Guest of the League
Chess Master Est. 2022
Dynasty $125 - FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1
ALERT from RealTime Fantasy Sports

This league was disbanded because it was not full prior to the scheduled draft time.

Chess Master Draft

Sat Jul 18 7:00pm ET

0:00:00

Draft Room

Chess Master Draft ($125)
Join:
https://rtsports.com/dynasty/291841
Openings:
 
Scheduled:
 
Countdown:
 
Teams:
 

State Definition: Highly Experienced Not Highly Experienced
RTSports: Top 100 Player Top 1000 Player Ranked lower than Top 1000

    2026 Draft Order

    1. Venom D9-#4 (renewed)
    2. *Cookie Monster (renewed)
    3. Philly (renewed)
    4. 2 - 1st (FOR SALE)
    5. AllOmaNabRicDJ (renewed)
    6. Tek Bombers (FOR SALE)
    7. 3KINGS 6 (FOR SALE)
    8. CeeDeez TDs (renewed)
    9. Dy-Nasty
    10. Lunatic Fringe 21 (renewed)
    11. Overnight DQ 11 (renewed)
    12. #DYN31+ #12 1X W6 +3.6 MJSD - 2nd Place (renewed)
    #1 - #6 Consolation Playoffs
    #7 - #12 Playoff teams, regular season pts

    Key Dates:

    2026 Season

    June 1st - Renewal deadline
    July 1st - Team sales finalized
    Jul 11th - Draft cutdown to 14 players
    Jul 18th - Rookie/Free-Agent draft begins
    Sep 2nd - Preseason cutdown to 20 players
    Jan 5th - Expand to 24 players
    Sep 9th - Season starts

  • Fantasy Week 1Scoreboard
    Tek Bombers (0-0)
    Venom D9-#4 (0-0)even
    #DYN31+ #12 1X W6 +3.6 MJ (0-0)
    Lunatic Fringe 21 (0-0)even
    CeeDeez TDs (0-0)
    Overnight DQ 11 (0-0)even
    Philly (0-0)
    3KINGS 6 (0-0)even
    2 - 1st (0-0)
    *Cookie Monster (0-0)even
    Dy-Nasty (0-0)
    AllOmaNabRicDJ (0-0)even
  • Player Notes
    Derrick Henry May 22 7:10pm ET
    Derrick Henry

    Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry continues to ignore Father Time and remains a top option at his position. Over the last four seasons, Henry has finished as a top-8 RB or higher every season. Last season, Henry rushed for 1,595 yards with 16 touchdowns across 17 games with the Ravens. His stats took a slight decrease, but not enough to alarm fantasy managers. The Ravens haven't done basically anything to improve this running back group. With that being said, Henry remains the top dog without any real competition on the roster. The assumption is that Henry is going to slightly regress due to age, but should remain the workhorse back. As long as he remains healthy, Henry should be a high-level option for the upcoming 2026 season.

    From RotoBaller

    Ladd McConkey May 22 6:50pm ET
    Ladd McConkey

    Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey was electric during his rookie season in 2024. He finished with 82 receptions for over 1,100 receiving yards during his first year in the league. Fantasy managers thought they caught lightning in a bottle with McConkey, but he struggled to find the same kind of success last season. He fell into a sophomore slump, where he produced 66 receptions for 789 yards across 16 games. It was a significant drop in production for McConkey, but his value could be on the rise again. The Chargers have a new play-caller in Mike McDaniel, who should help improve this offense as a whole. The bigger news is that Keenan Allen remains unsigned right now. Assuming he doesn't return to the Chargers, McConkey should spend more time in the slot, where he's usually more reliable. A revamped offensive scheme and shift to the full-time slot role should make McConkey a solid buy-low candidate.

    From RotoBaller

    Ryan Flournoy May 22 6:30pm ET
    Ryan Flournoy

    Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ryan Flournoy was a surprisingly solid contributor this past season. It's never easy to make a consistent impact when CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens are ahead of you on the depth chart. Due to some health problems, Flournoy was pushed into a larger role at times this past season. He made the most of it with 40 receptions, 475 receiving yards, and four touchdowns across 16 games. That's a decent year for a sixth-round pick who is stuck behind two stud wideouts on the depth chart. The fact that Flournoy is the WR3 is going to limit his overall ceiling heading into the 2026 season. He's not a great redraft option, but he is an intriguing dynasty stash right now. Pickens is currently playing under the franchise tag and remains without a long-term deal. He could be gone after the season or sooner, which in theory would open up more playing time and a bigger role for Flournoy in this offense.

    From RotoBaller

    Jalen Nailor May 22 6:20pm ET
    Jalen Nailor

    Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor could be poised for a breakout season with his new organization. After spending the last four seasons in Minnesota, Nailor signed a three-year deal with the Raiders this offseason. Nailor has been stuck as the third option behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison with the Vikings. Now, Nailor is expected to be a top wide receiver alongside Tre Tucker in Las Vegas. Last season, Nailor finished with 29 receptions, 444 receiving yards, and four touchdowns in 17 games with the Vikings. His numbers should see a significant rise as he moves to the top of the depth chart with the Raiders. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Nailor to be a superstar just because he has become a top option on the depth chart. He might be able to provide WR3 value, but that depends on his chemistry with quarterbacks Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins. He's an interesting buy-low candidate in dynasty formats with the move to Las Vegas.

    From RotoBaller

    Jacoby Brissett May 22 5:50pm ET
    Jacoby Brissett

    Quarterback Jacoby Brissett and the Arizona Cardinals are still not close to reaching an agreement on a reworked deal for the 2026 season after months of negotiating, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN. According to a source, the two sides are "significantly" far apart. As a result, Brissett hasn't attended any of the team's voluntary OTAs or the voluntary offseason program. His current deal pays him $4.88 million with the potential to earn $5.39 million, with just $1.5 million guaranteed. Gardner Minshew, whom the team signed in free agency in March, will be guaranteed $5.14 million in 2026. The 33-year-old had a career year in 2025 for the Cardinals after taking over for the injured Kyler Murray in Week 6, and he finished with 3,366 passing yards, 23 touchdowns, and eight interceptions in 14 games (10 starts). He was second in the NFL in passing yards from Week 6 on and fourth in completion percentage above expected. Earlier this offseason, it was reported that the Cardinals informed Brissett that he'd be the starter going into 2026, but he still wants a reworked deal to reflect his performance last year. Fantasy managers are expecting regression from Brissett in a full season as a starter in a new offense that is expected to be much more balanced under new head coach Mike LaFleur.

    From RotoBaller

    Cam Ward May 22 2:20pm ET
    Cam Ward

    Tennessee Titans second-year quarterback Cam Ward has looked noticeably slimmer during OTA practices this week, and he said he lost around 10 pounds in the offseason after weighing 219 pounds in 2025 in his first year in the NFL, according to Turron Davenport of ESPN. "I think it'll help me with durability," Ward said. "Just being faster, getting up in the pocket, and trying to play my speed. I watch my diet more, continue to have more cardio, just work on my body, just now here and when I'm away from the building." The 23-year-old was taken first overall by the Titans in last year's draft out of the University of Miami, and he was the team's starter from Day 1. He ultimately struggled in his first NFL campaign, completing 59.8% of his passes for 3,169 yards, 15 touchdowns, and seven interceptions to finish as the QB22 in fantasy scoring. Ward also focused on strengthening his right shoulder after injuring it in the regular-season finale in January. He is perfectly healthy now and has looked good throwing the football during offseason workouts. The hope is that Ward will take a step forward in his sophomore season under new play-caller Brian Daboll with an improved supporting cast around him. Fantasy managers should target Ward as a low-end QB2 in superflex leagues with upside.

    From RotoBaller

    Tucker Kraft May 22 11:40am ET
    Tucker Kraft

    Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) has emerged as a glaring trade target in dynasty leagues amid his recovery from last season's torn ACL. Kraft is reportedly ahead of schedule, and while it's still too early to tell if he'll be ready for Week 1, the 25-year-old said it's his goal to play in the season opener. Once Kraft gets back to 100% and is healthy enough to play in a game, he should re-establish himself as a top-five tight end in fantasy football. He was the top-scoring tight end in fantasy football from Week 1-8 last year, before he ultimately tore his ACL in Week 9. Because of his youth and productivity, Kraft is a high-end tight end in dynasty rankings, but managers can acquire him at a slight discount because of the injury. We'd encourage managers to send out trade offers now, because his price will go up as he gets closer to making his return. He currently ranks as the TE7 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.

    From RotoBaller

    Emmett Johnson May 22 11:30am ET
    Emmett Johnson

    Kansas City Chiefs running back Emmett Johnson will open his career in a depth role, but his every-down skill set makes him an intriguing handcuff in case prized free agent signing Kenneth Walker III misses any time. Johnson doesn't have game-changing speed, but he does have a proven track record as a ball-carrier and pass-catcher in the Big 10. He led the conference with 1,451 rushing yards as a redshirt junior in 2025, and he also impressed with 370 receiving yards and 15 total touchdowns. Walker is currently the Chiefs' every-down back, and Emari Demercado or Brashard Smith could rotate in as change-of-pace options. However, we question whether Demercado or Smith is capable of handling an every-down role if Walker goes down. Johnson could be better suited for that workload, making him an appealing dynasty stash at a low cost. He projects as a late second-round pick in 2026 rookie drafts.

    From RotoBaller

    Cedric Tillman May 22 11:30am ET
    Cedric Tillman

    Cleveland Browns wide receiver Cedric Tillman was once viewed as a potential dynasty sleeper, but his long-term upside has deteriorated after the Browns made a variety of roster moves under new head coach Todd Monken. Most notably, the Browns drafted KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston to play alongside Jerry Jeudy, dropping Tillman to fourth (or lower) on the wide receiver depth chart. Given that no Browns receiver finished higher than WR52 last year, it's hard to envision a path to short-term or long-term fantasy relevance for Tillman if he is indeed the No. 4 receiver. It's a bit too early to drop Tillman, though, especially as there continues to be buzz about a potential trade. If Tillman is traded and gets a fresh new start somewhere else, his quarterback situation could improve and his dynasty value could rise. He ranks as the dynasty WR101 and is worth holding in most leagues.

    From RotoBaller

    Brenen Thompson May 22 11:20am ET
    Brenen Thompson

    Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Brenen Thompson is a very appealing name for managers in dynasty fantasy football leagues. While the Chargers have a somewhat crowded, young receiver room, there's an opportunity for Thompson to carve out a role in his rookie year and serve as a key receiving threat long-term. Thompson offers blazing speed and the ability to stretch the field for the Chargers. Head coach Jim Harbaugh compared the rookie to Tyreek Hill, which is very exciting when you consider that the Chargers' current offensive coordinator, Mike McDaniel, was Hill's head coach in Miami. We're not necessarily saying that Thompson will replicate Hill's back-to-back WR2 finishes from 2022 and 2023, but rather, we're encouraged by what seems like a real commitment to targeting Thompson downfield quite often. Even if it takes him a little while to adjust to the NFL in his rookie season, his ability to speed by defenders makes him a perfect fit for a pass-heavy system led by strong-armed quarterback Justin Herbert. Given his long-term upside as a WR3/flex or better, he's a steal at his current ranking as the WR94 in dynasty leagues. Dynasty managers are strongly encouraged to take a flier on Thompson in the late second or early third round of 2026 rookie drafts.

    From RotoBaller

    Devaughn Vele May 22 11:20am ET
    Devaughn Vele

    New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele entered this offseason as one of the biggest sleepers in dynasty fantasy football leagues, but his long-term outlook took a hit after the NFL Draft. The draft potentially dropped Vele from second to fourth in the Saints' receiver room, as New Orleans spent a first-round pick on Jordyn Tyson and a fourth-round pick on Bryce Lance, who could be their Rashid Shaheed replacement. With that said, rookies often take a little while to acclimate to the NFL, presenting an opportunity for Vele to have some short-term value and emerge as a potential sell-high candidate. If Tyson and Lance don't start right away, Vele could spend a few weeks as quarterback Tyler Shough's No. 2 option in the passing game (behind Chris Olave). That won't last long, but a few weeks of high target shares could give managers a brief window to sell high on Vele. The 28-year-old is available to be added in 47% of leagues, so managers would be wise to add him now in a low-risk move. If he produces early in the season, he could be traded for a decent rookie pick. If not, then he can merely be dropped -- no harm, no foul.

    From RotoBaller

    Jonathan Taylor May 22 11:10am ET
    Jonathan Taylor

    Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was playing at an elite level for most of last year, but his production took a hit after quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles) suffered a season-ending injury. Taylor ranked as the RB1 in PPR leagues from Week 1 to Week 10, and it wasn't particularly close; he was a full 25.1 points ahead of the RB2 during that span, Christian McCaffrey, and a full 89.9 points ahead of the RB4, Jahmyr Gibbs. We could see Taylor return to that level in 2026, as Jones is projected to be healthy for Week 1. Additionally, the Colts might adopt more of a run-heavy approach in 2026 after trading away Michael Pittman Jr. The good news for Taylor is that the Colts didn't bring in any major competition, so the backfield should belong to him once again. If he can stay healthy, he projects to average 20+ touches per game. There's both short-term and long-term appeal, as Taylor is still just 27 years old and ranks as the overall RB6 in RotoBaller's latest dynasty fantasy football rankings.

    From RotoBaller

    Malik Nabers May 22 10:10am ET
    Malik Nabers

    The New York Giants are unsure of when wide receiver Malik Nabers will be able to return from what head coach John Harbaugh told reporters on Thursday was "not a simple knee" injury. Nabers tore the ACL in his right knee in a Week 4 win over the Chargers and underwent a second surgery, described as a cleanup procedure, in the spring of 2026. He did not participate in the team's organized practice on Thursday, and while Harbaugh went on to say that Nabers was doing his job to return as soon as possible, the optimism that he might be ready for the start of training camp seems to have faded. Nabers broke the team's single-season reception record with 109 grabs as a rookie in 2024, and while he and 2025 first-round pick Jaxson Dart were unable to get through even a single full game together, the future of the Giants' offense remains bright if Nabers can eventually return to anything resembling that record-breaking form. Still only 22 years old, Nabers is RotoBaller's dynasty WR5, though when fully healthy, he'll have a realistic chance of claiming the top spot in the rankings.

    From RotoBaller

    Jaxon Smith-Njigba May 22 10:00am ET
    Jaxon Smith-Njigba

    Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba finished as the fantasy WR2 in half-PPR formats on his way to winning the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year Award in 2025. At only 24 years old, he has climbed all the way to WR2 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings. While it's entirely possible that 2025 could mark Smith-Njigba's fantasy peak, he is comfortably in his prime as one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the league. While he could obviously fetch a handsome return via trade, Smith-Njigba is a dynasty asset worth holding onto by any manager with even a sliver of hope for contention in the near future. The Seahawks deployed 11 personnel at the 29th-lowest rate in the league in 2025, and while offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has since taken the top job in Las Vegas, he's been replaced by former 49ers tight ends coach Brian Fleury, who saw San Francisco rank 28th in that same category. For Smith-Njigba, this means continued usage in two, and even one-receiver sets, giving him a chance to match his 38.3% first-read target share from 2025, second only to the Rams' Puka Nacua. While only one receiver (Tyreek Hill) has turned in back-to-back top two fantasy finishes since 2018, Smith-Njigba will at least have a chance of joining that list. Even if 2025 does prove to represent his ceiling, in an environment built to see him succeed, his floor is still realistically in the WR1 range.

    From RotoBaller

    Saquon Barkley May 22 9:40am ET
    Saquon Barkley

    Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley turned in one of the best fantasy seasons in recent memory in 2024, topping 2,000 rushing yards while garnering MVP consideration. Even with regression all but a foregone conclusion following the 482-touch campaign, his second season in Philadelphia was still considered a disappointment, with his rushing yards and touchdowns both dropping by more than 40%, resulting in an RB14 finish. Now, at 29 years old, Barkley has fallen to RB11 in RotoBaller's dynasty rankings, making him an appealing trade candidate for contending managers. Philadelphia's new offensive coordinator, Sean Mannion, is unproven in the position, but with Kevin Patullo seeming to actively hold the team back during his one year on the job, the new-look Eagles offense has room to grow from its 24th-place finish a year ago. Philadelphia has the seventh-easiest schedule in 2026, according to win projections, offering Barkley the opportunity to regularly find himself in favorable situations. The depth chart behind him remains largely unchanged, and even while his raw volume was down in 2025, he still handled 76% of the team's running back touches. Barkley has never finished outside the top 15 at the position while missing fewer than four games, a sample size of six different seasons, so to get him priced near his floor now makes him a smart short-term trade target still capable of delivering multiple RB1 finishes.

    From RotoBaller

    Jack Campbell May 22 9:30am ET
    Jack Campbell

    Linebacker Jack Campbell and the Detroit Lions have agreed to a four-year, $81 million extension that makes him one of the highest-paid off-ball linebackers in the league and will keep the young All-Pro with the team through the 2030 season. A first-round pick in 2023, Campbell did not earn an every-down role until partway through his second season, but by year three, he'd become a mainstay at the center of Detroit's swarming defense. His 176 tackles, five sacks, and three forced fumbles in 2025 earned him his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections while making him one of the most valuable IDP assets in the game. At 25 years old, Campbell is RotoBaller's LB1, and this long-term security should be enough to keep him at or near that spot for the foreseeable future.

    From RotoBaller

    Matthew Stafford May 22 9:20am ET
    Matthew Stafford

    Reigning MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams have agreed to a one-year extension worth up to $60 million with incentives. Stafford can now earn up to $105 million over the next two seasons, as he is committed to the Rams through 2027. The 17-year veteran threw a career-high 46 touchdown passes in 2025 while topping 4,700 passing yards for only the fourth time in his Hall of Fame-worthy career. With Los Angeles all in on another Super Bowl push, the environment around Stafford should continue to support fantasy success, and with him entering his age-38 season, he is one of the lower-cost dynasty quarterbacks still capable of turning in consistent week-winning finishes. Stafford is RotoBaller's QB25, but that ranking is likely to rise, with one additional season of reassurance making a monumental difference at this stage in his dynasty career.

    From RotoBaller

    Calvin Ridley May 21 4:30pm ET
    Calvin Ridley

    Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley (leg) was not seen at the team's OTA practice session on Thursday, according to A to Z Sports' Buck Reising. It's not a huge surprise that Ridley still isn't ready for offseason workouts after he broke his fibula in the Week 11 loss to the Houston Texans last November. The 31-year-old veteran pass-catcher finished with a career-low 17 receptions (36 targets) for 303 yards and no touchdowns in seven games played in 2025 in his second year in Tennessee. Not only is his health a concern going into his eighth year in the league, but volume will most likely be an issue, too, after the Titans added target-hot Wan'Dale Robinson in free agency and rookie Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick in the NFL draft. Ridley will also be playing for a coaching staff in 2026 that isn't tied to him at all, which will likely be bad news for his involvement when he's healthy. He has plummeted to WR61 in RotoBaller's redraft rankings for 2026, and he won't be an intriguing buy-low target in dynasty/keeper leagues.

    From RotoBaller

    Carnell Tate May 21 4:20pm ET
    Carnell Tate

    Tennessee Titans rookie first-round wide receiver Carnell Tate was an "instant winner" during the team's OTA practice session on Thursday, according to Austin Stanley of A to Z Sports. Tate, the fourth overall pick in April out of Ohio State, had multiple touchdown catches from quarterback Cam Ward in team drills, both long and short. He was catching footballs all over the field, both open and contested, and his hands and body control were "as advertised." Some draft analysts thought the Titans reached considerably when taking Tate within the first five picks of this year's draft, especially after his 4.53-second 40-yard dash was a disappointment at the combine. The 21-year-old wins with quickness and strong route-running skills over physicality at 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds. He might not be the highest-ceiling rookie wideout, but he is expected to contribute immediately in coordinator Brian Daboll's offense, and he should be fantasy relevant right away in redraft leagues in 2026. Tate's fantasy value in his rookie year will be tied to Ward's Year 2 development, but RotoBaller has the former Buckeye ranked as the No. 29 fantasy WR in 2026.

    From RotoBaller

    Ashton Jeanty May 21 4:00pm ET
    Ashton Jeanty

    Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak hinted that second-year running back Ashton Jeanty could have a much bigger role in his offense in his second year in the league, according to Paul Gutierrez of Raiders.com. "It's important to have a quality second back, but the best player has got to play, and we've got to get them on the field as much as we can. I don't know the play-snap percentage, but you look at [49ers running back] Christian McCaffrey, his play-snap percentage is high. So, those great backs, they don't want to come off the field," Kubiak said. After he was the sixth overall pick last year out of Boise State, Jeanty's 3.7 yards-per-carry average was a disappointment in his first year in the NFL, even though he led all rookies with 975 rushing yards, 1,321 scrimmage yards, five rushing touchdowns, and five receiving TDs. He was the fifth player in league history with that many scores on the ground and through the air in his rookie campaign. The Raiders want rookie fourth-rounder Mike Washington Jr. to push Jeanty as much as possible, but Jeanty should be as close to a workhorse as it gets. Jeanty finished as the RB13 in half-PPR scoring in 2025 and is currently ranked as the No. 8 redraft RB for the upcoming 2026 season.

    From RotoBaller

  • 2026 AVG Draft Position
  • NFL Week 1
    Patriots44.5u
    Seahawks-4.5
    Wed 8:20pm ET
    49ers49.5u
    Rams-2.5
    Thu 8:35pm ET
    Falcons41.5u
    Steelers-3
    Sun 1:00pm ET
    Ravens48.5u
    Colts+3.5
    Sun 1:00pm ET
    Bills44.5u
    Texans+1.5
    Sun 1:00pm ET
    Bears45.5u
    Panthers+2.5
    Sun 1:00pm ET
    Browns40.5u
    Jaguars-7
    Sun 1:00pm ET
    Jets38.5u
    Titans-3
    Sun 1:00pm ET
    Saints50.5u
    Lions-7
    Sun 1:00pm ET
    Buccaneers51.5u
    Bengals-3.5
    Sun 1:00pm ET
    Cardinals46.5u
    Chargers-10.5
    Sun 4:25pm ET
    Dolphins40.5u
    Raiders-3.5
    Sun 4:25pm ET
    Commanders47.5u
    Eagles-4.5
    Sun 4:25pm ET
    Packers45.5u
    Vikings+1.5
    Sun 4:25pm ET
    Cowboys48.5u
    Giants+2.5
    Sun 8:20pm ET
    Broncos42.5u
    Chiefs-3
    Mon 8:15pm ET
  • Latest Activity
    AllOmaNabRicDJFri May 22 4:28pm ET
    CeeDeez TDsThu May 21 10:58pm ET
    Venom D9-#4Thu May 21 6:35pm ET
    #DYN31+ #12 1X W6 +3Thu May 21 12:46pm ET
    Tek BombersThu May 21 11:00am ET
    Overnight DQ 11Sat May 16 10:11pm ET
    3KINGS 6Fri May 15 12:20pm ET
    2 - 1stWed May 13 1:28pm ET
    *Cookie MonsterWed May 6 2:37pm ET
    Lunatic Fringe 21Sun Apr 26 10:48pm ET
    PhillyMon Mar 30 10:37am ET
    Dy-NastyThu Jan 8 9:08pm ET
    CommissionerSun Oct 5 1:32am ET