2026 Season Preview:
Part V

Zach - Muddy Bananas

2025 Record: 7-7

At QB Zach marches in with one of the "Set it and forget it" QBs: Joe Burrow. Joey B is elite when he's healthy and has elite weapons at his disposal. As long as Burrow can stay on the field, he'll be a strong base of points for Zach to build upon. The only time we'll see a different name at the top of this lineup is week 6, the Bengals bye week. 

De'Von Achane is a guy that I just mentally didn't realize is as good as his numbers say he is. I think its probably because Miami has been bad, but Achane is a scary weapon both running the ball and catching the ball and there's no reason to think this season will be any different. Maybe you could argue that Malik Willis being a more mobile QB cuts into some of those safety check down receptions, but I think that will be negligible. Expect a big season from Achane. Bhayshal Tuten isn't a name that I think anyone has true confidence in, but he's going to get the chance to give folks that confidence. Chris Rodriguez is new in town, and he'll get some work, but signs indicate Tuten being the heavy lead back in Jacksonville. RJ Harvey is in that Denver mix of RBs, but he should get a lot of chances to catch the ball in the Mile High city. If JK Dobbins picks up an injury, which he's been plagued with his entire career, expect Harvey to become more of a 3 down back until Jonah Coleman cements himself a role. Rachaad White and Keaton Mitchell are both guys dependent upon injuries or poor performance to get significant time on the field, but we've seen that they can bean asset when they get that time. 

Ja'Marr Chase being on this roster with Joe Burrow is what will make or break Zach's team. We've seen Andy ride the Bengals 3-stack with pretty profound success, there's no reason to expect any different from the 2 man stack this year on Zach's team. Even if Joe Burrow misses games, Chase should be ok with Joe Flacco under center. He had multiple 20+ point games when Burrow was out last season. Chris Olave, as is the theme so far, is another guy that I just don't give enough credit to because his team isn't great. Olave got a huge contract extension in July, and there's no reason to think he won't have 100+ receptions this year, especially as his report grows with Tyler Shough. Carnell Tate was a top 5 pick in the NFL draft for a reason. He's got everything you're looking for in a WR and fills a huge need for the Titans. If Cam Ward can make a leap expect a big reason for that to be Carnell Tate. Potentially great keeper value in the 7th round as well. Jakobi Meyers and Michael Pittman are not only safe options in case of injury or poor play, they are both really solid week to week options in the Flex. 

Colston Loveland is a sexy pick to be a top TE this season. He really started to shine at the mid point of the NFL season last year, with a 26 point breakout performance against a weak Bengals defense. The Bears should have a really good offense, but the big question is who does that offense run through. Loveland is a strong option to be that offensive catalyst in Chicago. 

Zach was the bubble boy for the playoff cut last year. He'll be looking to make a strong return and give himself a shot at his 2nd Superb Owl Championship.

Chris - Peeping Thomas

2025 Record: 4-10

Last season was one to forget for Chris. He had some high quality players, but injuries and bad luck didn't allow those stars to align for his squad. 

Drake Maye has been described as Josh Allen Lite. He is a safe floor thanks to his rushing ability(450 yards in 2025), and possesses a fantastic arm. He's got a true WR 1 to work with this year in AJ Brown, as well as Romeo Doubs who isn't the greatest option on paper but is coming off the best year of his career. I fully expect Maye to be in the MVP conversation once again. 

James Cook brings consistent, reliable, top end RB play. He had a massive 1600 yard season last year and provided a bit of receiving out of the backfield as well. There's no reason to think Cook, who is just in his 4th season, will be slowing down at all. There's no one behind him pushing for carries and the Bills figure to be a contender once again. Expect big things from James Cook. David Montgomery goes from being the change of pace bruiser in Detroit to being the early down workhorse and goal line specialist in Houston. Woody Marks did show promise when he had the opportunity last season, so I expect to see him still involved in the Texans' offense. From what I've heard it sounds like Rhamondre Stevenson has put some distance between himself and TreVeyon Henderson. Gaining the trust of the coaching staff goes a long way in the NFL, I expect to see a jump in production for Stevenson, and perhaps a regression for Henderson, provided those reports prove to be true. 

Nico Collins is easily the most dangerous receiving weapon in Houston. He's gonna see a bunch of targets, a bunch of receptions, and a bunch of yards. I think you'll see an increase in his targets despite Houston trading for Kayshon Boutte. There's a huge gap between WR1 and WR2 in Houston. Dalton Schultz will be the next most targeted player there and he's not the takeover guy that Collins can be. Rashee Rice is an intriguing player. All signs point to him being due for a huge season, but he's got to stay on the field and out of jail to do so. His rookie season was what we all expected him to build upon, and he's only played 12 games since. Here's hoping he can stay on the field for KC and post big numbers. He has WR1 potential. I've turned myself into a Terry McLaurin believer this offseason, and without any real good reason for doing so. Scary Terry had a bad year last year, but prior to that he was a top 6 WR in the league and post 5 1000 yard seasons in a row. If he can get back to, or exceed, his 2024 season McLaurin could be a league winner. We'll all wait and see if Brian Thomas Jr can bounce back to his rookie season, or find out if he's just been figured out by NFL defenses. He's got the right guy throwing him the football, he has to capitalize on those chances. 

Dalton Kincaid is a guy that I thought was going to do much more with his chances playing with Josh Allen. He's been solid enough for an NFL player but not what you've looked for or expected as a fantasy asset. Maybe this will be the year he stays healthy and truly breaks out.

Chris is chasing the sweet, sweet Superb Owl victory again. The parts are there, but we'll see if they come together at the right time.