was notably the starter in this game over KeAndre Lambert-Smith, making it clear the rookie is ahead on the depth chart.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Calvin Austin III to be 1st on the depth chart
“Austin appears to be the primary slot receiver.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsDenzel BostonCleveland BrownsAug 24, 2026
Denzel Boston to be 1st on the depth chart
“Boston has secured Cleveland’s X receiver role after he, Jerry Jeudy and KC Concepcion started the first preseason game.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsJaylen WaddleDenver BroncosAug 24, 2026
Jaylen Waddle to be 1st on the depth chart
“it’s clear Waddle will be first given how much Denver has invested in him”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Christian Kirk to make the roster
“Kirk hasn’t been able to play with a calf strain and seems unlikely to make the roster”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Zachariah Branch to fall short of his draft cost (late-round fantasy picks)
“While several third-round wide receivers are worthy of late-round fantasy picks this year, Branch shouldn’t be one of them because his upside appears limited.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsMarShawn LloydGreen Bay PackersAug 24, 2026
MarShawn Lloyd to be 2nd on the depth chart
“This strongly suggests that Lloyd will be the primary backup on early downs, while Brooks may be the backup on third downs.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsKendre MillerNew Orleans SaintsAug 24, 2026
Kendre Miller to be 3rd on the depth chart
“Miller ultimately played the most snaps of the group and appears to be the favorite for the No. 3 running back job.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsGunnar HelmTennessee TitansAug 24, 2026
Gunnar Helm to be 1st on the depth chart
“While Helm is still expected to be the lead tight end, he will need more playing time to earn a higher target share than he has seen in the past.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsJaylen WrightMiami DolphinsAug 24, 2026
Jaylen Wright to be 2nd on the depth chart
“Jaylen Wright remains the RB2 for Miami: Wright has played ahead of Ollie Gordon II for the second straight week.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Positional FinishesTyjae SpearsTennessee TitansAug 24, 2026
Tyjae Spears to finish top ? at his position, by fantasy points
“There is a decent chance that Spears ends up leading this backfield in fantasy points.”
Too vague to check — we could not tell what would count as right.
Tyquan Thornton to be 3rd on the depth chart
“Tyquan Thornton remains the WR3: While Cyrus Allen has received plenty of praise during training camp, Thornton remains high on Kansas City’s depth chart.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsMalik DavisDallas CowboysAug 24, 2026
Malik Davis to be 2nd on the depth chart
“This suggests Davis is currently the favorite for the backup job”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Roster Spot CallsTrey BensonArizona CardinalsAug 24, 2026
Trey Benson to make the roster
“Benson is unlikely to make the roster at this point”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsMalachi FieldsNew York GiantsAug 24, 2026
Malachi Fields to be 1st on the depth chart
“That usage suggests Fields has won the starting X job, with Beckham as his backup.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Ihmir Smith-Marsette to make the roster
“It’s possible Smith-Marsette makes the roster instead of Duvernay.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Kimani Vidal to be 3rd on the depth chart
“While it remains possible this is a three-man rotation, and Vidal is simply third in that order, we should expect Mitchell to see more snaps and touches than Vidal this season.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Demond Claiborne to be 3rd on the depth chart
“Demond Claiborne locks into the RB3 spot ... his spot as one of Minnesota’s top three running backs appears secure.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Depth Chart CallsOmar CooperNew York JetsAug 24, 2026
Omar Cooper to be 3rd on the depth chart
“Omar Cooper Jr. starts for the Jets ... Garrett Wilson and Adonai Mitchell appear set as the top two wide receivers”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Efton Chism III to be 7th on the depth chart
“It’s clear through the first two preseason games that Williams and Chism sit sixth and seventh on the depth chart.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Roster Spot CallsEli StowersPhiladelphia EaglesAug 24, 2026
Eli Stowers to make the roster
“Stowers should still make the roster given his draft capital”
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 · Las Vegas RaidersHit · 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 depth chart calls
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- Emmett MatasovskyDepth Chart Calls · Christian IzienMiss · 0Matasovsky says Dobbs is currently leading the backup quarterback race and suggests Christian Izien may be pressed into a starting safety role in Week 1 while Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph rehab.
- Jared DubinDepth Chart Calls · Daniel FaaleleMiss · 0Dubin grades the Faalele trade, predicting Faalele has a decent chance to be Jacksonville's Week 1 starting right guard in competition with Wyatt Milum, and that Evan Neal's odds of making the Giants' 53-man roster improved while Jon Runyan and Francis Mauigoa hold the Giants' starting guard jobs.
- John ShipleyDepth Chart Calls · Patrick MekariMiss · 0Shipley projects second-year cornerback Jabbar Muhammad to make the Jaguars' 53-man roster and describes him as the team's clear No. 5 cornerback, a role that would earn him a game-day jersey. He also identifies Patrick Mekari, Walker Little and Ezra Cleveland as projected Week 1 offensive line starters.
- Bradford BantaDepth Chart Calls · Taylor DeckerHit · 92Banta predicted Taylor Decker will return for an 11th season and be the Lions' left tackle, and expects Kelvin Sheppard to remain the Lions' defensive coordinator for a second year and eventually become an NFL head coach.
- Jerry OstroskiDepth Chart Calls · Dion DawkinsHit · 100Ostrowski insisted Dion Dawkins will remain the Bills' left tackle and will not be moved inside to left guard.
- Gregg RosenthalDepth Chart Calls · Wyatt TellerHit · 92Rosenthal unveils his ranking of the top 101 free agents of 2026, headlined by Malik Willis at No. 1, George Pickens second and Jaelan Phillips third, and running all the way down to Jadeveon Clowney at No. 101. He also expects Quincy Williams to sign in Tennessee, thinks Wyatt Teller will start somewhere in 2026, and wouldn't be surprised if David Onyemata is picked up by Dennis Allen's defense.