Welcome to Labor Day weekend, the busiest time on the fantasy football draft calendar. Don't challenge me, as I have the power of ESPN Research to back that up! Some of you might not have put in your homework because it seemed so far away (kind of like your humanities course in college). But now it's final exam time, and you didn't study. And yes, I still have that same recurring dream.
I know, there is so much more we could talk about, but I wanted to give you the CliffsNotes to get you started for a great draft weekend. And one last thing, if you play in a fantasy league with somebody who provides fantasy analysis for a living -- maybe ask him or her if there was any breaking news before the draft. I know that seems hyper specific, and it's meant to be because my friend didn't do that last weekend. But still, just do a quick news search while you're hitting the charcuterie board before the draft. (Also not to brag, but I spelled charcuterie correctly on the first try. My first win of the season.)
Here are some fast facts (and a little opinion) to help you get through your draft prep.
Jump ahead Quarterback notes | Running back notes Wide receiver notes | Tight end notes
Quarterback notes
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott is sliding in fantasy drafts despite his elite offensive pass catchers. Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire • Malik Willis is the modern-day Matt Flynn (Google him, kids), turning one great start into a lucrative free agent contract with the Miami Dolphins. But the reason you should like Willis is his rushing ability. He had 60 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in his lone start for the Green Bay Packers in 2025 -- which was about 60 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns more than Matthew Stafford. And don't worry, it doesn't seem like there is a Russell Wilson there to take Willis' gig. Again, Google these references. It was a wild time.
• Drake Maye was sacked a career-high 68 times in 2025, including the playoffs. Even with offensive line help from first-round pick Caleb Lomu and free agency signing Alijah Vera-Tucker, I'm not saying you avoid Maye altogether. He's really good, and the New England Patriots went out and got A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs. But I've seen him fly off the board as high as QB2 ahead of Joe Burrow for instance. Do what you want, but I love other options such as Justin Herbert or Trevor Lawrence, who have much better value later in drafts.
• Aaron Rodgers ranked last in air yards per attempt (6.0) in 2025. Michael Pittman Jr. ranked 68th in average depth of target last year. Sounds like a great match. For Pittman, I wouldn't touch Rodgers this season. Maybe he can recapture the magic with Mike McCarthy, but this looks like one of those reboots they should have never attempted.