All articles tagged with #player grades
FantasyPros ranks Josh Allen and Ja’Marr Chase as top A+ picks for Week 3, while CBS Sports flags Kenyon Sadiq and Harold Fannin Jr. as critical waiver wire additions. NFL.com highlights Geno Smith and Dontayvion Wicks as high-upside sleepers against weak defenses.
FantasyPros released its Week 3 player grades for the 2026 NFL season, identifying Josh Allen, Ja'Marr Chase, and Jahmyr Gibbs as the top-tier starts. The guide ranks 51 quarterbacks, 145 wide receivers, 108 running backs, 82 tight ends, 32 defenses, and 32 kickers, providing specific start/sit advice based on consensus projections and matchup analysis.
PFF’s Week 1 grades are live, led by Zay Flowers with the top overall grade in the first 15 games and featuring standout performances from Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ladd McConkey, Dalton Kincaid, and Justin Jefferson. The piece breaks down a notable performance from each of the 15 completed games (minimum 10 snaps), highlighting stars like Fred Warner, T.J. Watt, D’Andre Swift, Vernon Broughton, Dylan Parham, Mike Gesicki, Antonio Williams and Abdul Carter. Full statistical recaps are available via PFF Premium Stats and Pro, with subscriptions promoted in the article.
San Francisco cruised to a 41-17 preseason win over the Chargers, with Brock Purdy efficient in his one drive, Kaelon Black and Sincere McCormick delivering backfield pop, De’Zhaun Stribling emerging at receiver, and a solid defensive showing. The piece grades every unit, lauds Shanahan for managing reps and protecting starters, and highlights areas for improvement like interior O-line and the veteran receiving corps.
The Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Detroit Pistons 116-109 for their first win of the series, led by Donovan Mitchell's 35 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists; James Harden sparked early offense and closed strong, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen anchored the interior. Dean Wade and Max Strus provided energy and scoring support, with Dennis Schroder delivering key plays and Sam Merrill returning from injury to contribute off the bench; Jaylon Tyson had a tougher night with a costly turnover as the Cavs balanced offense and defense to seal the win.
The Lakers’ Game 4 loss to Houston was defined by a stagnant offense and a surge of live-ball turnovers, with controversial officiating shaping the narrative: LeBron James struggled, Deandre Ayton played well before an ejection, Rui Hachimura contributed on offense but was exposed defensively, and Marcus Smart plus the role players showed effort but inconsistent execution as Los Angeles searches for adjustments heading home.
Green Bay’s six-man 2026 class (Brandon Cisse, Chris McClellan, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Jager Burton, Domani Jackson, Trey Smack) drew a wide range of grades from national outlets, from A- to D. The Athletic gave a B-Plus for the second/third rounds, while ESPN was more modest (C-plus) and NFL.com and USA Today leaned positive (A-/A-minus) as others offered mixed takes. Analysts praised filling CB/DT/OL/edge needs and the late-round kicker trade for Smack, but questioned immediate impact and Cisse’s development, noting the absence of a first-round pick due to the Micah Parsons trade.
LeBron James led the Lakers to a win over a shorthanded Warriors (Curry out), with 26 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds, as Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura contributed solidly; the piece provides player grades for the game, highlighting the Lakers' depth and rotation choices that aided the victory.
LeBron James posted 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists as the Lakers defeated the Wizards, with Austin Reaves handling lead-guard duties for much of the night and scoring 19 points with 9 assists; Bronny James logged 26 minutes of development time, while Jaxson Hayes went 8-for-8 for 19 points off the bench, and the piece grades most players, praising the Lakers’ depth and coaching rotations heading into the playoffs.
James Harden scored 36 with seven 3s and delivered a late iso jumper to seal a tense Cavaliers win over the Bulls, after three strong quarters. Evan Mobley added a 26-point, 14-rebound double-double, while Max Strus struggled (0-for-6) but remained in the closing lineup. The article grades every Cavs player from A+ to F, noting Harden and Mobley as top contributors while others had mixed or uneven games as Cleveland held on down the stretch.
The Lakers’ win over the Knicks signals progress against a quality opponent but doesn’t solve the bigger task of beating top teams. Luka Dončić exploded for 35 points with timely shotmaking, and Austin Reaves returned with 25 points. Rui Hachimura started hot, Deandre Ayton defended well, and Marcus Smart produced a chaotic yet impactful all‑around game. Luke Kennard provided spacing, Jaxson Hayes and a three-big lineup added energy, and the piece highlights mixed player grades with the top marks going to Dončić, Reaves, and Ayton. The win is a promising start, not a cure.
Denver jumped out to an 11-0 lead and never relinquished control, handing the Lakers a loss. LeBron James posted a strong two-way effort despite an elbow injury, while teammates like Jaxson Hayes and Rui Hachimura had notable contributions and Austin Reaves struggled again. The article provides per-player grades (with some players not playing long enough to grade) and critiques coaching decisions as a factor in the outcome.
Cleveland edged Detroit 113-109 in a revenge win, with James Harden delivering steady playmaking to stabilize the Cavaliers’ offense despite a 5-for-17 shooting night and five turnovers. Evan Mobley and Jaylon Tyson provided scoring bursts (Tyson 22 points off the bench) while Dennis Schroder and Thomas Bryant helped drive the late push. Jarrett Allen left early with a knee issue (Incomplete grade), and others like Sam Merrill, Keon Ellis, and Craig Porter Jr. contributed variable minutes. Overall, Harden’s floor-general presence kept Cleveland from sinking as the Cavs leaned on a balanced supporting cast to seal the victory.
LA followed up a blowout by dominating the Kings, with LeBron James and Luka Dončić leading the charge; the article presents graded performances (LeBron A, Luka A-, Smart A, Ayton B+, Reaves B) and notes Rui Hachimura’s return, while Reaves’ inconsistency remains a concern ahead of a tougher schedule.
Evan Mobley put up 23 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks after returning from a calf injury, but it wasn’t enough as the Cavaliers lost a thriller to the Pistons in overtime. With Donovan Mitchell and James Harden out, Dennis Schroder carried a high usage load but finished with 12 points, 9 assists and 8 turnovers. Jarrett Allen had 25 points and 9 rebounds but fouled out late, while Mobley’s late scoring drought in OT limited Cleveland’s closing push. Jaylon Tyson added 15 points and a clutch OT 3, Craig Porter Jr. dished 12 assists but had some costly plays, Sam Merrill scored 20 and Thomas Bryant contributed 13 and 8, but the Cavs couldn’t seal the win.