Presented by
Fantasy Football 2026 Injury Discounts On Patrick Mahomes And George Kittle
In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter, presented by Hims.
The Midwest was hit with a wild series of storms this week that included tornadoes, floods and even baseball-sized hail.
My wife and I watched both of our vehicles get smashed to bits as angry, frosty fastballs rained from the sky. The aftermath was a rough scene. Busted out windshields, broken mirrors and so many dents that our cars now have the aerodynamics of a golf ball.
But hey, we’re both fine. And that’s what really matters.
Plus, we found another silver lining. Dealerships in the area are having “hail sales” on inventory that also got shellacked by the falling ice potatoes. These vehicles still run just fine, but have some “cosmetic damage.” Which is fine by me. I’m a “function over form” guy. So if you’re gonna give me a perfectly functional new vehicle at a 30% discount, I’m gonna snatch that up.
This naturally got me thinking about injury discounts in fantasy football. How some folks like their rosters to look all shiny and unblemished, so they won’t touch a player coming off an injury. My friend Jorge recently mentioned how many of us passed on Christian McCaffrey last year and ended up feeling pretty silly about it.
With that in mind, here are a couple of players who could be heavily discounted and worth your consideration in this year’s drafts:
George Kittle
Current ADP: TE10
The 32-year-old tore his ACL in the playoffs, so it’s no surprise that people are nervous.
But Kittle is just a year removed from back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and was TE4 in points per game in 2025. When he’s on the field, he gets you fantasy points.
According to the man himself, his version of the injury was the “best-case scenario”, and there’s hope that he’ll be available for the season opener. If anyone can beat the standard rehab timeline, it’s the iron man who’s played through an injury history longer than the pre-sale queue for Harry Styles tickets.
If things look good closer to training camp, I’d scoop up Kittle in the mid-to-late rounds and supplement him with a streamer off the waiver wire as needed.
Patrick Mahomes
Current ADP: QB12
Another torn ACL, another questionable status for Week 1. But even if Mahomes misses a couple of games to open the season, this ADP is a gift.
It wasn’t so long ago that Mahomes was considered an unstoppable fantasy juggernaut. Those days perfectly aligned with OC Eric Bieniemy’s tenure in Kansas City. You know, the same offensive coordinator who just returned to the Chiefs.
Here’s how Mahomes finished in each season working with Bieniemy (in points per game):
- 2018: QB1
- 2019: QB7
- 2020: QB2
- 2021: QB5
- 2022: QB2
If this ADP holds, I’ll be greedily snatching Mahomes in the later rounds. I might even pair him with the Chiefs new backup QB, Justin Fields, with my last pick.
Spring Reset
Start losing weight the right way through Hims today. Weight-loss treatment plans through Hims now include access to FDA-approved Wegovy® pills and injections to fit your lifestyle (no insurance required)—helping users lose up to 20% of bodyweight in 1 year.* It’s convenient, legit and refreshingly simple to get started. You’ll fill out an online assessment and, if a provider determines you're eligible, receive your prescription—you’ll also get a dedicated Care Team with 24/7 messaging and personalized support to guide you through treatment plans that fit your goals.
With the new Weight Loss Membership, you can get started for just $39 in your first month, then $149/month thereafter.** Whether you’re chasing better energy, more confidence, or just want to feel more in control, Hims is here to help you stick to the plan (even when your starting QB busts his ankle).
We’re proud to have Hims as a Fantasy Life partner. Their support keeps this newsletter free, fun and full of trade panic and waiver wire regret.
*Along with a reduced-calorie diet and increased exercise. In a 68-week clinical study of Wegovy®, about 1 in 3 adults with obesity or with overweight and weight-related medical problems achieved 20% weight loss. Average weight loss achieved was 15%. Wegovy® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.
**$149/mo price includes medication only, if prescribed. An active Hims Weight Loss Membership is required ($39 for the first month, auto-renews at $149/month thereafter). Membership is billed separately and does not include or guarantee a prescription. Medication is not available without a membership. Membership fee is not included.
Not available in all 50 states. Prescription required. Weight Loss by Hims is a holistic program that includes nutrition support, technological tools, and medications prescribed based on what your provider determines is medically appropriate and necessary for you. See website for full details, important safety information, and restrictions. Wegovy® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.
Join Our Newsletter
Trusted by 400,000+ fantasy football players. Get access to Fantasy Life's free award winning newsletter and tools, all in one step.
By registering or logging in, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Buy, Sell or Hold Caleb Williams in Dynasty?
Even Packers fans were left to marvel at some of the heroics of Caleb Williams last season. Though we’ll leave out that 25-yard TD pass to DJ Moore in the Wild Card Round that put a dagger into Green Bay’s season. The arrows are definitely pointing up for Williams, and he is someone who will be the subject of a lot of trade discussion in dynasty circles. Tipp Major looked at all angles of Williams’ value, even trading him away:
This is the advantage of drafting high-upside quarterbacks. You are not tied to them long term. You capitalize when their value spikes. The goal is not just hitting on a breakout, but turning that breakout into meaningful upgrades across your roster.
Selling Williams is not a bet against his talent. It is a recognition of market value and roster timing. You are flipping one strong asset into a more balanced win-now roster that can better support a championship run.
The Giants Acquire 1.10 For Dexter Lawrence. Now What?
It turns out the NFL couldn’t wait until draft night.
After All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence requested a trade, the Giants granted his wish, sending him to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for the 10th overall selection in Thursday’s draft. The Giants now hold the fifth and 10th overall picks in this draft, while the Bengals (barring any more trades) won’t make their first selection until 41st overall.
And although Lawrence doesn’t score fantasy points for us, his trade could easily impact the players who will. Let's recap the trade and see where both teams stand on the draft board, as well as highlight a trio of players that make sense as Giants NFL Draft targets inside the top 10.
Jordyn Tyson | WR
Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported that wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who reportedly passed all of the tests during his highly anticipated Friday workout, had dinner with Giants general manager Joe Schoen. He also flew to Tyson’s workout, and it now appears that the two earliest landing spots for the high-upside pass catcher are the Saints at 1.08 and the Giants, who now suddenly sit at 1.10. Malik Nabers may not be ready for Week 1, especially after Schoen’s recent statements regarding his star wide receiver’s recovery.
“Malik is trending to hopefully be ready for training camp,” Schoen said. “Things can change … but that’s the hope.”
The Giants are unlikely to take skill position players with both first-round picks, meaning if they pass on Love at 1.05, the odds of Tyson (or any wideout) being the selection at 1.10 overall skyrocket. And while many believe selecting a running back in Round 1 of the draft is foolish, the Giants having two top-10 selections makes it easier to stomach.
With the draft rapidly approaching, this simple one-for-one trade will have a serious impact.
RELATED: Jordyn Tyson Prospect Profile
Around the Watercooler
The latest fantasy and NFL gossip, news, memes and more from our merry band of football nerds …
🫶🏼 When Love comes to town, trade these players away in dynasty.
💪 Jalen Hurts doesn’t really need the tush push. He’s ready to bounce back.
🎸 Justin Jefferson and Kyler Murray will make music as pretty as Purple Rain. Look at that receiving yards future.
🔮 Does Carnell Tate last past the Commanders at 1.07? The Saints at 1.08 might hope so.
🛬 These are a few of our favorite landing spots. Latest Fantasy Football Weekly.
🔥 These NFL Draft takes are caliente. And looked a little painful, too.
😴 Travis Hunter will definitely play on offense in 2026. Post-hype sleeper?
🐠 Want to play fantasy football for a good cause? Sign up for the Scott Fish Bowl tournament.
🗣️ ICYMI: Jake Trowbridge and Sam Wallace did an AMA over on Reddit.
Is Denzel Boston Actually A Round 3 WR?!
Dwain McFarland deploys the Rookie Super Model to break down players like Denzel Boston, who could be busts based on historical data. This episode of Talk Data To Me is quick and to the point, and you’ll want to remember it during the draft as well as when you enter your rookie drafts.
Premium
Go FantasyLife+
Your league is unique. Your advice should be too. Get personalized tools, rankings, and projections tailored to your fantasy football league settings.
