Training camp is in full swing, and just around the corner, it’s the preseason. The offseason has flown by, and we are so close to being back.
With the season coming up in less than 50 days, it’s time to start prioritizing your fantasy football team. Fantasy drafts will likely start in late August and early September, but it’s never too early to do some homework and save some names for later.
And with Madden 26’s rookie release, the video game just made it a lot easier for owners to find value in the later rounds, with New York Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo pulling in an impressive opening ranking.
Cam Skattebo is the draft-and-stash player you need for your 2025 fantasy league
Skatt has been having an incredibly impressive camp. He’s been running hard, catching passes out of the backfield, and even showing more burst and agility than he was given credit for coming out of college. Don’t be surprised if he pushes for a larger role early in the season.
Related: Giants rookie is already putting the league on notice at training camp
Who better than @Jaboowins to break the news? 😂
— Madden NFL 26 (@EAMaddenNFL) July 30, 2025
All rookie ratings are dropping today! #Madden26Ratings pic.twitter.com/KHJt16DURi
Of course, to announce his ranking, along with other high-profile rookies, Jameis Winston got the call because he’s the most electric personality in the NFL. And his interaction with his rookie teammate was as fun as it was foreshadowing. Their exchange kicked off when Skattebo was asked to predict what he thought his rating was:
"Probably around a 71," Skatt predicted.
Jameis' reaction was classic when the rookie revealed he was actually a 73: "Aww, you sold yourself short, dawg!"
"I've been underrated my whole life, so I'm going to make that [rating] go up and up," Skatt responded.
Not sure if Madden ratings should dictate your roster decisions? It’s a reasonable thought, but just remember, Jets owner Woody Johnson once turned down a real-life trade for Jerry Jeudy because his sons said his Madden rating wasn’t good. So, if the video game literally swayed a professional organization, you’re off the hook.
In all seriousness, Skatt is a very interesting fantasy option. Especially in PPR (points per reception) leagues, he could be a truly hidden gem. His final season at ASU was insane: 1,711 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, along with 40 receptions for 605 yards and three more scores. That would have been... a lot of fantasy points.
Now, his role in New York won’t allow him to put up those kinds of bonkers numbers, but the kid’s got the talent and tools to do all of that, just on a smaller scale, making him the perfect late(ish)-round pickup for your team. And if he does “make his rating go up and up,” it’ll likely mean increased playing time, which means he’s putting up numbers just in time for the fantasy playoffs. Huge win-win.
Fantasy drafts can be stressful. Embarrassing punishments await most league losers. So it’s simple, really: keep Skattebo in your back pocket, take him a bit later, and ride his ascension to the playoffs. Or don’t, and end up doing karaoke, the Waffle House challenge, or whatever shameful nonsense your league cooks up. Your call.