Who Should I Start? Max Bredeson or Riley Nowakowski


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.2 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.9 0.0

Max Bredeson News

Vikings Draft Michigan Fullback Max Bredeson 159th Overall

Saturday, April 25, 10:54 AM

The Minnesota Vikings have selected Michigan fullback/tight end prospect Max Bredeson with the 159th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Bredeson will mostly operate as a blocker and special teams contributor for the Vikings. He had zero carries and 12 receptions across five seasons at school, but PFF gave him an 85.2 grade in run blocking and a 78.1 grade in pass blocking last year. He'll be tasked with creating opportunities for players like Kyler Murray, Aaron Jones, and Jordan Mason, but he won't accrue much fantasy value himself. Bredeson can be avoided in all fantasy drafts.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.2 0.0 0.0 0.6 5.3 0.0

Riley Nowakowski News

Steelers Select Riley Nowakowski at No. 169 Overall

Saturday, April 25, 11:23 AM

The Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Indiana tight end prospect Riley Nowakowski with the 169th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Nowakowski caught 32 passes for 387 yards and two receiving touchdowns in the Hoosiers' national championship-winning offense last year. He also got involved as a fullback, scoring two rushing touchdowns. We could see him take on a similar hybrid fullback/tight end role in Pittsburgh, serving as the team's replacement for Connor Heyward, who signed with the Raiders this offseason. Assuming that's the case, Nowakowski doesn't have a clear path to fantasy relevance. He can be avoided in most fantasy football drafts.


Max Bredeson vs. Riley Nowakowski

Still trying to decide between Bredeson and Nowakowski? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Max Bredeson is projected to score 0.2 points this week while Riley Nowakowski is projected to score 1.2 points.