CBS Sports analyst targets Flowers and LaPorta for 2026 fantasy value
New offensive strategies under new head coaches and coordinators are projected to boost the statistical output of Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, according to a recent analysis by CBS Sports.
CBS Sports analyst Heath Cummings has released his primary draft targets for the 2026 fantasy football season, highlighting significant value opportunities for Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta. With the 2026 NFL season commencing in less than a month, Cummings argues that structural changes within both franchises offer substantial upside for these players.
Cummings projects Flowers as a top-24 player in full point-per-reception (PPR) formats, noting that his average draft position trails his projected value by a full round. The analyst points to a projected 10 per cent increase in targets for Flowers, driven by quarterback Lamar Jackson’s 17-game pass attempt pace of 480 and the potential for further increases under the new head coach and offensive coordinator. Flowers finished the previous season as the seventh-ranked wide receiver in total PPR fantasy points, despite playing on a team that threw the ball only 420 times.
In Detroit, LaPorta is recommended due to the arrival of new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who is expected to implement a pass-heavy offence similar to his tenure with the Cleveland Browns. Cummings suggests LaPorta could see approximately 120 targets, matching his rookie season total, and projects the Lions to be among the league’s highest-scoring teams. This offensive shift is expected to enhance LaPorta’s touchdown upside, making him a preferable option to other tight ends in the early rounds.
The analysis also identifies Rashee Rice of the Kansas City Chiefs as a strong Round 2 target, citing his status as Patrick Mahomes’ top option and potential increases in short-area targets if Mahomes reduces his rushing attempts. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins is highlighted as a Round 4 value, with Cummings arguing his consistent production when healthy warrants a higher draft position.
Other notable recommendations include Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift in Round 5, whose upside is linked to the health of rookie Kyle Monangai, and Philadelphia Eagles running back Ty Pollard in Round 7. Cummings notes that Pollard offers stability in a competitive running back market, particularly if the Eagles’ offence improves under new leadership.
The article references the completion of the Hall of Fame Game and the start of the first full week of NFL preseason football as the backdrop for these draft strategies. Historical performance metrics, such as Flowers’ 95.6 per cent route participation rate and LaPorta’s previous TE1 overall season, are cited to support the projections.
