Tier 1: The “I’m Buying This Guy’s Jersey” Tier
Talents that can single-handedly win you a fantasy championship.
1. Bijan Robinson, RB, ATL (RB1)
You could make an argument for about five guys (no burgers or fries) as the top fantasy option in 2026, but for me, for now, it’s Bijan Robinson. He’s a legitimate threat to reach 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards and is one of four backs to average over 4.50 yards per carry over the past three seasons (minimum 100 carries). The others are Jahmyr Gibbs, James Cook, and De’Von Achane (well, technically, Achane was at 4.47 in 2024, but we round up around here). I could pepper you with an array of stats that show Bijan’s awesomeness, but I think these two paint the perfect picture: Robinson averaged a league-best 3.06 yards after contact in 2025, and despite ranking fifth in carries, he was first in forced missed tackles. Fantasy points, rushing yards, yards per carry, receptions, and receiving yards have all gone up in all three years of his professional career. Bijan could have the type of fabled fantasy season that’ll be talked about for generations.
The addition of Brian Robinson Jr. to the backfield does nothing to impact the fantasy value of Bijan. It does raise an interesting question, though. What will the back of their jerseys look like? Bi. Robinson and Br. Robinson? Robinson and Robinson Jr? Will Bijan then make “Who’s your Daddy” jokes? These are the hard-hitting questions we should be asking.
2. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, CIN (WR1)
It’s hard to imagine a world where Joe Burrow stayed healthy all season and Ja’Marr Chase didn’t finish as the WR1 overall for the second straight season. But despite a trio of starts from Jake Browning and a one-game suspension (for an uncharacteristic spitting incident), the stud receiver still finished in the top five at the position in total points and in the top three in points per game (getting targeted 42 times over a two-game span by Joe Flacco certainly helped the cause). The reason I have to put Chase over the likes of Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Puka Nacua, and Amon-Ra St. Brown is that he has arguably the most stable situation among them. Give me the guy who’s a lock for 150+ targets with his BFF at quarterback and smack dab in the middle of his prime.
3. CeeDee Lamb, WR, DAL (WR2)
CeeDee Lamb is a perfect example of why it’s so important to look at a player’s points per game finish versus their total points. Lamb missed four games early in the season, so it’s not like he was expected to finish as the WR1 overall in total points. But a WR22 finish has some spooked that the emergence of George Pickens spelled the end of Lamb’s days as an elite fantasy receiver. Yes, Pickens finished as the WR6 in points per game after a career year in Dallas. But Lamb wasn’t far behind, tied for WR12 with Malik Nabers and Zay Flowers. Pickens’ impact has been overestimated, and with him returning to Dallas, there’s a solid chance Lamb goes into draft season undervalued. If there’s any discount, keep things in sync and buy, buy, buy.
4. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, DET (RB2)
If you were hungry for fantasy points from your running back in 2025, Jahmyr Gibbs fed you a diablo sauce-covered RB3 overall season with spike weeks that hit like that first sip of Baja Blast. Gibbs set a career-high 16% target share and handled over 50% of the team’s carries for the first time in his career. But the lows were low. Low, like biting into that Beefy 5-layer Burrito and realizing they’d added sour cream when you’d specifically asked them not to.
At first glance, his second half of the season looks a-ok.
Weeks 1-9
Weeks 10-17
Yeah, Gibbs’ efficiency and elusiveness increased from Week 10 onward. But if you dig a little deeper into the grade of the ground beef at Taco Bell, much of that can be attributed to two nuclear games against the Giants and Commanders, where he averaged a combined 12 yards per carry. Outside of those two games, Gibbs had just one game over 3.5 yards per carry. Don’t hear what I’m not saying, Gibbs is still a straight beast. But that drop in efficiency is certainly concerning.
The Lions hired Drew Petzing to take over the offense and shipped a disgruntled David Montgomery/Knuckles to Houston, replacing him with Isiah Pacheco (Sanic Hegehog)? I’m excited to see what Petzing does with this offense, as he’s been at the helm of top-10 running games in Arizona in two of the past three seasons. He’d likely have gone 3/3 had it not been for injuries to all the running backs in Arizona. Gibbs should easily be one of the first backs off the board, if not the first.
Tier 2: The Milk and Honey Tier
These are the players who can take you to the promised land.
5. Jonathan Taylor, RB, IND (RB3)
You know that horse-drawing meme? The one where it starts off beautiful but ends looking like it was drawn by a four-year-old who just shotgunned a Wild Cherry Pepsi? That’s kind of what Jonathan Taylor’s season was, but better. Think more along the lines of it starting out as a drawing by Picasso and being finished by your local high school art teacher. JT was in early MVP talks after scoring three touchdowns in 50% of his games through the first 10 weeks, helping him produce seven games with 23 fantasy points. He set career highs in targets, receptions, and receiving yards, in part because 60% of Daniel Jones’ passing attempts were nine yards or fewer (including behind the line of scrimmage). But Jones’ Week 14 season-ending injury derailed more than the Colts’ playoff hopes; it slammed shut the ceiling on what was shaping up to be a legendary fantasy season. Taylor was still solid down the stretch, but after scoring less than 18 points just five times through Week 13, he failed to surpass that mark in the five games after. Had Indiana Jones stayed healthy, JT likely would have carried fantasy teams straight through the playoffs, with his early-season dominance delivering them there. Jones is back in Indy, so the Colts’ quarterback situation is no longer in flux. Jones’ limited mobility could be a problem returning from injury, but I’m hoping it means more dumpoffs to JT. Taylor can put up RB1 numbers with just about anybody under center. If Jones stays healthy all season, JT is right back in the RB1 overall convo.
6. Puka Nacua, WR, LAR (WR3)
In the two seasons Puka Nacua played at least 16 games, he’s seen at least 160 targets and caught 100+ passes for over 1400 receiving yards. With Sean McVay calling plays and Matthew Stafford at quarterback, Nacua is poised for another top-five fantasy finish in 2026. Well, as long as he sorts out his off-the-field issues. Nacua spent some time in rehab this offseason after a lawsuit, but it’s not enough to concern me from a fantasy perspective as long as he keeps his nose clean from this point forward.
7. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, DET (WR4)
Mr. Sun God, I’m sorry. I was dumb. I doubted you after Ben Johnson’s departure, and you proved you’re more than just a scheme. You are one of just five receivers to catch eight or more touchdowns in each of the past two seasons and have three straight top-five fantasy finishes. Buuuuuuuut… I do have an ever-so-slight concern. Your teammate Sam LaPorta. It’s true you put up some monster performances before his season-ending injury in Week 10. But your 8.7 targets per game before the injury increased to an enormous 10.6 after. Don’t get me wrong, St. Brown is a top-10 fantasy receiver. But with a healthy LaPorta, would ARSB have finished top five, or more toward the back end of WR1s? New OC Drew Petzing runs a balanced but slightly run-heavy type of offense, but ARSB should still be used plenty. The negative impact of Petzing’s frequent use of Heavy personnel should be offset by ARSB’s skill set, which fits snugly with the short- and intermediate-passing game Petzing’s passing game tends to feature. With the target competition surrounding him, ARSB doesn’t have the stratospheric upside of some of the guys above him, but he’s as reliable a WR1 as they come.
8. Justin Jefferson, WR, MIN (WR5)
Alec Pierce. Quentin Johnston. Michael Wilson. Three of the 31 receivers who finished the 2025 season averaging more fantasy points per game than Justin Jefferson. Obviously, nobody’s questioning the talent of one of the most talented active receivers in the NFL. But everyone’s questioning who his quarterback will be in 2026. J.J. McCarthy’s injuries and struggles didn’t help, but even as his play improved toward the end of the season, his connection with Jefferson didn’t. Jefferson ranked outside the top six for the first time in a full season, scoring 10 or more points just three times after week 9. It appears Kyler Murray is the favorite to be the starter for the Vikings in 2026. While he doesn’t throw the best deep ball, anybody is an upgrade over Nine. I’m ready to be hurt again.
9. A.J. Brown, WR, PHI (WR6)
With all the drama surrounding A.J. Brown and the Eagles, you’d think he had the worst season of his career. The dude was a WR1, caught 7+ touchdowns, gained 1000+ receiving yards for the fourth straight season, and finished one spot ahead of CeeDee Lamb in points per game. Brown is getting a little long in the tooth, turning 29 in the offseason. But he heads from Philly to New England and has plenty of juice left in the tank. Brown is a match made in heaven with Drake Maye‘s deep-throwing ability and should feast on targets up and down the field, including the red zone. I’m willing to buy the dip on Arthur Juan. This feels eerily similar to Randy Moss joining the Pats in 07.
10. George Pickens, WR, DAL (WR7)
George Pickens enjoyed a career year in Dallas, finishing as the WR6 in points per game and WR5 in total points. Pickens set career highs across all receiving stats, proving he has the WR1 upside we saw flashes of in the Steel City. But that upside also came with bouts of disinterest, dampening what should have been a positive season. He’s back in Dallas and has already stated that while he’s unhappy with the franchise tag, there won’t be any sort of holdout. Pickens still holds that top-five potential, but is held back by his erratic apathy and sharing the field with CeeDee Lamb.
11. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, SEA (WR8)
All it took for Jaxon Smith-Njigba to break out was for both DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett to leave town. OK, there was a little more to it than that, but it certainly played a major role. Improvements to the O-line gave Sam Darnold enough time to prove 2025 wasn’t a fluke, and JSN was the main beneficiary. The former Buckeye wideout was one of two players to average over 100 receiving yards per game (Puka Nacua being the other) and one of two receivers to average over 3.7 yards per route run (Nacua again the other). Since 2021, there have been only two other instances of receivers averaging over 3.5 YPRR, let alone 3.7. But probably the most remarkable part of it all is that Seattle had the fourth-fewest pass attempts per game. Smith-Njigba was aided by an absurd 32.6% target share and accounted for 44.1% of his team’s total yards. Yet another feat that’s only been accomplished two other times since 2021. All impressive, yes. Also all highly unlikely to be repeated. I’m not saying you shouldn’t treat JSN as a WR1 for fantasy. And honestly, JSN being this low has more to do with the guys I like above him than it does about being down on him. But I am saying I doubt I’ll be buying all the risk and drafting him among the top three or so.
Tier 3: The “Skip Intro” Tier
You know the plot, just start them.
12. Ladd McConkey, WR, LAC (WR9)
What a weird season it was for Ladd McConkey. Kind of a reverse turd sandwich, if you will. He had a productive midseason stretch, bookended by a whole lot of suck. McConkey failed to score 10 points in three of the first four weeks and in four of the final six, but in the middle of the season, he had five of six games over 14 fantasy points and a trio of 20-pointers. The Chargers’ offensive line was an injury-plagued mess, giving Justin Herbert no time and a broken hand to boot. My heart starts skipping a beat when I think about how snugly McConkey fits into new Offensive Coordinator Mike McDaniel’s system. A system with oodles of horizontal routes that emphasize quick catches and let receivers YAC it up. McConkey happens to be one of just six receivers with at least 100 targets and a YAC of 4.5 or more. The other YAC-finity stones? A couple of no-names: Puka Nacua, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The hire has made me much higher on Ladd for 2026. He should bounce back bigly and be a candidate to finish as a top 10 receiver.
13. Rashee Rice, WR, KC (WR10)
Rashee Rice is facing domestic violence allegations about a year after criminal charges stemming from a high-speed car accident in Dallas. When Rice is on the field with a healthy Patrick Mahomes, he’s an elite fantasy option, as made evident by his league-leading 7.98 yards after the catch. But his 2026 status is impossible to predict given his off-the-field issues and the unclear timeline for Mahomes’ return from a torn ACL.
Things were looking up in April when the league announced they would not pursue any discipline related to offseason allegations. Then Rice violated his probation in May, placing him in jail for 30 days. Rice used the timeline to undergo a cleanup surgery on his knee, which was expected to sideline him for two months. There’s no telling what Rice’s legal and health situations will look like come August.
If he’s all systems go with no off-field issues, he can easily maintain this ranking. For now, he’s an incredibly risky pick in your Best Ball drafts, and I’d rather spend an early-round pick on a more stable asset. When he and Mahomes are on the field, Rice is easily in contention for WR1 overall. But it’s a volatile situation that could change drastically by the time draft season rolls around.
14. Nico Collins, WR, HOU (WR11)
Nico Collins started 2025 inconsistently, as did the entire Texans offense, but finished the season strong thanks to a boost from… yes… Davis Mills. Collins scored 14+ in six of his final nine games and 20+ in four. Tank Dell is expected to return from injury, and rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel are taking a step forward. That may reduce the target share available. But even if that’s so, the smaller percentage of the pie should be offset by the pie being bigger thanks to an improved offense (and hopefully an offensive line). Considering the defense, multiple mouths to feed, and at times inconsistent play, I don’t think Collins has a top-3 fantasy ceiling like some others. But don’t let that cause you to discount him as one of the safest WR1s in fantasy, with a sky-high floor and plenty of spike weeks mixed in.
15. Malik Nabers, WR, NYG (WR12)
Oh, what could have been. Malik Nabers didn’t get to play a full game with Jaxson Dart under center, and he was still tied for WR12 in points per game (mainly thanks to a monster game against Dallas). Dart did enough to make Wan’Dale Robinson a high-end WR2, and with the hiring of John Harbaugh, a WR1 overall finish isn’t out of the question for Nabers. The only question now is Nabers’ health, as there have been questions about his Week 1 availability while he recovers from a torn ACL. It was recently reported that Nabers underwent a second surgery to clean up scar tissue, sending the fantasy community into a fearful frenzy over his Week 1 status. There have been conflicting reports about when Nabers will still be able to get back on the field. My personal worry meter has gone from 0% to about 10%. It’s one of the most impactful statuses to keep an eye on this offseason. Whenever Nabers can get on the field, he’s immediately a top-five, maybe top-three fantasy wide receiver.
16. Emeka Egbuka, WR, TB (WR13)
I’ve been playing fantasy football since the late 90s, and I can’t remember another rookie season quite like Emeka Egbuka‘s. The dude went bonkers early in the season, with three games over 20 points in his first five (including a 30-burger), averaging 15.4 points per game from Weeks 1-8. The second half of the season was ugly, and he ain’t got no alibi. From Weeks 10-18, Egbuka’s PPG dropped by nearly half to 8.1. His struggles weren’t due to target share, either, as he had seven or more in seven of 10 games and more than nine thrice. Once Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan returned, his target share dropped to 13.5, but Egbuka still had the second-highest yards per reception and the highest yards after the catch per reception on the team. Evans left for San Francisco, and I still believe in Egbuka’s talent. Plan on drafting him wherever you can get him as a WR2.
17. James Cook III, RB, BUF (RB4)
James Cook heard what you said about touchdown regression. He said you can take it, shine it up real nice, TURN IT SIDEWAYS, AND…..
Anywho… the Bills back scored four fewer touchdowns than in 2024, but that doesn’t really matter when you get an additional 102 carries and two extra targets. He was one of just seven backs to average over five yards per carry, finishing as an RB1 for the third consecutive season and recording his second straight top-10 finish. Cook is the stud fantasy back nobody seems to want to draft come August and regrets the decision come September.
18. Omarion Hampton, RB, LAC (RB5)
Omarion Hampton was in line to become the next great rookie running back before suffering a sprained ankle that cost him nearly half the season. The former Tar Heel was on his way to his third straight 20-point game in Week 5 before leaving with the injury. Despite being eased back in upon his return, he finished the regular season strong. Hampton scored 14+ fantasy points in three of the Chargers’ final four regular-season games, even at less than 100%, and Kimani Vidal was involved.
If there wasn’t already enough to love about the former Tar Heel’s sophomore potential, he gets this guy as offensive coordinator.
ADD PICTURE OF HANDSOME FOOTBALL MAN
The guy who made dead bones rise with Raheem Mostert‘s 31-year-old breakout season in 2023. Despite McDaniel’s propensity to use a committee in the backfield, he showed he’s not afraid to feed a superstar bellcow volume, with De’Von Achane seeing nearly 60% of Miami’s carries in 2025. Hampton’s ceiling was already RB1 overall, but his floor gets an upgrade with McDaniel running the offense.
19. Kenneth Walker III, RB, KC (RB6)
There’s a running back who’s the reason for the teardrops on my keytar keyboard. Watching Kenneth Walker break tackles (1st in missed tackles forced per attempt), run ever so explosively (2nd-highest explosive run rate), then get immediately lifted from the game for Zach Charbonnet was enough to make me want to drop-kick my TV. But the good news is it’s officially time to FREE KENNY WALKER.
I’ve not worn pants since the day Kenneth Walker signed with the Chiefs. The run-blocking being serviceable is yet to be determined, but Walker wound up in one of the best, if not the best, places for his fantasy upside. Eric Bieniemy is back as Chiefs OC. Isiah Pacheco is in Detroit. Kareem Hunt is still a free agent and likely won’t return with the addition of Emari Demercado. I’m not concerned that the Chiefs ran with a committee backfield during Bieniemy’s first tenure as Chiefs OC. They haven’t had a running back this talented since Jamaal Charles.
Note: Hi guys. Jay here. I am NOT saying Kenneth Walker is as talented as Jamaal Charles. I am saying he’s the most talented back the Chiefs have had since Charles. kthxbye
The Chiefs drafting Emmett Johnson and his potential to play the “Kareem Hunt” role do deflate some of my preseason RB1 overall hopes. If Johnson indeed eats into his workload, it could prevent Walker from going nuclear the same way Tyler Allgeier prevented Bijan Robinson from turning some of those 20-point games into 30 or 40-burgers last year. But I’m certainly not worried about Walker’s floor.
20. Jeremiyah Love, RB, ARI (RB7)
Jeremiyah Love is the crown jewel of a down year at running back in the 2026 class. The Notre Dame product is as polished as they come — a true every-down back with the vision to hit the gap before it opens, the burst to take it the distance, and the pass-catching ability to make defensive coordinators miserable on third down. He’s not just a bellcow; he is THE bellcow, and should be a fantasy RB1 from the moment he steps on an NFL field.
Wait… what’s that? He got drafted by Arizona? Didn’t they sign Tyler Allgeier…and bring back James Conner…and already have Trey Benson?
Not great, Bob, indeed. Love’s ceiling is capped by landing in a potential four-back committee, but still the best option from this class and on the Cardinals’ roster. He could be undervalued in redraft, with a strong overcorrection putting him at the end of the second round or later. Love’s got the talent to overcome the situation and still put up a top 10 fantasy season.
21. Christian McCaffrey, RB, SF (RB8)
It was yet another season with an avalanche of injuries for the 49ers, but somehow Christian McCaffrey was the lone fantasy-relevant player to stay healthy the entire season. That led to a YUGE workload, with a career-high in targets and over 100 catches for the first time since he joined San Francisco. CMC came within 100 yards of becoming the first player in NFL history with two 1,000 rushing/1,000 receiving yards. But he was not the same ole’ CMC. He ranked 39th in yards per carry among qualifying backs and 37th in explosive run rate. For context, Chris Rodriguez and Kimani Vidal were higher. McCaffrey turns 30 in June, but he’s the type of talent like Derrick Henry who can and likely will buck the trend of production dropoff over 30. He’s no longer efficient or explosive, but he has the pass-catching chops to continue to be an RB1 for multiple years. His ceiling isn’t what it once was, but he sure does have that same sky-high floor.
22. Travis Etienne Jr., RB, NO (RB9)
I’m willing to admit when I’m wrong, and even though Travis Etienne Jr. (pronounced “Achane” (yes, actually)) finished as RB14 in points per game, I still think my process of fading him was the right one. Nobody could have seen Tank Bigsby‘s trade coming, and although ETN started the season en fuego, the same issues persisted. Etienne ranked 32nd in yards after contact, 27th in explosive run rate, and 22nd in yards per carry. So how’d he finish so high? Touchdowns, baby! Etienne had a career-high 13 touchdowns, with nearly half coming on another career-high of 6 touchdown receptions. Etienne came into the season with one career touchdown reception. Touchdowns are among the most volatile stats from year to year and nearly impossible to predict.
HOWEVER.
Etienne signed in one of the best possible scenarios for his fantasy value with the Saints. While Alvin Kamara recently restructured his contract and isn’t going anywhere, this isn’t the Kamara of even two years ago. I fully expect ETN to carry the majority of the load, and as we’ve seen with backs like Chase Brown and Kyren Williams, volume can make inefficient, non-explosive backs fantasy stalwarts.
23. Ashton Jeanty, RB, LV (RB10)
Among running backs with at least 100 attempts, Ashton Jeanty had the 2nd-worst yards before contact, 2nd-worst success rate, and 3rd-worst stuff rate. Thankfully for Jeanty, he’ll have a whole new coaching staff, a new quarterback (hey there, Fernando Mendoza), and hopefully an improved offensive line. Not only does Jeanty have a whole new coaching staff, but he also has a brand-new carrrrrrrrr center! The Lamborghini of run blockers, center Tyler Linderbaum, signed a three-year deal with the Raiders this offseason. Wheels ALL the way up for Jeanty, right? Well, here’s the wet blanket that puts those wheels in park. New Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said the following at the combine.
“Definitely want to have a two-man show there. Guys that can share the load, it’s a long season. You don’t want to put all the carries and targets on one guy”.
WOOF. This is the same guy who split the workload between Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnett in Seattle this season, so he’s keeping it real. Oakland Las Vegas drafted Mike Washington Jr out of Arkansas in the fourth, not early enough that there’s any concern of Washington getting the majority of the touches, but enough that he’ll likely earn enough of a role to cap Jeanty’s ceiling. Talent keeps Jeanty in the top 10, but the likely committee touches prevent me from ranking him any higher.
24. Saquon Barkley, RB, PHI (RB11)
The fabled curse of 370 did hit Saquon Barkley last season, but not as badly as you may think. His efficiency and explosiveness certainly weren’t the same. He ranked 20th among the 49 running backs with at least 100 carries in explosive run rate and 33rd with a 4.07 yards per carry, a far cry from 2nd in yards per carry and 4th in explosive run rate in 2024. But he was still a borderline RB1 and remained plenty involved in the offense, not missing a single game due to injury. I see him in the same boat as Derrick Henry: a back-end RB1 who will be drafted like a top-tier back, as in the past. If you can get him at an RB2 cost, I’m all for it. But the upside is no longer worth the first- or second-round price tag.
Tier 4: The Toy Story Tier
If they jump a tier, the buzz will last lightyears.
25. Javonte Williams, RB, DAL (RB12)
Javonte Williams signed a one-year deal with Dallas and made the most of it. The former Bronco finished the season as the RB12, averaging 15.2 points per game, and had the third-highest yards after contact (2.91) among backs with at least 100 rushing attempts. Williams was one of the league’s hottest backs to start the season, scoring 19 or more points in four of his first five games. He didn’t reach that mark again after Week 5, but he was as consistent as a ‘Now That’s What I Call Music’ tracklist, scoring 10+ points in all but three of his remaining starts. Williams is back with Dallas after signing a three-year, $24M deal this offseason. He’s proven to still have what it takes to be the ‘Boys bellcow and back-end RB1.
26. Brock Bowers, TE, LV (TE1)
Despite playing in just 12 games, Brock Bowers finished as TE11 in total points and tied Tucker Kraft and George Kittle for TE2 behind Trey McBride in points per game. With Fernando Mendoza (or Kirko Chainz) at quarterback and Las Vegas not adding any significant pass catchers, Bowers is right in the TE1 conversation. With Head Coach Klint Kubiak calling plays, Bowers gets the slight bump past Trey McBride (who lost OC Drew Petzing to Detroit).
27. Trey McBride, TE, ARI (TE2)
Trey McBride blew away the competition to finish as TE1 and averaged 18.6 points per game, 11th among non-quarterbacks. His targets increased by two per game with Jacoby Brissett, and the bigger difference was in the end zone: McBride had two end-zone targets in Kyler Murray’s five starts and 16 from Week 6 on with Brissett. With Brissett back in Arizona, McBride may actually be worth the risk, even if I don’t think I’ll draft him where he’ll be going. It’s highly unlikely, but if Brissett’s holdout drips into the regular season, McBride could slip a few spots.
28. Breece Hall, RB, NYJ (RB13)
Breece Hall is one of the most intriguing running backs heading into the 2026 offseason. The talent has always been there; he’s one of four running backs with at least 100 carries to have a 7% or higher explosive run rate. He’s been with the Jets. He has three straight seasons with over 1,300 total yards and is just two seasons removed from an RB2 overall finish. Gulp. He went back to the Jets. He’ll remain on “RB2 with upside” island.
29. Cam Skattebo, RB, NYG (RB14)
Cam Skattebo (the equivalent of a slobbering English bulldog puppy) had his rookie season cut short due to injury, but that didn’t stop him from becoming a fan favorite. Skattebo had the fourth-highest yards after contact among running backs with at least 100 rush attempts at 2.8. The Giants’ offensive line improvements played a part, as did having Dart at quarterback.
Skatt somehow dodged all the potential elite backfieldmates who could have cratered his fantasy value this offseason. With an improved o-line and only Tyrone Tracy Jr./Devin Singletary in the way, Skattebo, if healthy, should provide RB1 numbers. But for now, he’s just outside RB1 land.
30. Rome Odunze, WR, CHI (WR14)
As good as Rome Odunze looked to start the season, I was honestly shocked to see he had only two games over 20 points and finished as the WR28 in ppg. But there is more to the story than I think most realize. When Odunze suffered a stress fracture in his foot against the Eagles on Black Friday, it was revealed that he had been dealing with foot issues since October that had progressively gotten worse. It just so happens that October is when Odunze’s production started to drop. When healthy, he has the talent and role in an improving offense to become a top-10 fantasy receiver year in and year out. Odunze opted to let his foot heal instead of surgery, which has him adjusting to a “new normal” with the healing process slightly altering his foot structure. DJ Moore leaving for Buffalo does nothing but make Rome’s situation even better. Those 85 vacated targets have to go somewhere. Luther Burden has been the talk of the town, and rightfully so. He’s uber talented and is set to take a major step forward as well. But how easy everyone seems to forget Odunze was a top five receiver the first four weeks of the season. Between the two, I’m in Rome’s corner due to his involvement around the end zone. In three fewer games, Odunze had seven more red zone targets (11 to 4) and 10 more end zone targets (11 to 1). I’m drafting Odunze with no hesitation in 2026.
31. Drake London, WR, ATL (WR15)
Drake London ranked sixth with 2.61 yards per route run. Even though he played in only 12 games, catching 68 of his 108 targets for 919 yards, he still nearly reached 1,000 yards. Another ACL injury to Michael Penix Jr. threw Kirk Cousins back under center, and Penix’s underwent his third ACL reconstruction at the end of 2025. Atlanta added Tua Tagovailoa and hired Kevin Stefanski as head coach, not a terrible combo for the fantasy prospects of London. It’s hard to properly place a guy like London until we know who wins the starting job, and his propensity to get nicked up also leads London’s floor to further fall, my fair lady. He’s Nico Collins with a wider range of outcomes.
32. Derrick Henry, RB, BAL (RB15)
Derrick Henry isn’t from this planet. I’m pretty sure he eats barbed wire and poops concrete. He’s an absolute monster who is still smashing through defenders into his mid-30s, and he’ll continue to do so until he says he’s done. King Henry finished the season as RB8 with a 5.2 yards per carry (3rd highest) and the 6.8% explosive run rate (7th). But he is slowing down slightly (please don’t tell him I said that). His 2.39 yards per carry were the fifth straight season in which the number declined, and his second straight season under three. He’s aging as gracefully as Vanna White, but I’m afraid I won’t be drafting him among the top 12 backs next season. I’m much more comfortable having him as my RB2.
33. Chase Brown, RB, CIN (RB16)
Chase Brown is a great example of why it’s important not to get stuck in a take-lock. I was not in on Brown entering the season, at least where he was going at ADP. He’s been efficient and inexplosive over his career, propped up by volume. By midseason, it was evident that volume wasn’t going anywhere, and he added additional pass-game work to his repertoire. He still averaged just 4.39 yards per carry and had a 3.9% explosive run rate. However, he handled 61% of the team’s carries and set career highs with 69 catches, 89 targets, and five touchdowns. With the Bengals’ improved defense, there’s a chance the run game could be used more to grind out time late in a game they’re ahead. With no significant additions to the backfield, that likely means even more work for Brown.
34. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, CAR (WR16)
Had it not been for the inconsistent play from quarterback Bryce Young, Tetairoa McMillan could have easily finished as a WR1 in his first season in the league. Tet ended the season as WR16, catching 70 of 122 targets for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns. Nothing to be mad about, but enough to show his upside if there had been consistent quarterback play. McMillan had the fifth-highest yards per reception despite Young ranking third-lowest in yards per game and yards per attempt. To put it clearly, Young had a worse quarterback rating than soon-to-be-former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Tet is set to take a step forward in his sophomore season if he can get some stability from the quarterback position. He’s an excellent WR2 with a relatively safe floor and top-10 upside if he truly breaks out.
35. De’Von Achane, RB, MIA (RB17)
Tua’s gone. Waddle’s gone. Tyreek Hill is gone. De’Von Achane is the last weapon standing in Miami, and not one I want to invest a whole lot of draft capital in. Yes, he had a second consecutive top-five fantasy finish in 2025. Yes, Achane was the only running back in the NFL with a double-digit explosive run rate this season, handling a career-high 238 rushing attempts to reach 1350 rushing yards, his first 1,000-yard season. But there are serious concerns heading into 2026.
Mike McDaniel and his running-back-friendly offense are out the door, as is Tua Tagovailoa and his tendency to dump off passes (74% of his pass attempts were under nine yards). So much of Achane’s fantasy value comes from the passing game, where he’s averaged 72 catches, 540 receiving yards, and five receiving touchdowns over the past two seasons.
The talent is elite and will remain so, but I’m afraid that Achane will be priced too high for my liking and carries a significant risk of being a bust in 2026. If he remains among the top 12 backs off the board, I won’t have a single share. I know the drop his harsh, but that offense is going to be so, so bad.
36. Kyren Williams, RB, LAR (RB18)
I just don’t get Kyren Williams. He isn’t particularly efficient or explosive, yet somehow he ends up as an RB1 seemingly every season. Out of the 49 running backs with at least 100 carries in 2025, he was 11th in yards per carry and 1st in success rate, which is defined by how often the running back picks up positive yardage by converting downs. The thresholds are at least 40% on 1st down, 60% on 2nd down, and 100% on 3rd or 4th down. Guess who was second? Teammate Blake Corum. So is the success rate due to the scheme or the skill? That’s the hard part here, and at least to me, Corum looks like the much better back on the field. Williams ranked 21st in explosive run rate (Corum 6th) and 25th in missed force tackles per attempt to Corum’s 11th. The one critical stat Williams did best Corum in was yards after contact per attempt (Williams 18th, Corum 25th). Williams has shown me enough where I can no longer fade him at all costs, but I wouldn’t pay an RB1 price tag for him, especially the way Corum played down the stretch.
Tier 5: The GigaPet Tier
Vintage studs and hungry pups who need just a little hourly care.
37. Josh Allen, QB, BUF (QB1)
There’s zero reason to knock Josh Allen off his pedestal heading into 2026. Six straight seasons with a top-two finish. In the midst of his prime, the addition of DJ Moore, and consistency in the offense with Joe Brady‘s promotion to Head Coach all work in Allen’s favor. Don’t overthink it. Allen = QB1 overall.
38. Lamar Jackson, QB, BAL (QB2)
Lamar Jackson never looked the same after an early-season hamstring injury, but even in a “down” year, he totaled 23 touchdowns in just 13 games. He’ll have a new head coach for the first time in his career, as the Ravens hired Jesse Minter to take over for the long-tenured John Harbaugh, who in turn hired Declan Doyle as his OC. The 29-year-old is the youngest offensive coordinator in the league, and his system is expected to be a fast-paced, pre-snap motion-heavy offense with an emphasis on explosive plays. If things click, Jackson could be headed for another MVP. He is still one of the elite fantasy quarterbacks, and any sort of discount offered would be free money.
39. Tee Higgins, WR, CIN (WR17)
Tee Higgins is among the five receivers to have eight or more touchdowns in each of the past two years. Higgins reaching that mark may be the most impressive of the bunch, considering he missed multiple games due to concussions and was without his starting quarterback for most of the season. Joe Flacco was a step up from Jake Browning, but he’s still no Joe Burrow. Higgins will occupy his typical high-end WR2/low-end WR1 status again in 2026.
40. Sam LaPorta, TE, DET (TE3)
Sam LaPorta finished the season as TE7 in points per game before a herniated disc ended his season in Week 10. New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing comes to Detroit from Arizona, where his offense produced one of the greatest fantasy tight end seasons of all time with Trey McBride. We back up with LaPorta, bab-bay!
41. Tyler Warren, TE, IND (TE4)
Will the real Tyler Warren please stand up? The stud rookie averaged 13.6 points per game over the first 10 weeks before dropping to 7.5 from Week 11 on. His struggles began before Daniel Jones’ season-ending injury, but Jones is back in Indy, and Michael Pittman isn’t. Arrow up for Tyler Warren.
42. Colston Loveland, TE, CHI (TE5)
Although Colston Loveland didn’t have his first double-digit game until Week 9, he finished as a TE1 thanks to seven double-digit games over the final 10. Cole Kmet was much more involved early, but Loveland had the typical rookie second-half surge. With DJ Moore shipped out of town, more targets are available, and Loveland should easily finish as a TE1 in 2026, though I still fear he gets overdrafted.
43. David Montgomery, RB, HOU (RB19)
Despite not missing a game for the first time in his career, David Montgomery had career lows in carries (158) and rushing yards (716), clearly taking a backseat in what once was a nearly 50/50 split backfield. The usage led to Monty’s exit from Detroit, and it’s sad that “Sonic and Knuckles” is no more, but Monty’s arrow is pointing straight up. Traded to the Texans, he’ll form a 1-2 punch with Woody Marks that likely sees at minimum 50% of the work for Montgomery, and the goal line touches as well. I don’t want him as my RB1, but I’d be more than happy to have Monty as an RB2.
44. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, ARI (WR18)
Marvin Harrison Jr. is an enigma. He had the fourth-most end zone targets among all players, even with teammate Trey McBride ahead of him, but had just two touchdowns through the first eight weeks. Harrison didn’t play all that badly in 2025, but the combination of his unreal hype coming out of college and Michael Wilson playing like Jerry Rice has a lot of people down on MHJ heading into 2026. He’s a buy-low for me.
Kyler Murray’s departure from Arizona is the best-case scenario for MHJ’s career, and Jacoby Brissett returning as the starter for 2026 isn’t the death knell that many think. Brissett had an undeniable connection with Wilson and McBride. But I bet you didn’t know Marv only played three full games with Brissett as a starter. Week 7, which admittedly wasn’t great, with two catches on six targets for 58 yards. But he probably shouldn’t have been playing after suffering a concussion just a week prior. After a Week 8 bye, Marv had two straight games where that “generational prospect” potential started to flash. A combined 22 targets, 10 catches, 129 yards, and two touchdowns. Just when things started to click, Marv had to have an emergency appendectomy. He did return and technically played in three more games, but over 60% of snaps just once. Brissett is currently locked in a contract dispute with the team’s brass, but I’m operating under the assumption a resolution is found before the start of the season. He’s working out with his receivers on his own while he’s “away from the team”. Don’t hear what I’m not saying. I don’t think Harrison will ever live up to the 1st-edition base-set Charizard, graded PSA 10, mint-level expectations placed upon him coming into the league. But some legitimately think Wilson is the best receiver on this team and value MHJ as a low-end WR2. He’s still just 23 years old.
45. D’Andre Swift, RB, CHI (RB20)
In the words of Nick Pollack, “Swift Doesn’t Miss.” D’Andre Swift has never finished outside the top 24 running backs in points per game and finished as RB17 in 2025 despite sharing a backfield with a capable runner in Caleb Williams and a promising rookie in Kyle Monangai. Swift ranked in the top 10 in yards per carry and yards per reception and in the top five in yards after the catch per reception. His skill set makes him useful in fantasy even with a partial workload, and Swift likely heads into 2026 underrated once again. Be like Swift. Don’t miss on D’Andre.
46. Jadarian Price, RB, SEA (RB21)
Another big-time riser thanks to a near-perfect landing spot, Jadarian Price finds himself in Seattle to replace the departed Kenneth Walker. With no timeline available for the return of Zach Charbonnet from a torn ACL, Price’s competitors for touches are currently Emanuel Wilson and George Holani. Price is a lot like his former backfield mate Jeremiyah Love, but as my buddy Brett Ford likes to say, maybe more of a “sugar-free” version. Still pretty good, just not like the real thing. Price has incredible vision and elusiveness, but a limited passing game. His biggest knock is holding onto the ball: he lost three fumbles in 2025, all three inside the opponent’s 10-yard line. If Love’s touches are nerfed by the four-headed monster in the desert, Price could be a sneaky candidate for the top fantasy rookie from this class in 2026. He should be FLEX viable from day one.
47. Josh Jacobs, RB, GB (RB22)
Josh Jacobs had another RB1 season, but it was heavily inflated by touchdowns. Jacobs’ inefficiency was masked by the scores, averaging under 4 yards per carry for the third time in his career. Among the 49 running backs with at least 100 carries, Jacobs ranked 22nd in explosive run rate and 35th in yards per carry. Teetering toward the dreaded 28-year age cliff, with a heavy reliance on touchdowns and only playing a full season twice, unless he can be had at an RB2 price tag, I’m likely avoiding Jacobs this season.
48. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, NE (RB23)
If you read any of my work last season, you know how much I love TreVeyon Henderson‘s skill set. His frustrating usage in 2025 was a flame-throwing display every time he took a 50+ rushing touchdown to the house. But I fear that Rhamondre Stevenson isn’t going away anytime soon. Stevenson was actually the more explosive runner of the two and forced more missed tackles. Stevenson was also the better pass catcher, with higher yards per route run and yards after contact. Hendo was plenty good, as evidenced by his 5.6 explosive run rate and #1 yards before contact. That boy is fast. But Stevenson is signed through 2028 and the apple of Mike Vrabel‘s eye. His presence caps Henderson’s top-10 potential.
49. Makai Lemon, WR, PHI (WR19)
Makai Lemon played all over the field at USC, but profiles more as a slot receiver in the pros. He’s a YAC-monster who breaks tackles like the Kool-Aid Man busting through some random family’s living room wall. This year’s Biletnikoff Award Winner (Best College Receiver) has good hands and solid on-field speed but lacks explosiveness off the line. Lemon seems to always find the soft spot versus zone, but struggles against press coverage. His limited wingspan and smaller stature (5’11”, 190-ish) keep his catch radius, well, small. Regardless, with A.J. Brown traded, Lemon leaps into the top spot as my rookie WR1 from a fantasy perspective. The selections of Lemon and classmate Eli Stowers appear to point towards a shift from Hurts’ tendency not to throw the ball over the middle. If there’s a dip, buy it.
50. Garrett Wilson, WR, NYJ (WR20)
The lone bright spot in yet another dumpster fire of a season for the Jets, Garrett Wilson played in just seven games due to injury. Despite playing in less than half the team’s games, he led the team in receiving yards with 395. It’s pretty simple with Wilson. He’s an elite talent who’d be a perennial WR1 overall candidate if he could get a quarterback with a cannon. But he keeps getting ones with Nerf guns. Geno Smith as his quarterback doesn’t give Wilson a cannon to work with, but he’s not a Nerf gun either. A BB gun, perhaps? Wilson can still be a borderline WR1 in 2026. Just stay healthy this year, okay?
Tier 6: The “Area 51” Tier
There’s definitely something there, but will it stay hidden from the public?
51. Zay Flowers, WR, BAL (WR21)
Zay Flowers was solid overall through Week 13 but finished the season en fuego. His 12.1 points per game nearly doubled to 20.3 over the final five weeks. How nice of him to lead all of his fantasy managers to the consolation bracket championship! I was a big fan of Flowers coming into the season, but the torrid end to the season bumped him into the top 10 in total points and just outside the top 12 in points per game. I fear that will inflate his ADP, which doesn’t belong. Baltimore cleaning house also means he’ll have a new offensive coordinator, and it may not be as fantasy-friendly for Flowers. Former OC Todd Monken’s offense is known for hyper-targeting WR1s. He’s too inconsistent to consider drafting as a WR1, but Flowers is a rock-solid WR2 who will have some spike weeks.
52. Davante Adams, WR, LAR (WR22)
If you’ve poked around these rankings for more than just a player or two, you’ll see this same stat repeated a few times. But any player who can repeat something as unpredictable as touchdowns is worth mentioning, and Davante Adams is one of five who caught eight or more in each of the last two seasons. In fact, Adams has caught 8 or more in six straight seasons. That being said, he’s no longer the alpha he once was, and that’s okay. His 14 touchdown receptions more than made up for it, but he had the second-lowest yards after the catch per reception among receivers with 50+ targets, at 1.93. He basically became a goal-line receiver. Stafford’s back, so Adams slots right in as a solid WR2 who will win you some weeks when he catches a couple tuddys.
53. Chris Olave, WR, NO (WR23)
I foresee Chris Olave having a hard time replicating his top 10 fantasy finish in 2026. He was a steal at his ADP last season, but he risks being over-drafted if he comes off the board among the top 12. The Saints’ season was a disappointment overall, but a perfect storm of no running game, no real competition for targets (after Rashid Shaheed’s trade), and a team constantly playing from behind led Olave to his best season yet. He finished fifth with 151 targets, caught 100 passes for the first time, and reached 1000 yards for the third time in four seasons. However, among receivers with 100+ targets, Olave finished 17th in yards per target, 20th in yards per reception, and last in yards after contact. Only Olave and Davante Adams had yards after the catch under three. Even with the Saints drafting Jordyn Tyson in the first round, Olave still slots in as the WR1 in Nola. But you have to knock Olave down a few pegs with the new target competition.
54. Jordyn Tyson, WR, NO (WR24)
Jordyn Tyson is the third of the three amigos regularly touted as the top receivers in the 2026 class. Tyson may have been the consensus WR1 had it not been for a less-than-stellar injury history, missing time to injury in all of his seasons. Coached by Hall of Famer Hines Ward, Tyson is unsurprisingly a great blocker. His video game-like twitchiness stems in part from his lateral quickness and phenomenal footwork. Tyson’s been the alpha at Arizona State the past two seasons, and has zero issue coming down with the ball when everyone on and off the field knows the ball is coming to him. He has good ball skills, is not afraid of contact, and excels at contested catches. He’s a bit of an unpolished route runner and has just one season with 1,000 receiving yards, but he can line up all over the field. Tyson is widely criticized as a one-trick pony versus press coverage and needs to expand his moveset. High floor, but lower ceiling than you’d like from a player with his likely ADP. Before the AJ Brown trade out of Philly, the former Sun Devil was my rookie WR1. QB Tyler Shough has a strong arm, and Kellen Moore is one of the best offensive minds in the league. Tyson should start from day 1 on a team with a porous defense that plays half its games indoors.
55. Carnell Tate, WR, TEN (WR25)
Despite some controversy surrounding his official 40 time at the combine, Carnell Tate is not the undisputed top receiver in this class, yet most consider him to be. Whether he ran a 4.4 or 4.5 doesn’t really matter; speed isn’t his game. A high football IQ and unreal body control make up for Tate’s lack of explosiveness, melding with his wingspan and catch radius to create a high-point specialist who can come down with just about anything thrown at him. There’s some concern with his weight and dealing with the physicality of defensive backs in the pros, but he’s already a thicker, taller DeVonta Smith. Tate can bulk up and be just fine. At worst, a WR2. Great landing spot in terms of opportunity, and Tate could be the Titans’ WR1 as early as Week 1. His fantasy success hinges on whether Brian Daboll is enough to elevate Cam Ward’s game.
56. Bhayshul Tuten, RB, JAC (RB24)
Bhayshul Tuten made a few horns toot when Tank Bigsby was traded to the Eagles, which I get. He had some splash plays and looked as if he could take over the backfield at times. But at the end of the season, the numbers were not great, Bob. Tuten ranked 33rd in yards per carry and 43rd in explosive run rate, and was slightly better but nothing special in forced missed tackles (15th) and yards after contact (14th). Etienne departed for Nola and Tuten is coming off the draft as the lead back for the Jags, but as hard as I tried, I couldn’t fit him into the current top 20. That’s not a knock on Tuten; I think he’s in a similar tier to the DMonts and DSwifts of the world. But I can’t push him ahead of them yet.
57. Quinshon Judkins, RB, CLE (RB25)
Quinshon Judkins had the fourth-lowest yards per carry, ranked 40th in explosive run rate, and had just one game with over 100 rushing yards. But I’m not ready to give up on him just yet. As disheartening as the Browns’ pass game was, teams loaded up against the run when they played Cleveland. Judkins ranked 46th of 49 in yards before contact (min 100 carries) and had the highest stuff rate in the NFL. He faced 7+ men in the box at the highest rate in the NFL (95%) and was one of five backs who faced a stacked box 54% or more of their carries. He was finally starting to get more involved in the passing game before suffering a gruesome dislocated ankle and fractured fibula in December. As awful as that sounds, it was a best-case scenario injury-wise, as he’s expected to be ready for Week 1 of 2026. If Judkins can get a little more room to work with, he can put up solid RB2 numbers.
58. Jameson Williams, WR, DET (WR26)
Jameson Williams shed some of his boom-bust label and finished inside the top 12 for the first time in his career. But would he have if Sam LaPorta had been healthy all season? The world may never know, but Jamo put on a clinic this season, ranking third in yards per target and yards per reception, and fifth in yards after the catch per reception. He’ll always have that boom upside, but how regular a bust he’ll be is still up in the air. New OC Drew Petzing should attack downfield plenty, keeping Jamo right around the same value as last season.
59. Joe Burrow, QB, CIN (QB3)
It was another lost season for Joe Burrow due to injury, and he was visibly frustrated with the state of the team toward the end of the season. The front office heard him loud and clear,
I initially thought the improved defense could ever-so-slightly ding Burrow’s ceiling. But as awful as there were, even with improvement, I’ve settled on the idea that if the blowouts from 2025 turn into close games in 2026, it likely winds up a wash. Burrow has thrown at least 34 touchdowns in each season that he’s played 16 or more games. Joe Brr is one of the only non-mobile quarterbacks with a shot at QB1 overall thanks to elite weapons and touchdown upside.
60. Jayden Daniels, QB, WAS (QB4)
Jayden Daniels‘ sophomore season was stymied by a dislocated elbow in his non-throwing arm, but Daniels scored multiple touchdowns and gained 250 or more total yards in every game he finished. Out at Offensive Coordinator is Kliff Kingsbury, and in is David Blough to replace him. That name again is Mr. David Blough.
It’s expected that Washington will maintain a similar style of offense to Daniels’ first two seasons, allowing him the offseason to focus on getting healthy and stabilizing the offensive system despite his new offensive coordinator, David Blough. The rumored offseason addition of Brandon Aiyuk looks less likely with each weird video he posts passing day. But the additions of wide receiver Antonio Williams via the draft and free agent signings Chig Okonkwo and Rachaad White add some much-needed depth to Daniels’ supporting cast. The weapons Daniels will have in 2026 may not be elite, but they’ll be the best of his three-year career.
61. Terry McLaurin, WR, WAS (WR27)
It wasn’t just Jayden Daniels who struggled to stay on the field for Washington. Terry McLaurin had injury issues of his own. But when he was on the field, he was the same ole Scary Terry, ranking sixth in yards per reception and 13th in yards per route run, despite playing more snaps with Marcus Mariota than with Jayden Daniels. His 10-touchdown season is likely a one-year wonder, but McLaurin is a perfect WR2 target who could come at a discount after a disappointing 2025.
62. Luther Burden III, WR, CHI (WR28)
The Bears have an embarrassment of riches at receiver, and that has allowed them to ease Luther Burden into the offense. From a ranking standpoint, Burden doesn’t stand out (he finished as WR48 in PPR), but when Rome Odunze missed, Burden took full advantage of the extra playing time. In games without Odunze, Burden averaged an extra three targets, three catches, 51 yards, and nine points per game. Additionally, Burden finished third in yards per route run, only behind Puka Nacua and JSN. Rome isn’t going anywhere, but Burden should continue to see his role grow and has the potential to be a fantasy force as early as the upcoming season. DJ Moore being traded to Buffalo skyrockets Burden’s floor, but likely also his ADP. Don’t buy all the risk and take him inside the top 20 or so receivers.
63. Christian Watson, WR, GB (WR29)
Christian Watson was easily the Packers’ most consistent pass catcher in 2025 and one of the best in the league. He ranked fifth with 2.67 yards per route run, third with 17.46 yards per reception, and fourth with 11.11 yards per target. Granted, Watson did so with Jayden Reed hurt for much of the season. But Watson’s numbers didn’t change all that much when they were both on the field. Watson saw virtually the same number of targets, caught the same number of passes, and averaged just four fewer yards with Reed, as well as a negligible 1.3 fantasy points less per game. Watson may head into 2026 underrated, with many expecting his breakout solely due to Reed’s absence. If that’s the case, buy that delicious dip.
64. DeVonta Smith, WR, PHI (WR30)
DeVonta Smith is one of those guys who’s a better NFL player than he is in fantasy. This isn’t me poo-pooing Smith’s talent; he’s a phenomenal football player. But his highest fantasy finish in points per game is WR15 in 2022. When he was “the guy” before AJ Brown came to town? His rookie season of 2021, where he finished as WR30. Smith doesn’t have top-10 potential with Jalen Hurts under center, even with the Eagles moving on from Brown. In 2025, Smith actually had more games under 10 points (10) than over (7). He’s a solid yet unspectacular WR2 who will sprinkle in some spike weeks, but has far too many duds to make it worth the price tag. If you’re searching for the Eagles WR1 for fantasy, he’s not the droid you’re looking for.
Tier 7: The “Is This a Pigeon?” Tier
You aren’t sure if they’re a superstar or role player, but you’re starting them.
65. DJ Moore, WR, BUF (WR31)
DJ Moore had the worst season since his rookie year and not so gracefully slipped into a more complementary role than the borderline alpha he came to Chicago to be. Moore was traded to Buffalo and immediately became the top option for Josh Allen and a rock-solid WR2. He fills the ginormous X-receiver-sized role in Buffalo and reunites with Joe Brady, with whom Moore had some of his most productive seasons in Carolina. Moore sits just outside the WR2 range. I’d be fine with him as my WR2 as long as I had a top-5ish WR1.
66. Kenneth Gainwell, RB, TB (RB26)
When one door closes, another opens, something something darkside…. Kenneth Gainwell caught 73 passes on his way to 1,000 combined yards and an RB2 season on his way to free agency and eventually, Tampa Bay. I hate it for my boy Bucky Irving, but I LOVE it for Kenny. Gainwell should be in a favorable position for fantasy purposes thanks to his pass-catching chops. The coaching staff has been waxing poetic about Gainwell’s skill set and how it’s identical to Irving’s. Expect a full-blown committee, and if Irving fails to stay on the field, Kenny G could be one of the best draft values in 2026. That sweet, sweet sax-a-ma-phone music is a potential RB2 that can be drafted at FLEX pricing.
67. Rico Dowdle, RB, PIT (RB27)
Rico Dowdle signed a 1-year “prove it” deal with the Panthers last offseason, and he proved it. He was a major part of the Panthers’ success and surprise playoff appearance, outperforming Chuba Hubbard in yards per carry, explosive run rate, forced-miss tackles, yards after contact per attempt, and the list goes on. It seems Dowdle wasn’t too happy with his questionable usage, per his social media posts after the playoff loss. Pittsburgh isn’t technically the situation I had hoped for, but it’ll do. While he’ll share the workload with Jaylen Warren, he’ll get plenty of run in Mike McCarthy‘s offense. I value Dowdle similarly to last season.
68. Jaylen Warren, RB, PIT (RB28)
Jaylen Warren ranked 13th in explosive run rate, sixth in yards after contact, and fifth in missed tackles forced per attempt. He’s involved in the passing game as well, averaging 46 catches over the past three seasons. But the addition of Rico Dowdle puts a rather large damper on Warren’s fantasy prospects for 2026. The move does more damage to Warren, who had the backfield all to himself for about 20 minutes when Kenneth Gainwell signed in Tampa. Warren should get plenty of work, but unless I can get him outside the top 25 backs, I’ll be avoiding him.
69. Rachaad White, RB, WAS (RB29)
Rachaad White signed with the Commanders, which I LOVE for his fantasy viability. He’s easily the most talented back currently on the roster and could be a serviceable FLEX with RB2 upside if he commands the most touches in Washington. (Yeah, I did the thing. What of it.)
70. Bucky Irving, RB, TB (RB30)
A lost season for Bucky Irving may have cost him more than just multiple games. It also cost him his role as the goal line back for the Bucs. He still showed flashes that made him one of the most dynamic rookies of 2024, but his struggles at the goal line opened the opportunity for Sean Tucker to steal the job, and he did. Irving ranked dead last in yards per carry among running backs with at least 100 carries and was seventh-worst in explosive run rate. The hopes of an offseason to get Irving healthy and the departure of White were the prerequisites for returning to form. Still, Tampa signed Kenneth Gainwell to replace him, planting a haymaker right to the gut of Bucky believers. Gainwell broke out bigly in Pittsburgh last season with 1,000 combined yards and an RB2 season, and honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me to see him end the season with more snaps in the Bucs backfield than Irving. Instead of the recipe for a bounce-back third season, Irving sadly has all the ingredients for a lukewarm soup that tastes like disappointment. That aroma of dismay lingering in the air is quickly shifting to straight-up poop soup. As of now, my dear Bucky is a full fade for me in 2026. He ironically drops one spot behind former teammate Rachaad White.
71. Blake Corum, RB, LAR (RB31)
Blake Corum. Fifth-highest yards per carry. Sixth-highest explosive run rate. Second-highest success rate. Still playing second fiddle to Kyren Williams. He started to see more work down the stretch, but until he supplants Williams on the depth chart, he’s a risky FLEX at best. He’s arguably the top handcuff heading into 2026.
72. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, JAC (WR32)
If Brian Thomas Jr. wasn’t the biggest bust of 2025, he was rubbing elbows with them. But fear not; all hope isn’t lost for our beloved BTJ. Early in the season, he didn’t look like himself, dropping passes and, dare I say, looking scared to take hits. But after returning from injury, he got some of his swagger back and started showing his skill set with incredible catches like this one.
BTJ ONE-HANDER WOW.
INDvsJAX on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/nWfaYRE4nw
— NFL (@NFL) December 7, 2025
Thomas finished 13th in yards per reception and totaled 23 deep targets, tied for the fifth-most with multiple receivers despite playing in two fewer games than the rest of that grouping. After the Jags traded for and extended Jakobi Meyers and drafted Travis Hunter, there’s little chance he’ll be the top-12 receiver we saw at the back end of his rookie season. It’s time to accept BTJ for what he isn’t: a top-10 elite fantasy receiver. However, that doesn’t mean he’s not a valuable fantasy asset; we just need to adjust our expectations. BTJ is more of a volatile WR2/3 with tremendous upside in an ever-improving Liam Coen Jacksonville offense. He could wind up being a value if scorned fantasy managers go full BTJ fade in 2026.
73. Jordan Addison, WR, MIN (WR33)
Legal trouble for the third straight offseason has opened up an opportunity to draft Jordan Addison at a discount in 2026. It was dicey to try to rank him this offseason, but it appears there will be no sort of discipline that will cause him to miss games. With an ADP outside the top 100 at the time of writing, Addison is the classic low-risk pick that can reap championship rewards, as long as Kyler Murray is the starter, that is.
74. Jaylen Waddle, WR, DEN (WR34)
The jury’s still out on what kind of upside we’ll see from Jaylen Waddle in 2026. But he was able to overcome the Dolphins’ issues this season to rank in the top 12 in both targets per route run and yards per route run. He’s at worst a WR2 with WR1 talent if things click in Denver. We wanted him out of Miami, but a crowded Broncos receiver room isn’t ideal for his upside. Waddle is a WR1 talent who very well could finish the season in the WR2 range. But based on the offense and target competition, his floor is much lower than it was in Miami. I didn’t think that was possible.
75. Jakobi Meyers, WR, JAC (WR35)
Jakobi Meyers went from an afterthought in Las Vegas to Trevor Lawrence‘s favorite target after a midseason trade to Jacksonville. Meyers averaged 12.4 points per game with the Jaguars from Weeks 10-17, and the team rewarded him with a three-year contract extension to keep him in Duval for a long time. He led the Jaguars with a 21.8% target share and was second to Parker Washington with 1.88 yards per route run. There will be plenty of mouths to feed, especially with the return of Travis Hunter. But Meyers appears to be a fixture in the offense and makes for a rock-solid WR3. Similar story with Meyers as with DJ Moore. His situation didn’t change much, but with the reshuffling of other receivers in this ranks update, Meyers is outside WR2 range for me.
76. Mike Evans, WR, SF (WR36)
Injury after injury led to the legendary 1,000-receiving-yard streak ending for Mike Evans. Evans played in just eight games in part because of a broken collarbone, and will be 33 at the start of the season. He had a league-low 1.33 yards after catch per reception in 2025. Which makes sense, as I view Evans as similar to Davante Adams last season, a solid WR2 with a few spike weeks. Another aging stud wide receiver heading for Cali to catch some West Coast sunshine and a couple of Tuddys.
77. Jordan Mason, RB, MIN (RB32)
I know, I know…I just can’t quit Jordan Mason. Aaron Jones is another year older, Mason ranked inside the top 10 in explosive run rate and missed tackles forced per attempt, and the Vikings’ offense has to improve, right? RIGHT?!
78. Jonah Coleman, RB, DEN (RB33)
If I were to describe Jonah Coleman in one word, it would be…
WHAMMY! A power runner with a well-rounded skill set that should keep him on the field at all times. Extends plays with his elite vision and had a strong 3.86 yards after contact in 2025. His YAC actually dropped from 2024 to 2025, likely due to Coleman playing through a knee injury. The slightly suppressed production may actually be underselling his true potential. He profiles as a true three-down back thanks to his excellence in pass protection, but he’s not the type of elite pass-catching back who will add 50 catches a year.
BUT…
Sean Payton hates fantasy football. Why else would he add Coleman to a backfield already occupied by the recently resigned J.K. Dobbins, last year’s 2nd-round pick R.J. Harvey, and the solid but unspectacular Jaleel McLaughlin? All four will have fantasy-viable weeks, but good luck guessing which ones. I wouldn’t fade him completely, as Dobbins has had issues staying on the field, and Harvey is neither efficient nor explosive.
79. Justin Herbert, QB, LAC (QB5)
With Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator (the man who made Tua Tagovailoa look like a franchise quarterback) and a healthy and improved o-line, I’m fully back in on Justin Herbert. We’ve seen Herbert’s upside as recently as last season, when he threw 16 touchdowns in his first eight games. McDaniel has worked with Herbert on his footwork this season in hopes of speeding up his release, with the goal of creating more catch-and-run opportunities for the offense. Don’t let the gross finish down the stretch that reeked of injury and misfortune cost you the opportunity to acquire a 28-year-old quarterback in his prime with the potential for multiple QB1-caliber seasons. I’m not saying that’s Herbert’s future, but I’m not NOT saying it. Ya feel me?
80. Caleb Williams, QB, CHI (QB6)
Caleb Williams had his struggles, but man, when he was on, he was unstoppable. He rarely turns the ball over, but his sub-60 completion percentage is among the worst in the NFL. You could see how he progressed throughout the season, showing that Ben Johnson is working his magic on him. The Bears’ offensive line remains one of the best in the league despite losing Drew Dalman to retirement, and they hope to have found his replacement in either veteran Garrett Bradbury or center Logan Jones, whom they drafted in the second round. Even through the struggles, Williams finished as QB7 in points per game. He should be among the first quarterbacks off the board in 2026 and possesses QB1 overall upside.
81. Kyle Monangai, RB, CHI (RB34)
Kyle Monangai is a name you need to remember for 2026 because, even playing second fiddle to D’Andre Swift, he scored five touchdowns and posted double-digit fantasy points in all but two games in which he had at least 10 touches. Monangai has mouth-watering upside, and even with Swift sticking around, I love Monangai as a solid FLEX with upside for spike weeks. We’ve seen two backs be fantasy-viable in a Ben Johnson offense before.
82. Jonathon Brooks, RB, CAR (RB35)
Out of sight, out of mind. People forget too easily how highly touted Jonathon Brooks was coming out of Texas. Chuba Hubbard is the guy I said had literally zero explosive runs. The Panthers lost Rico Dowdle but “added” AJ Dillon this offseason, which makes me even more confident in Brooks’ bounce-back potential. Brooks is one of my favorite sleepers for 2026.
Tier 8: The “Oops!… I Did It Again” Tier
You lose all your senses and can’t stop drafting these guys.
83. Isiah Pacheco, RB, DET (RB36)
Isiah Pacheco is fun to watch run the football. He looks like a toddler running away from his parents at bedtime. Sadly for Pacheco, his lead-back days have officially gone night-night. Among running backs with at least 100 rushing attempts, Pacheco had the 2nd-lowest explosive run rate and was one of two players under 4%. However, it is not the end. I’m intrigued by Pacheco cosplaying in the David Montgomery role. New Lions OC Drew Petzing‘s run game has produced with much less talented backs than Pacheco. If you’re able to get him outside the top 150, sign me up.
Also, rumor has it Pacheco wants people to start calling him “Taz” as a nickname.
84. Alec Pierce, WR, IND (WR37)
Alec Pierce emerged as the Colts’ top wide receiver and one of the most explosive in the league. He led the league in average depth of target (19.4), yards per target (11.94), and yards per reception (21.34). He’s a free agent, but it sounds like the Colts are going to make a major push to keep him. To emerge from the logjam of pass catchers in Indy, he’s shown he can be a fantasy force even in a crowded receiver room. Pierce is my perfect WR3 target and someone I hope to draft a lot of next season. Pierce resigned with Indy and has an even safer floor with Pittman heading to Pittsburgh. That floor drops significantly if Daniel Jones isn’t ready to start the season and the Colts are forced to start either Anthony Richardson or Riley Leonard.
85. Drake Maye, QB, NE (QB7)
Drake “Drake Maye” Maye had an MVP-caliber regular season: first in completion percentage, yards per attempt, and passer rating, all while throwing the third-most touchdowns (behind Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff). Maye also has a bit of wiggle, adding 450 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. But the postseason was another story. Maye had a 6:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio, lost four of seven fumbles, and was sacked a record 21 times. The inequities of the New England offensive line were in plain sight, putting a damper on an otherwise outstanding season. This offseason, the Pats swapped out Stefon Diggs for Romeo Doubs, and the long-rumored trade for AJ Brown finally came to fruition. He’s easily a QB1, but I still hesitate to draft him among the top five quarterbacks on the board. It feels like buying all the risk.
86. Tucker Kraft, TE, GB (TE6)
Tucker Kraft was enjoying a career year before being blindsided by a torn ACL, totaling nearly 500 receiving yards and six touchdowns in just eight games. Kraft tied Brock Bowers and George Kittle for TE2 on a points-per-game basis. Still just 25 years old, even if he starts training camp on the PUP List, he’s fully expected to be ready to roll Week 1. With fewer mouths to feed thanks to the exits of Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks, Kraft should pick up right where he left off.
87. Isaiah Likely, TE, NYG (TE7)
Isaiah Likely followed John Harbaugh to New York this offseason, and has a golden opportunity to live up to the hype of years past. His athleticism and explosiveness give him mouthwatering upside, and I LOVE his potential as a top target for Jaxson Dart. In 11 starts, Dart targeted the tight end position on 44% of red zone targets and 35% of end-zone targets, with tight ends accounting for seven of Dart’s 11 touchdown passes. With Malik Nabers’ timetable uncertain and Wan’Dale Robinson gone, Likely is set up for success. We FINALLY got the Kyle Pitts breakout. Can we get Isaiah Likely next?
88. Kyle Pitts Sr., TE, ATL (TE8)
Good things happen when you get Kyle Pitts the ball, and it finally seems like the Falcons have figured that out. It’s a little too late for Raheem Morris, but new head coach Kevin Stefanski wasn’t afraid to feature the tight end in Cleveland, a promising sign for Pitts’ future. Pitts finished in the top five in yards per route run and yards after contact per reception, setting career highs across the board and earning his first top-five fantasy finish. #KylePittsSZN was finally real, and it was spectacular.
89. Emmett Johnson, RB, KC (RB37)
It’s a rather shallow rookie class from a fantasy football perspective, but there are still valuable assets as long as you keep your expectations in check. Emmett Johnson has playmaking ability as a pass catcher, reading the field and slipping past defenders. But he lacks elite speed (his 4.56 40 was the worst among RBs at the combine) and sits a bit undersized at 5’11”, 200-ish lbs. That said, he handled one of the heaviest workloads in the country without missing a day in 2025. Johnson couldn’t have ended up in a better situation. If he takes over that Kareem Hunt/3rd down back role, he’ll have weekly FLEX viability (while simultaneously throwing cold water on the Kenneth Walker hype).
90. Trevor Lawrence, QB, JAC (QB8)
Trevor Lawrence had the best season of his career in 2026 under Liam Coen. Lawrence threw downfield a butt ton, ranking second in deep attempts and first in deep yards per game, and totaled 38 touchdowns. The Jags have a quietly loaded receiver room with Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, and Travis Hunter. T-Laws saw career highs in rushing attempts (82), rushing yards (359), and most importantly, rushing touchdowns (9). His 10 rushing attempts inside the five were also a career high, the first time he’s had more than six in a season. Coen seems to have finally unlocked Lawrence, helping him achieve his first top-five fantasy season, and nothing suggests he’ll slow down in 2026.
91. Nicholas Singleton, RB, TEN (RB38)
It hits me right in the feels when a top prospect returns to school and falls flat on their face, sending their stock plummeting. That’s exactly what happened to Nicholas Singleton, and then some. Not only did he have the worst season of his college career in 2025, but Singleton fractured his foot at the Senior Bowl while attempting to recoup some of his draft stock, instead causing him to miss most of the week as well as the combine. But he’s an explosive downhill runner and aggressive receiver, and his arrival in Tennessee puts Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears on notice. Singleton is the best talent of the three, and I expect him to completely take over this backfield by Week 6 or so.
92. Chuba Hubbard, RB, CAR (RB39)
If you chased your kid for 15 or more yards this past year, you had more explosive runs than Chuba Hubbard. His efficiency wasn’t much better either, with 3.81 yards per carry and sub-2 yards after contact per attempt. Rico Dowdle is replaced with AJ Dillon, but it’s 2024 rookie Jonathon Brooks who Chuba should fear. Hubbard likely has a role, as the Panthers won’t want to give Brooks a heavy workload right away, but don’t depend on Hubbard for anything more than a temporary FLEX.
93. Josh Downs, WR, IND (WR38)
We’ve been teased with production from Josh Downs when given the targets, and there’s a good chance he’ll see a bump in 2026. Pierce returns to Indy, but Pittman does not, giving Downs a chance to be a regular piece of the offense. Don’t ignore him.
94. Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, TEN (WR39)
Wan’Dale Robinson produced 1,000 yards for the first time in his career and was the only receiver on the Giants worth rostering. Had Malik Nabers been healthy all season, Robinson likely wouldn’t have achieved the feat. But he showed what he’s capable of with enough volume. Robinson followed his former head coach to Tennessee, where he should be force-fed much like he was in 2025 and complements first-round receiver Carnell Tate like Baja Blast complements a Beefy Nacho Griller. He’ll be a PPR-scam WR2/3 if he and Cam Ward click. Maybe a safety blanket-type player like Robinson is exactly what last year’s first overall pick needs.
95. Quentin Johnston, WR, LAC (WR40)
Quentin Johnston is one of just five receivers to score 8+ touchdowns in each of the last two seasons. Like his quarterback, Johnston started the season hot but cooled off significantly as the o-line play decayed. QJ has some upside, but the floor is rock bottom. He’s a prototypical boom-or-bust WR3 who becomes a tad more interesting with the hire of Mike McDaniel. If Johnston can become sugar-free Tyreek Hill, he’ll wind up on a lot of championship rosters.
96. Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, NE (RB40)
I get why Mike Vrabel loves Rhamondre Stevenson. I didn’t during the season, but as I start my offseason process, looking back at season-long stats and watching film, the dude is just good. Top five in explosive run rate, missed forced tackles per attempt, and yards after contact per attempt. Vrabel was smart to stick with him despite the fumble issues. The problem here is that he’s holding back my bae, TreVeyon Henderson. Both profile as RB2s with upside due to the shared workload, and Stevenson probably comes with the discount between the two.
97. Kimani Vidal, RB, LAC (RB41)
Kimani Vidal surprised just about everyone, even his mom, with how well he played in place of Omarion Hampton. He averaged 13.5 points per game with Hampton out, though the metrics weren’t much to write home about (Vidal had the third-highest stuff rate, for example). Vidal proved he can put up solid numbers if given the workload. The backfield belongs to Hampton, but I like Vidal’s potential as a sneaky FLEX with McDaniel as OC. We saw multiple running backs have fantasy value during McDaniel’s time in Miami.
98. Patrick Mahomes II, QB, KC (QB9)
Patrick Mahomes looked like “Showtime” Mahomes (the worst nickname ever) through about Week 8, but the Chiefs’ offense sputtered from Week 9 until his season-ending ACL injury. I firmly believe Mahomes has multiple elite fantasy seasons left in him. Back is his old pal Eric Bieniemy at OC, with whom he had some of his most productive seasons, including a 50-touchdown season in 2018. The addition of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III should also elevate this offense as a whole, taking pressure off of Mahomes to do it all himself. Oh, and his pal Travis Swift Kelce is here to stay as well. If there is any sort of draft day discount, even if he’s not quite ready to start Week 1, I’ll be rostering a whooole lotta Mahomes in 2026. He’ll be worth the wait.
99. Woody Marks, RB, HOU (RB42)
Woody Marks teased us a few times before taking over the Texans’ backfield by season’s end, but it wasn’t pretty. Marks had the 2nd-lowest yards per carry among running backs with at least 100 carries and was tied with Chuba Hubbard and Emanuel Wilson for the lowest missed tackles forced per attempt. I’m sorry, Woody Marks truthers (I’m looking at you, Eric Romoff), but fetch isn’t happening. The Texans’ deal for David Montgomery shows that, despite trading a 2026 third-round pick to move up for him, they don’t picture Marks as lead back material. I won’t roster him as anything more than an RB3/FLEX option.
100. Jayden Reed, WR, GB (WR41)
Jayden Reed missed most of the season due to a series of injuries, including a broken collarbone, but was able to return in Week 14. He’ll be among the Packers’ top pass-catchers in 2026 and should remain a volatile WR3 for fantasy purposes. I’d like to move him up a bit more, but the targets left behind by Romeo Doubs likely get mostly absorbed by Christian Watson, whose route tree is much more similar.
101. Courtland Sutton, WR, DEN (WR42)
Courtland Sutton followed up his breakout 2024 by finishing five spots higher in points per game, moving from WR27 to WR22, even though he averaged 1.2 points fewer. I mention that as a reminder not to blindly follow player rankings from year to year; make sure to look at the actual stats for added context. That being said, Sutton brushed off a midseason takeover attempt from Troy Franklin to finish as the Broncos’ WR1. Sutton entered the Broncos’ Week 12 bye with four straight games under 11 points and came out of it averaging 16.5 PPG the rest of the way, finishing as a WR9 over that period. He’s getting a little long in the tooth, and the Broncos surprisingly traded for Jaylen Waddle, pushing Sutton from solid WR2 territory to more WR3ish. That floor we once loved is gone.
102. DK Metcalf, WR, PIT (WR43)
It’s long past time we had a conversation about DK Metcalf. He’s easily one of the most athletic receivers in the league, but it’s been quite a while since we’ve seen the top end of his upside. His first year in Pittsburgh was not great, Bob, with just two games over 100 yards, his first season under 60 receptions since his rookie year, and a career-low 850 receiving yards. Granted, that was on an Arthur Smith-run offense led by the ghost of Aaron Rodgers, but the Steelers cleaned house and will have a new coach, offensive coordinator, and quarterback (maybe at some point this season). We have no idea what this offense is going to look like, but regardless, it’s hard to be bullish on DK for fantasy purposes.
103. KC Concepcion, WR, CLE (WR44)
I tend to have a man crush on a rookie wide receiver each season, and that guy in 2026 is shaping up to be KC Concepcion. He’s all the clichés for a short-area middle-of-the-field receiver in the best way possible. Concepcion’s explosive after-the-catch skills and ability to line up all over the field are what earned him the 2026 Paul Hornung Award, given to the most versatile player in college football (the first Aggie to ever do so). He’s struggled with focus at times, and his undersized stature and limited wingspan have led to contested catch issues. Concepcion should start the season as a FLEX option at best, with a back-end WR2 ceiling and a waiver-fodder floor.
It hurt to see Concepcion land in Cleveland. It hurt even more to see the Browns take Denzel Boston with their very next pick, capping the upside of both players. I think Concepcion still has a pretty clear path to fantasy viability, especially in full PPR leagues. His versatile skill set and slot role lend themselves to becoming the most targeted receiver. Don’t reach for him, but don’t fade the man either.
104. Denzel Boston, WR, CLE (WR45)
King Kong ain’t got nothing on Denzel Boston. The 6’4″ receiver can climb the ladder like he’s scaling a skyscraper and comes down with nearly any ball thrown his way. Boston is a red zone monster with a massive catch radius and hands that might as well be covered in stick-um, sporting a 77% contested-catch rate. He struggles with the press and doesn’t separate well, but his elite contested catch skills help make up for those flaws. I get why Cleveland took both Concepcion and Boston, but their upsides are nerfed because: 1. It’s the Browns, and 2. There are suddenly a lot of mouths to feed, and this will not be a high-flying offense. Le sigh.
105. Jaxson Dart, QB, NYG (QB10)
It seems the New York Football Giants finally have their quarterback of the future in Jaxson Dart. He set multiple records in his rookie season: the first rookie quarterback with multiple games of 240+ passing yards, 60+ rushing yards, and two or more total touchdowns; the first quarterback to accumulate 1,800+ passing yards, 400+ rushing yards, and 20+ total touchdowns in his first nine career starts; and the first quarterback to score a rushing touchdown in five consecutive games. He’ll need to work on protecting himself from big hits, and with the uncertainty surrounding when Malik Nabers will return to the field, Dart’s floor is much lower than anticipated. But as long as Dart is on the field, he’s a borderline QB1 with QB1 overall potential.
106. Dak Prescott, QB, DAL (QB11)
It turns out that having two stud receivers and a porous defense is a recipe for fantasy success. Dak Prescott finished as QB9 in points per game, top 10 in yards per attempt, quarterback rating, and just outside the top 10 in completion percentage. George Pickens was tagged and will be back in Jerry World, keeping Dak an QB1 who should come at a value. Rinse/repeat from last season. Unless you’re willing to trust the highly scientific ‘he does this every other year’ analysis.
107. Mark Andrews, TE, BAL (TE9)
Isaiah Likely’s departure could help offset the decline in Mark Andrews’ skills with an increase in targets. The hefty jump for MANdrews from my “way too early” ranks reflects worsening situations for the tight ends around him, including Kenyon Sadiq landing with the Jets, Oronde Gadsden playing under Mike McDaniel, and Harold Fannin Jr. gaining competition from two rookie receivers. I also love the hire of Declan Doyle as Ravens offensive coordinator; he considers tight ends a vital part of the offense.
108. Harold Fannin Jr., TE, CLE (TE10)
Harold Fannin Jr. was the only reliable pass catcher for the Browns for about 99% of the season, which propelled the uber-talented rookie to TE8 in points per game. He caught 72 passes and six touchdowns and ran in another score. I’m still quite in on Fannin, but the additions of KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston knock him down a few pegs.
109. Travis Kelce, TE, KC (TE11)
“Say you’ll remember Kelce
facing a defense in press,
ready, hut, set, baby
Red jersey and Jordan cleats
Say you’ll draft Kelce again
even if it’s not on your fantasy teams, ah-ah, ha”
If you can draft Kelce after the first eight or so tight ends, do it.
110. Dalton Kincaid, TE, BUF (TE12)
Dalton Kincaid led the Bills and all tight ends in yards per route run, led Buffalo in yards per reception, and ranked fourth in that category among tight ends. Although he struggled to stay healthy, Kincaid is a borderline TE1 when he is on the field. The addition of DJ Moore caps his upside, but he should remain in the back-end TE1 range.
111. George Kittle, TE, SF (TE13)
George Kittle is just one of those guys. Even if you hate the 49ers, it’s impossible to hate him. That’s why it was so tough to see him carted off the field in the first round of the playoffs against the Eagles, ending this season and probably affecting next year as well. The recovery timeline is about 9 to 12 months, but Kittle is about to turn 33. I can speak from experience, as I approach my 40th birthday, that getting older doesn’t help with the speed of recovery from injury. But I am far from an NFL Athlete like Kittle. Word is that he’ll be extremely close to ready come Week 1, but the 49ers season opener is in Australia. Yes, Australia. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the team take the overly cautious approach, but at this point it’s all a guessing game. Even if Kittle isn’t back Week 1, it sounds like he’s on track to hit the field early in the season. If he can be had at a discount (say, outside the top 10 TE’s), he’s worth the risk.
112. Antonio Williams, WR, WAS (WR46)
Antonio Williams does a lot of things well, just nothing exceptionally well. He’s fast enough, but not a burner. His hands and catch-point ability allow him to come down with contested catches regularly, playing bigger than his frame suggests. His size limits him to the slot, where he’ll rely on timing and precision rather than physicality to win. A nagging injury history — he’s missed games every season since 2023 — is a concern worth monitoring. But I absolutely LOVE the landing spot, as the Commanders are in dire need of weapons for Jayden Daniels outside of Terry McLaurin. Washington didn’t add any other significant pass catcher (unless you count Chig Okonkwo), so Williams has the inside track to become Daniels’ #2 in a hurry.
Tier 9: The “Terms & Conditions” Tier
The talent is there, but you’ve gotta read the 50 pages of fine print.
113. Parker Washington, WR, JAC (WR47)
One of the most underrated receivers in the league resides in Jacksonville, and his name is Parker Washington. Despite a crowded receiver room that included Travis Hunter and, after Hunter’s injury, Jakobi Meyers, Washington was the WR20 from Weeks 9-17. He finished tenth in yards per route run, eighth in yards per reception, and fifth in yards per target over expectation (with a minimum of 25 targets). Often, in situations like these (multiple receivers in a good offense), I tend to target the least expensive option. Why pay for the brand-name peanut butter when the Wal-Mart Brand is ¼ of the price, and you throw it out if it’s gross? I suspect I’ll have many sandwiches shares of PB&Washington this season.
114. Michael Wilson, WR, ARI (WR48)
Michael Wilson came out of nowhere to win the waiver wire league title. From weeks 10-17, Wilson was the second-most-targeted receiver in the league and ranked as the WR4 overall. Much of that production came without Marvin Harrison Jr. on the field and with Jacoby Brissett force-feeding him and Trey McBride. I fear Wilson will be over drafted in 2026 and won’t match the numbers he put up with Brissett if/when someone else takes over at quarterback for the Cards. He’s a fine WR3, but don’t overpay.
115. Ricky Pearsall, WR, SF (WR49)
For a guy who’s been over 10 fantasy points in less than 50% of his career games, Ricky Pearsall sure gets a whole lot of hype. I mean, I get it. He’s shown flashes and profiles as a perfect receiver for the Shanahan system. But he can’t seem to stay on the field (to be fair, the start of last season was in no way, shape, or form his fault), and his knee continues to flare up and linger for multiple games. I think Pearsall has decent upside, but where you have to draft him is buying all the risk, and I’m ok with being wrong if he blows up.
116. Xavier Worthy, WR, KC (WR50)
It was a disappointing sophomore season for Xavier Worthy, who failed to have a single 100-yard receiving game and caught only one touchdown. The most disappointing aspect, however, was his inability to take advantage of the Rashee Rice suspension for any significant output. The league announced on April 3rd that there would be no discipline for Rice’s offseason allegations, all but crushing any lingering hopes of a Worthy breakout.
117. Travis Hunter, WR, JAC (WR51)
Travis Hunter had some ridiculous highlight-reel catches, but that’s about it from a fantasy perspective outside of IDP. With the acquisition and extension of Jakobi Meyers, Hunter is likely to play more defense in 2026, making the chances of him becoming a fantasy force even slimmer. He’s likely someone I’m avoiding unless there’s a massive discount in 2026.
118. Chris Godwin Jr., WR, TB (WR52)
It took Chris Godwin Jr. more than half the season to score 10 or more fantasy points in a game, but that’s not surprising, as he didn’t return until Week 4 from a gruesome ankle injury from last season and missed more time due to additional issues. Godwin will be 30 years old this offseason and a decent WR3, but not someone I’m looking to draft, as his upside is gone with his age and injury issues.
119. Michael Pittman Jr., WR, PIT (WR53)
Michael Pittman Jr. bounced back nicely after a disappointing 2024, but still finished just WR30 on a points-per-game basis. He set a career high with seven touchdowns, but the right situation, he did not land in. Pittman in Pitt, man, is fun to say, but not fun for fantasy. He’ll play second fiddle to Metcalf, and likely won’t be on many of my rosters this season.
120. Jalen Hurts, QB, PHI (QB12)
Jalen Hurts seems like a great guy. He’s a fantastic fantasy quarterback. But he’s not the best passer of the football. There have been rumblings during the offseason about drama in the Philly locker room, driven by the coaching staff and front office failing to criticize Hurts and his shortcomings. Some of that drama may have headed to Foxborough with the trade of AJ Brown, but don’t fret yet. Philly traded up for my WR1 in this class in Makai Lemon, an elite weapon who could eventually usurp everyone as the Eagles’ WR1. I’m much more confident in Hurts as a fantasy asset today than I was in January. He remains a QB1 at the position despite the loss of Brown.
121. Daniel Jones, QB, IND (QB13)
Danny Dimes…er..Indiana Jones is back with the Colts, and as of right now, he’s expected to be ready for the start of the season. Jones is recovering from a torn ACL suffered towards the end of 2025, and there are serious concerns about how his mobility and efficiency will be impacted. Jones also has one less weapon with Michael Pittman leaving for Pittsburgh, but has plenty left with the Colts re-signing Alec Pierce while retaining Josh Downs and Tyler Warren. He’s better suited as a QB2 in Superflex leagues, but if you wait on QB, he’s a fine option to pair with an upside play like a Cam Ward.
122. Bo Nix, QB, DEN (QB14)
Bo Nix had himself another top-10 season for fantasy purposes, but was much more volatile than you’d like from your QB1. He did have a couple of four-touchdown games, but threw for 1 or fewer touchdowns in 11 games and under 250 yards in 11 games as well. He suffered a broken ankle on the second-to-last play of the Broncos’ victory over the Bills in the playoffs, and despite a recent (planned) second surgery, is expected to be a full go before training camp. The Broncos’ addition of Jaylen Waddle this offseason gives Nix a safer floor to go with his obvious upside, but recovering from the ankle injury likely hampers his rushing production in 2026.
123. Matthew Stafford, QB, LAR (QB15)
So we can all agree that Matthew Stafford‘s “back issue” in the preseason was a bunch of hogwash, right? What caused so many of us to fade him (including me) hurts that much more, since he arguably had the best season of his career and took home MVP honors. Stafford led the league in touchdowns and passing yards per game. Considering his age, you run the risk of him falling off the cliff, but in Sean McVay‘s offense, I highly doubt that happens. I don’t foresee another MVP-caliber season, but Stafford’s still a borderline QB1 for fantasy purposes
124. Jared Goff, QB, DET (QB16)
Apparently, Jared Goff didn’t need Ben Johnson after all. Goff brushed off the haters and threw for 34 touchdowns, second only to Matthew Stafford‘s 46. The Lions’ hire of Drew Petzing as OC is a great move for the team, but not so much for Goff’s fantasy ceiling. His balanced but run-first by nature offensive system should keep Goff’s fantasy floor in place, but those “chuck it and pray” days may be over. Goff is a solid fantasy QB, but more likely someone you’d want to pair as the safe option late with a high-ceiling pick.
125. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, NYJ (TE14)
Kenyon Sadiq is a superior athlete who broke Vernon Davis’ nearly 20-year-old combine speed record for tight ends with a 4.37-second 40. Although he wasn’t used much as a downfield pass catcher at Oregon and remains a raw blocker, he has the athleticism to become a vertical threat. He remains the top fantasy tight end in this class, but the Jets’ quarterback situation and competition for targets make his redraft stock less appealing.
126. Kyler Murray, QB, MIN (QB17)
Kyler Murray‘s once sky-high ceiling has fallen to the ground floor. The expectations that come with being the #1 overall pick are a tall order, and Murray just hasn’t been up to it. He appeared to be head and shoulders above the competition in the first two seasons in the league, but he’s thrown 15 or fewer touchdowns in three of the last four seasons, in part due to injury and also due to this year’s “soft benching”. He’s also short. I’m also short. Murray is wearing another uniform in 2026, and that’s the purple and gold of the Vikings. Color me intrigued. KOC revived the career of Super Bowl Champion Sam Darnold (you read that right), and got serviceable play out of Joshua Dobbs and Nick Mullens. Murray is still just 28 years old and has shown his upside with multiple top-five fantasy seasons. If his ADP doesn’t get too crazy and he wins the starting job, Kyler could be a league winner.
127. Jayden Higgins, WR, HOU (WR54)
Jayden Higgins had a disappointing rookie season considering the opportunity that presented itself. Nico Collins, Christian Kirk, and Dalton Schultz all missed time, but Higgins was unable to carve out a role, in part due to the deficiencies of the passing offense. If the offense can show some consistency, Higgins has the talent to produce as a WR3 or FLEX option. He’s worth a late-round pick as a flyer.
128. Jordan Love, QB, GB (QB18)
Jordan Love threw the deep ball at the second-highest rate in the league and completed about the league average of 41%. It didn’t help that he was without one of his top deep threats for most of the season, as Christian Watson and Jayden Reed both missed significant time. Both were signed to long-term deals in the offseason, but the Packers’ depth at receiver took a hit with the losses of Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks. Love played decently and had some big games against poor defenses, but with the Packers’ running game and defense, Green Bay didn’t get into many shootouts. Love is a borderline QB1 who’s fine as your starter, but I don’t know if he’ll ever have to pass the ball enough to become an elite fantasy option.
129. Tyler Shough, QB, NO (QB19)
Maybe it’s because I’ve been spending a lot of time with Brett Ford, who’s been comfortably in the driver’s seat of the “Shough Truck” all offseason, but I’m ready to ride. Maybe not quite shotgun yet, but I’ll jump in the back seat, throw on my seatbelt, and pray. NOLA took Jordyn Tyson with the eighth overall pick, giving Shough a very capable trio of weapons in Tyson, Chris Olave, and Travis Etienne Jr. (Yeah, I left out Alvin Kamara. What of it?) I wouldn’t want to rely on Shough as my QB1 by himself or in Superflex, but I’m warming to the idea of drafting him late as an upside play paired with a Jared Goff-type.
130. Jake Ferguson, TE, DAL (TE15)
Jake Ferguson had a nice little stretch as the TE1 overall from weeks 2 to 5, but that ended quickly as soon as CeeDee Lamb returned. He finished as the TE11 in points per game and a solid TE1, just not a dark horse TE1 overall.
131. Brock Purdy, QB, SF (QB20)
It’s hard to judge Brock Purdy on a season as broken as his. He didn’t have monster games, but he didn’t have any duds, either. Purdy didn’t push the ball downfield a ton, but he made it count when he did, finishing first in deep throw completion percentage (63.3) and second in yards per deep throw attempt (17.87). His receivers will look different in 2026 with Jauan Jennings gone and Brandon Aiyuk still lost in the upside down, but the Niners brought on future Hall of Famer Mike Evans to give Purdy another weapon in one of the most productive touchdown scorers of all time. The 49ers’ trade-back in the 1st round landed them the 33rd overall pick with names like Denzel Boston, Antonio Williams, and Germie Bernard available. So, naturally, the Niners took… De’Zhaun Stribling?! A good team fit, but a bit of a reach considering he was expected to go in the third round.
So, Purdy’s pass catchers will consist of a 32-year-old George Kittle, who may be 33 by the time he returns to the field (his birthday is in October), a soon-to-be 33-year-old Mike Evans, third-year receiver Ricky Pearsall with 67 career catches, and Christian Kirk on a 1-year “prove it” deal. Evans is in the twilight of his career, but he can put up a Davante Adams-type “goal line WR seasons” and elevate both his and Purdy’s fantasy values. He does have that Christian McCaffrey guy in the backfield. He’s pretty good. But the receivers in San Fran have a worrisome mix of age and injury concerns, enough for me to drop Purdy significantly.
132. Tank Bigsby, RB, PHI (RB43)
He’s so freaking good man, I hope he just gets a chance.
133. Alvin Kamara, RB, NO (RB44)
46th in yards per carry, 39th in explosive run rate, and 3rd lowest yards after the catch per reception among running backs. As much as it hurts, Alvin Kamara is toast, methinks. The Saints offered to trade him, and Kamara told the team he’d rather stay in New Orleans. A man of character, but not helpful for his fantasy value. His RB1 days are over in fantasy and in NOLA, as ETN will lead the Saints after signing a hefty contract. Kamara may have some FLEX appeal, but I don’t envision him on any of my rosters in 2026.
Tier 10: The “Mustard Seed” Tier
The path is there if you have the faith to hold on.
134. Tony Pollard, RB, TEN (RB45)
Tony Pollard had the oddest late-season stretch, rushing for 500 of his 1082-yard season total in Weeks 14-18 to help a couple of people who were brave enough to pick him up and start him in the consolation playoffs. He’s still a non-factor for fantasy, and I’m not drafting him anywhere in 2026.
135. Chig Okonkwo, TE, WAS (TE16)
Chig Okonkwo is one of my favorite sleeper tight ends for 2026. He signed with Washington after putting up career highs last season with 56 catches and 560 receiving yards. The Commanders needed a new top tight end this offseason, and Okonkwo could be in line for a significant role, especially since it seems unlikely that Brandon Aiyuk will join the team.
136. Oronde Gadsden II, TE, LAC (TE17)
Oronde Gadsden scored at least 12 fantasy points in four straight games in the middle of his rookie season, including 29.4 against the Colts and 18.7 against the Vikings. I’ve done a complete 180 on him this offseason: Mike McDaniel values blocking from his tight ends, and the Chargers added stronger blockers Charlie Kolar and David Njoku. Gadsden should still be involved, but his floor and ceiling are much shakier.
137. Juwan Johnson, TE, NO (TE18)
Juwan Johnson tied Tyler Warren for TE10 with 11.1 fantasy points per game and set career highs in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. Taysom Hill’s departure leaves room for involvement, but the additions of Jordyn Tyson, Noah Fant, and Oscar Delp preserve Johnson’s upside while removing his target floor.
138. Brenton Strange, TE, JAC (TE19)
Strange things are happening in Jacksonville, and that’s a good thing. Brenton Strange scored double-digit fantasy points in 50% of his games and is a solid backup option if you fade tight end early in drafts.
139. Cam Ward, QB, TEN (QB21)
After struggling for nearly the entire season, Cam Ward began showing signs of life down the stretch. Ward failed to throw multiple touchdowns in a game until Week 13, but did so in his final four starts and began making flash plays like these.
The Titans hired Brian Daboll as OC, signed his bae Wan’Dale Robinson, and added Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate with the fourth overall pick. Don’t rely on him by any means, but Ward has sneaky upside in 2026 and would be the perfect pairing with a safe floor option like Goff or Stafford.
140. Baker Mayfield, QB, TB (QB22)
My fears about Baker Mayfield came to fruition, as touchdown regression pushed him right back to fringe fantasy starter status. Mayfield isn’t afraid to sling the rock, and even with Mike Evans out of the picture, he still has plenty of talent at the receiver position in Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and the Johnson Twins. 2024 was an aberration, but he’s still a serviceable fantasy starter. He’s just not a QB1.
141. T.J. Hockenson, TE, MIN (TE20)
Not quite sure what happened to T.J. Hockenson, but with three top-five fantasy finishes in his first five seasons, he’s worth drafting late and seeing if he can get his mojo back. Potential starting QB Kyler Murray has frustrated us before with his lack of targets to the tight end position, but the upgrade in skill level from “Nine” who shall not be named is enough to give hope.
142. Darnell Washington, TE, PIT (TE21)
Darnell Washington (aka Mount Washington, best nickname in the NFL) didn’t have a lot of production in 2025, but Pittsburgh released Jonnu Smith, leaving Pat Freiermuth as the only obstacle from him doing more of this:
The Steelers and TE Darnell Washington have agreed on a four-year, $42M extension, per @AdamSchefter pic.twitter.com/ySXxxyOABz
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) June 4, 2026
143. Dalton Schultz, TE, HOU (TE22)
You know that Japanese takeout place your wife always suggests when you’re trying to figure out where to eat, and every time you complain, “Ugggghhhh. I don’t want that.” But when you inevitably agree and get the food, you realize it’s actually pretty good and have to apologize to your wife for doing it again? That’s Dalton Schultz. Since the 2020 season, he’s finished outside the top 18 just once and has finished as a TE1 four of the six seasons. I’m counting this year because he tied with Hunter Henry and Dalton Kincaid for TE13 in points per game, just .01 behind Juwan Johnson. Close enough for me. Schultz isn’t a guy you’re excited to draft, but if you fade the position, he’ll be a decent option more often than not.
144. Kaelon Black, RB, SF (RB46)
Kaelon Black profiles as a one-cut runner with burst, vision, and enough pass-catching ability to carve out a useful committee role. He fits best in a zone scheme that lets him press the hole, make one decision, and get north-south. The downside is that he lacks elite top-end speed and is not an overly physical tone-setter between the tackles, so volume may be hard to come by early. He is more opportunity bet than locked-in fantasy asset, but the path is there. But as a late-round flyer, a one-cut runner who excels in zone schemes in San Francisco? With some pass-catching upside? Yes, please!
145. Braelon Allen, RB, NYJ (RB47)
Braelon Allen entered the season uber-hyped, only to have his season end in Week 4 with an MCL injury. If Breece Hall leaves in free agency and the Jets don’t add a significant piece to the backfield, Allen could be in line to be the Jets’ Week 1 starter. If that’s the case, he’ll offer sneaky significant upside.
UPDATE: That dream is dead. Just like Allen’s fantasy value.
146. C.J. Stroud, QB, HOU (QB23)
C.J. Stroud seems like a really good guy, but man, he’s fallen off hard since his rookie season. He missed a few games with a concussion and returned to play shaky football, throwing just eight touchdowns in his final six games. The upside is still there, but he’s more of an upside QB2 than an every-week starter in fantasy.
147. Tre Tucker, WR, LV (WR55)
This guy put up a 40-burger in week three, which made the Raiders comfortable enough to trade Jakobi. He’s at best a complementary receiver who could offer some FLEX value with either of the Raiders’ new quarterbacks, Kirk Cousins or Fernando Mendoza. He’s a sneaky post-draft winner, as the Raiders didn’t add anybody of note at receiver, giving Tucker a clear path to fantasy relevancy.
148. Kaytron Allen, RB, WAS (RB48)
Kaytron Allen is a sub-six-foot hammer that’s as sure-handed as he is powerful, with just five career fumbles on over 750 career carries. The Penn State product is a pure downhill runner that’s not very explosive and doesn’t do much as a receiver. Some dislike the landing spot because of Jacory Croskey-Merritt (lol), Rachaad White, and Jerome Ford already being on the depth chart. But none of them are talented enough to handle bellcow touches, and Allen could easily earn the short-yardage role from the start.
149. Trey Benson, RB, ARI (RB49)
Trey Benson missed almost the entire season after four games, but he showed why I was so high on him in that short sample. Benson averaged 5.52 yards per carry, had a 6.9 explosive run rate, and forced 3.2 missed tackles per attempt. But the Cardinals don’t care about any of that, apparently. This dream is dead too, friends. The addition of Jeremiyah Love makes this messy backfield even messier. James Conner returned to Arizona, and the team also added Tyler Allgeier. I still believe in the talent, but the opportunity isn’t there as of now.
150. Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, NYG (RB50)
Tyrone Tracy had a late-season fantasy revival after losing the starting job to rookie Cam Skattebo. After a long season cut short by a gruesome ankle injury, Tracy initially shared the workload with Devin Singletary. But down the stretch, Tracy was the more productive of the two, finishing as RB23 in points per game from Week 12 on. There’s no changing of the guard; the Giants backfield belongs to Skattebo when healthy. But Tracy showed enough to carve out a role.
151. J.K. Dobbins, RB, DEN (RB51)
If J.K. Dobbins could just stay healthy, man, he’s a baller. His season was cut short again by a knee injury, but he was great in Denver. He ranked in the top 10 in yards per carry, rushing yards per game, explosive run rate, and missed tackles forced per attempt, and was third overall in explosive run rate. The Broncos’ backfield has snip-snapped all offseason, and Dobbins looked like the winner after re-signing in Denver. Then Sean Payton went and drafted Jonah Coleman. Coleman profiles as the most complete back in the room, yet somehow more people are talking about how this hurts the rookie than how it tanks Dobbins’ value. I liked Dobbins as a solid RB3/FLEX before the draft, but now we’re looking at a three-headed committee with a 27-year-old back who’s had more injuries than I’ve had bad fantasy takes. Dobbins is still talented, but unless his ADP falls off a cliff, he’s someone I’m probably avoiding in redraft.
152. Khalil Shakir, WR, BUF (WR56)
Khalil Shakir is the most Romeo Doubs receiver that ever James Jonesed. He has no business operating as the top option for Josh Allen, but that’s what he did once again in 2025. Shakir ranked first in yards after contact per reception with 3.61, but he profiles more as a complementary receiver. Buffalo indeed brought in help in DJ Moore, and Shakir remains a solid but boring WR3/4.
153. Tyler Allgeier, RB, ARI (RB52)
It might be worth stashing Tyler Allgeier or Trey Benson, considering Conner’s age and injury history. An injury or two can whittle this backfield down from four to two rather quickly. But it’s only worth the gamble if the cost is free.99.
154. RJ Harvey, RB, DEN (RB53)
J.K. Dobbins was once again proving people wrong by holding off rookie RJ Harvey and having an excellent season in Denver before a season-ending injury in Week 10. Harvey stepped in and had some success, but he wasn’t particularly efficient or explosive. Dobbins ended the season with 5.05 yards per carry (7th), 77.2 rushing yards per game (6th), and a 7.8% explosive run rate (3rd). Harvey’s stats were, um, something. He had 3.7 yards per carry (42nd), 31.8 rushing yards per game (45th), and a 2.7% explosive run rate (42nd). Dobbins is back, the Broncos traded for Jaylen Waddle AAAAAND they drafted Jonah Coleman. The Felicio full fade of Harvey is on for 2026.
155. Sam Darnold, QB, SEA (QB24)
Sam Darnold proved his Minnesota resurgence wasn’t a fluke, finishing as QB14 in total points and leading the Seahawks to the #1 seed in the NFC. My gripe with Darnold from a fantasy perspective is that he’s not very good when he faces pressure, which is still true. But the Seahawks’ rebuilt offensive line made major strides and more often than not kept Darnold upright. Darnold faced pressure on just 31.7% of his dropbacks, fourth lowest among quarterbacks who played at least ten games. Darnold had some low-volume games that keep him from being a consistent starter, but he’s a borderline Superflex starter who’s perfect to pair with another quarterback to mix and match based on opponent.
156. Malik Willis, QB, MIA (QB25)
Malik Willis nearly led the Packers to an overtime victory over Chicago in relief of an injured Jordan Love and totaled 300 yards and three touchdowns in a spot start against the Ravens. Willis played himself into a starting job and a payday. The problem is that there’s nobody left in Miami. Plus, I’m not looking to invest in a QB who has five games with 10+ completions going into his fifth season. No thanks.
157. Jauan Jennings, WR, MIN (WR57)
After back-to-back WR3 seasons in San Fran, Jauan Jennings wound up in Minnesota. Honestly, I don’t value him much differently than in the past few seasons. The offense should be close to as potent as the Niners (at the very least, it’ll be better without #nine), but Jennings has a cloudier path to targets.
158. Dylan Sampson, RB, CLE (RB54)
The reincarnation of Duke Johnson with a ceiling of a bye week fill-in FLEX.
159. Mike Washington Jr, RB, LV (RB55)
Las Vegas drafted Mike Washington Jr. out of Arkansas in the fourth, not early enough that there’s any concern of Washington getting the majority of the touches, but enough that he’ll likely earn enough of a role to cap Jeanty’s ceiling. If it wasn’t the worst landing spot possible, it’s close. The combine riser could have potentially reached RB2 viability had he landed somewhere he’d get a consistent workload. New Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak does run a two-back system, but Washington will be the 1b to Ashton Jeanty for the foreseeable future. He’s capped at a high-end FLEX.
160. Stefon Diggs, WR, FA (WR58)
Stefon Diggs played 60% of offensive snaps in just three games this season but bounced back in New England to finish as a WR2. Diggs finished inside the top 10 in yards per route run and had 1,000 receiving yards for the seventh time in his career. But at age 33 at the start of the season, the upside is nonexistent. The self-proclaimed “best WR2 in the league” doesn’t have a team, so his rank is extremely fluid.
161. Dallas Goedert, TE, PHI (TE23)
Dallas Goedert bounced back bigly in 2025. He finished as TE6 in points per game, but was heavily reliant on a career-high 11 touchdown catches. Goedert is a solid borderline TE1, but his days of pushing for the top five are over.
162. Jalen McMillan, WR, TB (WR59)
Jalen McMillan missed a significant chunk of the season due to a preseason neck injury, but returned in Week 15 to lead the Bucs in yards per route run, yards per target, and yards per reception. With Evans leaving town to head to San Fran, McMillian is in line to play a major role in the Bucs offense in 2026. A jump into the top 125 is attainable.
163. De’Zhaun Stribling, WR, SF (WR60)
De’Zhaun Stribling is a smooth route runner with a long frame and enough downfield ball-tracking ability to flash real WR2 upside if he earns a featured role. He can separate naturally and win vertically, but the consistency still needs to catch up to the tools. The hands can get spotty, he does not always play to his size, and he is not a dynamic after-the-catch creator. With names like Denzel Boston, Antonio Williams, and Germie Bernard still on the board, the 49ers shockingly took Stribling with the first pick in the 2nd round of the draft. San Fran chose team need over talent, with Stribling a downfield threat who excels at separation. Stribling has WR2 potential if given a significant role, which could happen quickly if Mike Evans and/or Ricky Pearsall fail to stay on the field.
Tier 11: The “Mandela Effect” Tier
You knew they were good, but it’s like they never existed.
164. Jerry Jeudy, WR, CLE (WR61)
Outside of a random week with a touchdown, Jerry Jeudy was a complete non-factor for fantasy purposes and will continue to be until the Browns get their quarterback situation figured out. The additions of KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston make Jeudy even more non-factor-er.
165. Adonai Mitchell, WR, NYJ (WR62)
AD Mitchell had a bit of a career revival less than two years into it with the Jets. Geno Smith signing in New York bodes well for Mitchell becoming a volatile FLEX option.
166. Jalen Coker, WR, CAR (WR63)
Cokeheads, unite! Or something like that. Jalen Coker was in line for a major role in the Panthers’ offense before a surprise injury sent him to the IR right before the season started. He returned in Week 7, but it was in Week 11 that he started cooking a little something. Coker averaged 10.2 points per game and ranked 11th in yards per target. Not necessarily mind-blowing numbers, but solid considering the play of Bryce Young and the limited targets available. He’s a perfect complement to Tetairoa McMillan, and with improved play from Bryce Young, he could provide some spike weeks.
167. Tre Harris, WR, LAC (WR64)
Tre Harris made a couple of flashy catches but was overall a non-factor in his rookie season. The Chargers had a lot of mouths to feed, and an offense like that let Justin Herbert get eaten for lunch, so the subpar rookie season doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Keenan Allen is a free agent, but even if he returns, he turns 63 this offseason and faded down the stretch in 2025. Harris is a nice post-hype sleeper who can likely be had for next to nothing. I’m willing to take a shot on any piece of a Mike McDaniel offense.
168. Troy Franklin, WR, DEN (WR65)
Troy Franklin appeared to have stolen the WR1 role from Courtland Sutton during a midseason stretch in which he ranked as WR8 from Weeks 7-11. Sutton reclaimed the role after the Broncos’ bye, but it was still an overall successful season for Franklin, finishing as the WR31 and tied for the fifth most red zone targets in the league. Sutton is creeping up in age, but with the addition of Waddle, Franklin’s chances of taking over as Denver’s WR1 are all but shot.
169. Jaylin Noel, WR, HOU (WR66)
Jaylin Noel had back-to-back 11-fantasy-point games in the middle of the season, popped up for a 14-point Week 17, and was never heard from again.
170. Isaac TeSlaa, WR, DET (WR67)
Isaac TeSlaa does nothing but catch touchdown passes, with six of his 16 receptions being scores. He’s fun to watch and a great story, but without knowing what type of offense the Lions will run, it’s hard to gauge the fantasy value of a team’s WR3 alongside an elite pass-catching tight end.
171. Fernando Mendoza, QB, LV (QB26)
Despite leading Indiana… yes, Indiana… to its first National Championship while also winning the Heisman Trophy, Fernando Mendoza profiles more as an efficient, game-managing quarterback than an electric playmaker. Don’t get me wrong, Mendoza is great. He offers a high floor with a high football IQ, quick decision-making, and spot-on accuracy, but his arm strength is meh. The Raiders brought in Khols Cash King Kirk Cousins mainly to mentor Mendoza, but they could opt to start the season with the old man under center. Mendoza’s the perfect fit for the Raiders from an NFL standpoint, but not someone I’m excited to draft in fantasy. He’ll be a late-round lottery ticket pick for those who wait on a quarterback in redraft. A decent comp for him in my eyes is Alex Smith (complimentary).
172. Bryce Young, QB, CAR (QB27)
Bryce Young is one of the oddest fantasy quarterbacks I’ve ever seen play the game. He had nine starts with one or fewer touchdown passes, including a couple of three-touchdown performances, including one game with over 400 passing yards! The Panthers have exercised his fifth-year option, so he’ll be back in Carolina at least for one more season. But I’m avoiding him in anything outside of Superflex leagues.
173. Michael Penix Jr., QB, ATL (QB28)
The Falcons hiring Kevin Stefanski seemed like great news for the long-term development of Michael Penix Jr. at first. But now Penix has a quarterback competition to pair with his recovery from a Week 11 Torn ACL if he wants to get back under center for the Falcons anytime soon. Tua Tagovailoa signed with Atlanta this offseason to fight for the starting job, but as of mid-July, Penix had only been cleared for individual drills and seven-on-seven work. Stefanski has made it known the starting job is up for grabs and likely will remain so throughout training camp and into the preseason, rendering both Penix and Tua nearly impossible to project for 2026. With Stefanski at the helm, whoever winds up starter is worth a look with the weapons in ATL. But it’ll be a while before we know who that is.
174. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, ATL (QB29)
I’m not as excited for Tua Tagovailoa in Atlanta as I am for Kyler Murray in Minnesota, but it’s a best-case scenario for Tua. Atlanta has the weapons, the coach, and the system built around a left-handed quarterback that could lead to a career revival. There are so many questions around Michael Penix that give Tua multiple routes to taking over at quarterback. He’ll be a favorite late-round pick of mine.
175. Malachi Fields, WR, NYG (WR68)
Malachi Fields is the prototypical X receiver: he has the size, strength, and deep-ball tracking skills to come down with the back-shoulder catch with his eyes closed. What keeps him from elite prospect status is his lack of initial burst off the line and struggles with separation. A solid pick for the Giants that I’m more excited about as a Giants fan than a fantasy football analyst. Fields profiles as the perfect complement to Malik Nabers, but the upside is limited on a likely run-first team and Nabers (and Isaiah Likely?) ahead of him in the pecking order.
176. Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, FA (WR69)
Deebo Samuel will spend just one season in Washington, but he did enough to show he can still be a versatile piece for any offense. Samuel scored 17 or more points in five games, but his fantasy value will depend heavily on his landing spot. In the right situation, he can be fantasy viable in 2026. The longer Deebo remains a free agent, the more concerned I am that he’ll have any fantasy value in 2026. He may have to settle for little to no role in an offense.
177. Rashid Shaheed, WR, SEA (WR70)
Rashid Shaheed hasn’t made much of a fantasy impact outside of special teams since heading to Seattle from New Orleans, but that’s not a surprise, as most receivers who change teams midseason don’t. Heading back to Seattle is a disappointing outcome for his fantasy potential, though.
178. Darius Slayton, WR, NYG (WR71)
Darius Slayton has had just one season with a yards per catch under 14.5, and should have a similar role/fantasy value as last season.
179. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, SF (WR72)
I’m not ready to give up on Brandon Aiyuk. I have no idea what happened between him and San Francisco or why he didn’t report, but if he suits up in 2026, I am more than willing to take a shot on a 27-year-old who finished in the top 15 in his last two full seasons.
180. Matthew Golden, WR, GB (WR73)
Matthew Golden is ranked here simply on his first-round pedigree and upside on a team that loves to throw the deep ball.
181. Romeo Doubs, WR, NE (WR74)
Romeo Doubs is the most Khalil Shakir receiver that ever James Jonesed. Doubs had some moments early in the 2025 season, but only scored over 10 points three times after Week 8. He’s a safe floor, low-ceiling player who will get two or three games over 15 points a season. Doubs signing with New England is a net-zero move for his fantasy value.
182. Jacoby Brissett, QB, ARI (QB30)
The Cardinals committed to Jacoby Brissett as their starter in 2026, a surprising move but one that makes sense with the depth of the quarterback prospects in the 2027 class. Then Brissett decided it was time for a contract dispute in hopes of more guaranteed money. You read that right. Jacoby Brissett, contract dispute. The safe floor for Brissett started to get a little creaky with the Cardinals’ selection of Carson Beck, and the addition of Gardner Minshew made them even louder. When he’s under center, Brissett should once again be steady Eddie as a fantasy producer. But the contract dispute, paired with Beck almost surely seeing the field at some point this season, makes Brissett a riskier pick by the minute. Arizona needs to see if the third-rounder can show enough to be considered the team’s QB of the future before next year’s draft, which is expected to have a surplus of elite QB prospects, including some guy named Arch Manning.
183. LeQuint Allen Jr., RB, JAC (RB56)
So you’re telling me there’s a chance! The Jags didn’t add a back in the draft, and Allen is on the radar as a late-round handcuff pick.
184. Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, WAS (RB57)
Jacory Croskey-Merritt had the entire fantasy community all hot and bothered last preseason and after Week 1 against the Giants, but he was, and I quote, “Not great, Bob.” JCM had three good games after Week 1: Week 5 against the Chargers, with two counter runs, terrible defense, and wide-open spaces. The other two were against the Giants and Cowboys, two of the worst run defenses in the entire league. I’m sorry, guys, but Bill ain’t it.
185. Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, JAC (RB58)
With the departure of Travis Etienne and no other additions to the backfield, Chris Rodriguez should have a role in the Jags offense from day one. Just not a large one.
186. Geno Smith, QB, NYJ (QB31)
Geno Smith is the best quarterback the Jets have had since… Geno Smith. A reunion that makes sense, but it’s not overly exciting. Smith should produce much closer to his Seattle numbers than Las Vegas. The Jets do have some potential in their pass catchers outside of Garrett Wilson in the returning Mason Taylor and AD Mitchell, not to mention the addition of first-round picks TE Kenyon Sadiq and WR Omar Cooper Jr. (who the Jets traded up for). I’m avoiding in 1QB, but Smith could be a solid spot starter in good matchups.
187. Keaton Mitchell, RB, LAC (RB59)
Mike McDaniel apparently loves Keaton Mitchell.
That’s enough for me.
188. Deshaun Watson, QB, CLE (QB32)
It looked as if Shedeur Sanders would head into 2026 as the starter for the Browns, but if you put your ear to the ground, you can faintly hear the drum beat of Deshaun Watson back as QB1 for the Browns getting louder. As much of a dumpster fire as his career has become, he’s probably the more talented quarterback of the two. The Browns added two of the best receivers in this class with KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston, so my interest in whoever winds up the Browns starter has doubled… from 0.5% to 1%. I don’t have much interest in either, other than late-round lottery tickets in Superflex leagues.
189. Omar Cooper Jr., WR, NYJ (WR75)
Get the ball into the hands of Omar Cooper Jr., and magic happens. Cooper has incredible hands and is arguably the most talented YAC machine in the class, thanks to his ability to make defenders miss. I still love the talent, but man, to land on the Jets is no bueno. Garrett Wilson will easily remain the WR1, TE phenom Kenyon Sadiq was also drafted by the Jets, and a 23-year-old AD Mitchell is still there to siphon targets. His explosiveness keeps him on the fantasy radar, but he’ll be extremely inconsistent, especially with the Jets’ quarterback situation.
190. Shedeur Sanders, QB, CLE (QB33)
See Watson, Deshaun.
191. Tyreek Hill, WR, FA (WR76)
It’s an uphill battle for Hill to return to fantasy relevance, as the soon-to-be 32-year-old is recovering from a dislocated knee that tore multiple ligaments. Hill was cut and is officially a free agent for the first time in his career, and could be so for a while as he recovers from last season’s gruesome injury. Recent rumors suggest there’s a real chance he misses all of 2026.
192. Zach Charbonnet, RB, SEA (RB60)
He’ll be back at some point in 2026, so if your league has IR spots, stash Zach Charbonnet. If they gave him the work last season with Kenneth Walker in town, he’ll certainly be involved with Price and co. in the backfield.
193. Aaron Rodgers, QB, PIT (QB34)
(づ｡◕‿‿◕｡)づ “Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh over the weekend of May 9th.”
(╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻ “Aaron Rodgers doesn’t meet with the Steelers while in Pittsburgh.”
┬─┬ノ( º _ ºノ) “Aaron Rodgers is signing a one-year deal with the Steelers”.
He has better weapons in offseason acquisitions Michael Pittman Jr. and second-round rookie Germie Bernard, but Aaron Rodgers is nothing more than a desperation bye week fill-in. The Steelers will struggle to reach six wins, and I have reservations about Rodgers finishing the season as the team’s starter.
194. Chris Bell, WR, MIA (WR77)
One of the most physical receivers in the draft, Chris Bell out of Louisville is in the mold of an A.J. Brown physically but closer to the hands of Xavier Legette. Bell unfortunately tore his ACL in November and is set to miss most of the 2026 season. The tear was reportedly clean, which bodes well for his recovery timeline. Like every injured player ever, he’s reportedly “ahead of schedule.” It’s been all good news so far in his recovery, and word on the street (people still say that, right?) is he’ll be ready for training camp. How much he’s able to do and if he’ll be a full go at the start of the season is a different story, but he’s got a chip on his shoulder (people still say that, right?) from sliding to the third, and a depth chart barren of talent in front of him.
195. Tyjae Spears, RB, TEN (RB61)
It’s a crowded backfield, and Tyjae Spears has yet to have a single 100-yard rushing game in three seasons. But if the Titans offense improves and Spears earns meaningful touches, he could become a nice value.
196. J.J. McCarthy, QB, MIN (QB35)
The best thing that J.J. McCarthy did for us this season (and possibly his career) was give us the “Nine” meme.
197. Brian Robinson Jr., RB, ATL (RB62)
The tilt when I see TOUCHDOWN – B.Robinson (ATL) and realize it’s not Bijan is going to be the stuff of legends.
One of the top handcuffs in fantasy.
198. Chris Brazzell II, WR, CAR (WR78)
A burner with explosive playmaking ability, Chris Brazzell also brings an incredible 80″ wingspan to the table, and that’s about it. He doesn’t do much after contact, has a limited route tree, and has the frame of a dogwood. A third-round pick out of neighboring state Tennessee, Brazell is a field stretcher who complements Tetairoa McMillian perfectly. While he’s one of the most talented receivers in the class, his stock was capped by immaturity concerns. He gives Bryce Young another talented deep threat.
199. Carson Beck, QB, ARI (QB36)
Carson Beck is a pro-style pocket passer with good short and intermediate accuracy, solid processing, and enough poise to run an NFL offense. For fantasy, the ceiling is the question. He does not add much with his legs, and he is not the type of off-script creator who can turn broken plays into cheat-code points. In the right structure, he can be useful. Considering the holdout of Jacoby Brissett and the looming 2027 class, Beck likely sees some starts this season. Just don’t expect much.
200. Sean Tucker, RB, TB (RB63)
Sean Tucker stole the hearts of many as he stole the goal line role from Bucky Irving. Tucker scored eight total touchdowns on just 97 touches, and figures to remain involved in the offense again, even with Kenny Gainwell in town.
201. Zachariah Branch, WR, ATL (WR79)
Shoutout to all my fellow short kings out there! That includes you, Zachariah Branch. The 5’8″ receiver has blazing speed and ran a 4.35 40 at the combine, and excels at making defenders miss. His diminutive stature does limit his ability to win contested catches, but Branch is every bit of lightning in a bottle. Just a mini-bottle. He did have 81 catches in 2025, but 49 of them came behind the line of scrimmage. He’ll enter the league as a jet sweep/screen guy that teams will love on special teams, but his path to fantasy relevance requires a very specific role. One of the widest ranges of outcomes in the draft class, the Falcons’ WR depth chart currently has Olamide Zaccheaus and Jahan Dotson listed as starters. That should tell you enough about the opportunity Branch could have very early on in his career.
202. Ray Davis, RB, BUF (RB64)
The next man up in one of the run-heaviest offenses in the NFL.
203. Germie Bernard, WR, PIT (WR80)
Germie Bernard is basically “Roll Tide” Jarvis Landry — a starting-caliber slot receiver with great hands who runs extremely clean routes. He’s the guy you look for on third and a couple. Bernard isn’t an explosive playmaker or a vertical threat, but he has the traits to be a valuable fantasy and real-life receiver for a long time. Unfortunately, he landed on literally one of the only teams that could make me want to avoid him like the plague in redraft. Aaron Rodgers is back as the QB, and he’s stuck behind DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman… no thanks.
204. Elijah Sarratt, WR, BAL (WR81)
If you asked Siri who the best route runner was in the 2026 class, she’d probably tell you, “I don’t have a connection right now,” and then when you Google it, chances are Elijah Sarratt’s name would show up among the top answers. The route technician has excellent hands and the heart of Rocky Balboa. Sarratt came down with 44 touchdowns in his career, but he’s not a vertical threat and not much of a contested catch guru. An already low-upside receiver ending up in Baltimore is not ideal for fantasy purposes.
205. Jordan James, RB, SF (RB65)
Jordan > James
Copy-paste any back worth watching in Shanny’s run system.
206. Ja’Kobi Lane, WR, BAL (WR82)
At 6’4″, Ja’Kobi Lane checks in as one of the tallest receivers in the 2026 class. He’s a tad undersized at 200-ish lbs, but his ball skills and catch point dominance make him the kind of receiver who turns 50/50 balls into touchdowns. Big body, 40″ vertical, 10.5″ hands, wins at the catch point. His whole game is “let me Moss this guy real quick.” He has four drops each of the last two seasons and lacks separation skills, but should be able to become a red zone/contested catch specialist at minimum. Ditto what I said about Sarratt, except a wider range of outcomes.
207. Justice Hill, RB, BAL (RB66)
The perfect combination of backup to an aging RB (even if that RB is superhuman) who is startable at FLEX in emergencies and bye-pocalypse.
Tier 12: The Melatonin Tier
You’ve gotta take a few “night night” gummies to consider these guys sleepers.
208. Kayshon Boutte, WR, NE (WR83)
An inconsistent deep threat is still just 23 years old. Worth stashing, but don’t overdraft.
209. James Conner, RB, ARI (RB67)
I can’t wait for the James Conner 4 carry, 2 yard, 2 touchdown game.
210. Jalen Nailor, WR, LV (WR84)
Jalen Nailor signed with Las Vegas and has a chance to carve out a role in an offense soon to be led by Fernando Mendoza. Although Brock Bowers will serve as the de facto “WR1” in Vegas, there’s no true alpha in the receiver room.
211. Aaron Jones Sr., RB, MIN (RB68)
He’s 31 and had his yards per carry drop in four straight seasons.
212. Darnell Mooney, WR, NYG (WR85)
Darnell Mooney joined a Giants receiving corps in which there could be an opportunity for snaps if Malik Nabers isn’t ready to start the season. His role relative to Darius Slayton remains unsettled entering training camp.
213. Jaylen Wright, RB, MIA (RB69)
If he earns the RB2 job ahead of Ollie Gordon, Jaylen Wright will be next in line for the Dolphins if De’Von Achane goes down.
214. Tank Dell, WR, HOU (WR86)
Tank Dell has continued working back from his 2024 injury, with recent reports indicating that his return timeline is becoming clearer. Even if/when he’s fully back, targets may be hard to come by alongside Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel, and company.
215. Chris Brooks, RB, GB (RB70)
Josh Jacobs wore down towards the end of last season and had some off-the-field issues during the offseason. If injury or suspension hit Jacobs, Brooks likely finds himself in line for a decent workload.
216. Calvin Ridley, WR, TEN (WR87)
Calvin Ridley has become one of the biggest “what if” scenarios in recent memory. The hopes he’d become the Titans alpha and return to fantasy form fell flat last season, and with the additions of first-rounder Carnell Tate and free agent Wan’Dale Robinson, Ridley is more name than anything at this point in his career.
217. Gardner Minshew, QB, ARI (QB37)
218. Malik Washington, WR, MIA (WR88)
Malik Washington enters 2026 with an opportunity for targets in Miami’s reworked receiving corps. I was a fan heading into last year before the bottom fell out in Miami, and he’s worth keeping an eye on in case he can earn a stable snap share.
219. MarShawn Lloyd, RB, GB (RB71)
One game in two seasons isn’t great news, but it’s enough to make people forget the hype MarShawn Lloyd had coming out of USC. If he can stay healthy, there are multiple routes for him to get meaningful touches in Green Bay this season.
220. Christian Kirk, WR, SF (WR89)
Christian Kirk signed an incentive-laden 1-year deal with San Francisco after the team picked up Mike Evans. I’m not going out of my way to draft him, but if he wins the starting slot job, he could bring some sneaky PPR value.
221. Ty Johnson, RB, BUF (RB72)
Would immediately become FLEX viable if there were an injury to James Cook or Ray Davis.
222. Jam Miller, RB, NE (RB73)
Everybody get up, it’s time to stash now
We got a real Jam goin’ down
Welcome to the Stash Jam Miller (Stash Jam Miller, Jam Miller)
Here’s your chance, do your dance at the Stash Jam Miller, alright (alright, alright)
223. Malik Davis, RB, DAL (RB74)
He’ll have to hold off Jaydon Blue and Phil Mafah, but Malik Davis is a very interesting backup to keep an eye on if he does earn the RB2 job in Dallas. He had three games over 10 points in his final five of last season, including a 20-carry, 103-yard game versus the Commanders.
224. Jaydon Blue, RB, DAL (RB75)
The main threat to Davis’ claim to the RB2 throne in Dallas.
225. Joe Mixon, RB, FA (RB76)
What in the Will Fuller happened to Joe Mixon?
226. Jack Bech, WR, LV (WR90)
Bech enters 2026 with an opportunity to compete for a significant role in Las Vegas’ receiving corps. His fantasy production will depend on how the Raiders divide snaps and targets among Bech, Jalen Nailor, and the other receivers.
227. Dontayvion Wicks, WR, PHI (WR91)
Yes, Philadelphia acquired Dontayvion Wicks in a trade with Green Bay. Yes, AJ Brown is gone. No, Wicks won’t become the stud many projected a few seasons ago. Yes, he’ll have a few spike weeks.
228. Pat Bryant, WR, DEN (WR92)
Remember the Pat Bryant hype?
229. Keon Coleman, WR, BUF (WR93)
Keon Coleman remains with Buffalo for now, but their offseason acquisition of DJ Moore all but shuts the casket on Coleman’s hopes and dreams of becoming the Bills’ WR1.
230. Elic Ayomanor, WR, TEN (WR94)
Elic Ayomanor was fantasy relevant for about 35 seconds at the start of last season, but with the additions of Carnell Tate and Wan’Dale Robinson, he’s nothing more than a desperation FLEX during byes.
231. Will Shipley, RB, PHI (RB77)
Will Shipley would need an injury to get on the fantasy radar, but if there was one, he would be slightly on the fantasy radar.
232. Rashod Bateman, WR, BAL (WR95)
I’m starting to warm to the idea of taking a flyer on Rashod Bateman. With the ole “Let’s target the WR1 90% of the time” offense out the door, Bateman could return some value if he can mix those beautiful splash plays with a little more consistency.
233. Chimere Dike, WR, TEN (WR96)
Chimere Dike caught a few touchdowns last season. That’s it. That’s the blurb. Oh, but if you’re in one of those leagues that counts return yards, bump this guy up into the top 20 or so. Dike broke the rookie all-purpose yards record in 2025 with 2,427 total yards, but about 80% of those were on returns. Still pretty cool!
234. Keenan Allen, WR, LAC (WR97)
Still a free agent, Keenan Allen showed he can still be productive for a few weeks at the start of 2025. But it’s hard for an 83-year-old man to maintain long-term production in the NFL.
235. Isaac Guerendo, RB, SF (RB78)
It’s a crowded backfield in San Fran, but any back with a pulse is worth watching in a Kyle Shanahan system.
236. Tory Horton, WR, SEA (WR98)
I’m still a fan long-term of Tory Horton, but re-signing Rashid Shaheed makes Horton’s path to fantasy relevance much more difficult in the short term.
237. Devaughn Vele, WR, NO (WR99)
Sugar Free Rashod Bateman from the past few seasons. He’ll have a random spike week or two. Good luck guessing when.
238. Tahj Brooks, RB, CIN (RB79)
Was hoping for more out of his rookie season, but with old man Samaje Perine the only other back on the roster behind Chase Brown, one injury could be all Brooks needs to get a chance to shine.
239. Marvin Mims Jr., WR, DEN (WR100)
Something something Sean Payton loves this guy, wait now he doesn’t, now he does, now he traded for another receiver. There are six ducks outside, and they all want Sun Chips. Mims needs multiple injuries ahead of him to be considered even a speculative pick.
240. Austin Ekeler, RB, FA (RB80)
Could offer some FLEX appeal if he returns to Washington.
241. Kevin Coleman Jr., WR, MIA (WR101)
Someone has to catch the ball in Miami, Right?
242. Jalen Tolbert, WR, MIA (WR102)
Someone has to catch the ball in Miami, Right?
243. Odell Beckham Jr., WR, NYG (WR103)
Honestly, I just hope he makes the team so I can wear my #13 jersey again.
244. Cooper Kupp, WR, SEA (WR104)
Cooper Kupp is a swell guy. He’ll catch a few tuddys, maybe be your best buddy. But he’s not someone you want on your fantasy team other than the bye-pocolpyse.
245. Trevor Etienne, RB, CAR (RB81)
The fragility of the running backs ahead of him is the only reason why it’s worth watching Trevor Etienne.
246. Samaje Perine, RB, CIN (RB82)
Worth a stash as a handcuff early in the season as the backup to Chase Brown. Samaje Perine would only become a volume-based FLEX if he fell into the starting job due to injury.
247. George Holani, RB, SEA (RB83)
George Holani is on this list because I heard my colleague Brett Ford talk about him once. Be on the lookout for Brett’s RB sleepers article dropping early this week!
248. Emanuel Wilson, RB, SEA (RB84)
I know some people are calling him a sleeper with Charbs’ injury and Walker gone. Yeah, I mean, he did rush for 1,000 yards in three seasons.
No, not three 1,000-yard seasons each. Three seasons to get 1,000.
249. Jerome Ford, RB, WAS (RB85)
On a team with no clear stud back, but Jerome Ford could be the odd man out if Austin Ekeler resigns with the Commanders.
250. Jordan Whittington, WR, LAR (WR105)
Jordan Whittington has shown some flashes, but would need an injury to Puka Nacua or Davante Adams to offer fantasy viability. If there was such a thing as a handcuff WR in fantasy, it’s him.
251. Kareem Hunt, RB, FA (RB86)
Still a free agent and very possibly “done” done, Kareem Hunt offers little upside if signed. He could have some FLEX viability if he finds himself in a goal line role similar to last season.
252. Isaiah Davis, RB, NYJ (RB87)
‘Member when Isaiah Davis was a league winner? I ‘member.
253. Hollywood Brown, WR, PHI (WR106)
Just….maybe????
254. Seth McGowan, RB, IND (RB88)
The rookie out of Kentucky will battle DJ Giddens for the rights to be the backup to JT.
Tier 13: The Endgame Tier
It’s Doomsday…wait… the war is infinite…no…AGE OF ULTRON WAS UNDERRATED!
255. Houston Texans, DST, HOU (DST1)
I’m generally not a fan of ranking a defense this high, but the Texans were on another level this season. Top 10 in sacks, top five in interceptions, fewest yards per game allowed, second-fewest points per game allowed, and I could keep going. They were one of the few set-it-and-forget-it DSTs and should remain so in 2026.
256. DJ Giddens, RB, IND (RB89)
DJ Giddens will battle the rookie out of Kentucky for the rights to be the backup to JT.
257. Najee Harris, RB, FA (RB90)
Still just 27 years old, keep an eye on where Najee Harris eventually winds up signing. The upside isn’t too grand, but if he lands in a favorable situation, he’s worth the risk for Free.99.
258. Seattle Seahawks, DST, SEA (DST2)
Fewest points allowed per game. Tied for most special teams touchdowns. Top 10 in takeaways and sacks. Yeah, the Seahawks are pretty much everything you could ask for in a fantasy defense.
259. Denver Broncos, DST, DEN (DST3)
Led the league in sacks in back-to-back years, Jack. (Sorry for that.) One of the top defenses of the past few seasons, and that won’t change in 2026.
260. Ollie Gordon II, RB, MIA (RB91)
Even if he’s able to beat out Jaylen Wright for the job to sit behind De’Von Achane, the offense is going to be gross. Gordon hasn’t shown much of anything as a pro.
261. Kaleb Johnson, RB, PIT (RB92)
Mike Tomlin is gone… that’s all I got.
262. Devin Singletary, RB, NYG (RB93)
Devin Singletary had a stretch of five double-digit fantasy performances in the Giants’ final eight games of 2025. But with the healthy return of Cam Skattebo, Singletary is bumped back to third on the depth chart.
263. Los Angeles Rams, DST, LAR (DST4)
Give me a defense that ranks top five in forced turnovers and top 10 in sacks.
264. Philadelphia Eagles, DST, PHI (DST5)
Philadelphia finished as the DST7 in 2025 with 135 fantasy points, 42 sacks, 12 interceptions, and two special-teams touchdowns.
265. Devin Neal, RB, NO (RB94)
The hope that Devin Neal would become the heir to Kamara’s throne was cut off at the neck when Travis Etienne came to town. He’s still young enough to have hope, but don’t hold your breath.
266. Brandon Aubrey, K, DAL (K1)
I am legally obligated to include five kickers in my top 300. No more, no less.
267. Minnesota Vikings, DST, MIN (DST6)
Minnesota finished as a top five DST with 49 sacks and a league-high 13 fumble recoveries.
268. Pittsburgh Steelers, DST, PIT (DST7)
Pittsburgh finished as top 10 DST in 2025 with 48 sacks, 15 interceptions, 12 fumble recoveries, and three defensive touchdowns.
269. Brashard Smith, RB, KC (RB95)
Brashard Smith averaged fewer than four yards per carry and would need multiple injuries ahead of him to become fantasy viable. But any back in KC is worth keeping an eye on. Well, most of them…
270. Emari Demercado, RB, KC (RB96)
Demerca-no.
271. New England Patriots, DST, NE (DST8)
New England’s DST scored five touchdowns last season, two defensive and three special-teams.
272. Jacksonville Jaguars, DST, JAC (DST9)
Jacksonville DST had 22 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries, and two special-teams touchdowns in 2025.
273. Gunnar Helm, TE, TEN (TE24)
Gunnar Helm set a Titans franchise record for a rookie tight end with 44 receptions, adding 357 yards and two touchdowns. Chig Okonkwo’s move to Washington leaves Helm with a clearer path to production, but the former Giants who followed new OC Brian Daboll to town—Wan’Dale Robinson and Daniel Bellinger—muddy it up a bit.
274. Eli Stowers, TE, PHI (TE25)
Eli Stowers is to Kenyon Sadiq as Coleston Loveland was to Tyler Warren in last year’s draft. Stowers is not too shabby of an athlete himself, running a 4.51 40-yard dash and breaking the all-time NFL Combine record for tight ends with a 45.5″ vertical jump. He, too, is a bit undersized and struggles against man coverage, but his athleticism and hands give the Mackey Award winner beaucoup upside. Another pick that doesn’t get me overly excited for fantasy, but it makes sense based on team makeup. He still possesses immense potential, but there are a lot of mouths to feed on a team that doesn’t pass enough to keep them all happy.
275. Baltimore Ravens, DST, BAL (DST10)
Baltimore had 30 sacks last season, as well as 11 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries, and two defensive touchdowns.
276. Los Angeles Chargers, DST, LAC (DST11)
The Chargers finished 2025 with 45 sacks and 19 interceptions, tied for the second-most interceptions in the league.
277. AJ Barner, TE, SEA (TE26)
AJ Barner started all 17 games in 2025, averaging 10 yards per reception on 52 catches and came down with six touchdowns. He’s not a bad late-round dart throw.
278. San Francisco 49ers, DST, SF (DST12)
San Francisco recorded 20 sacks, 16 total takeaways, and one defensive touchdown in 2025, and get a healthy Nick Bosa back.
279. Detroit Lions, DST, DET (DST13)
Detroit recorded 49 sacks and 13 interceptions in 2025.
280. Green Bay Packers, DST, GB (DST14)
Green Bay recorded 36 sacks and 14 total takeaways in 2025.
281. Terrance Ferguson, TE, LAR (TE27)
The Rams drafted Terrance Ferguson in the second round of the 2025 NFL draft, and the rookie did ok. He started slow, but had 10 catches for 210 yards and three touchdowns over the final 10 games. The Rams have Ferguson, Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Ron Burgundy, Brian Fantana, Champ Kind, Brick Tamland and 2026 2nd round pick Max Klare on the roster. Even if the Rams continue using two- and three-tight-end sets at the league’s highest rate as they did in the second half of last season, it’s a bit crowded to realistically expect a Fergie breakout.
282. Hunter Henry, TE, NE (TE28)
Hunter Henry caught 60 passes for 768 yards and seven touchdowns while serving as one of Drake Maye’s favorite targets. The additions of Romeo Doubs and AJ Brown make Hunter “Meh”-nry even more “Meh”-nry, if that’s possible.
283. Kansas City Chiefs, DST, KC (DST15)
Kansas City recorded 35 sacks and 14 total takeaways in 2025.
284. Buffalo Bills, DST, BUF (DST16)
Buffalo had 36 sacks, 13 interceptions, and two defensive touchdowns in 2025.
285. David Njoku, TE, LAC (TE29)
David Njoku signed with the Chargers after nine seasons in Cleveland, joining a tight end room that also includes Oronde Gadsden II and Charlie Kolar. He’ll likely have a few spike games, but don’t expect a consistent target share.
286. Cleveland Browns, DST, CLE (DST17)
Cleveland finished as a top 10 DST in 2025 with 53 sacks and four defensive touchdowns. Yeah, it hurts losing arguably the best defensive player in the league in Myles Garrett. But Jared Verse is no slouch.
287. Cade Otton, TE, TB (TE30)
Cade Otton re-signed with Tampa Bay and is a fine “I have nobody else, guess I start this guy” option at TE.
288. Theo Johnson, TE, NYG (TE31)
Theo Johnson and free-agent addition Isaiah Likely enter camp as the Giants’ top two tight ends. Their presence gives New York multiple talented receiving options at the position for Jaxson Dart, but toss a wet blanket on Johnson’s upside.
289. Mason Taylor, TE, NYJ (TE32)
The Mason Taylor dream died the second the Jets drafted Kenyon Sadiq.
290. New Orleans Saints, DST, NO (DST18)
New Orleans finished 2025 with 45 sacks, 20 total takeaways, and three defensive touchdowns.
291. Pat Freiermuth, TE, PIT (TE33)
Will the ‘Muth ever get ‘Luth? Pat Freiermuth remains alongside Darnell Washington in the Steelers’ tight end room, but is the tight end equivalent of a peanut butter sandwich. It’ll get the job done, but you’re not really excited to eat it.
292. Atlanta Falcons, DST, ATL (DST19)
Atlanta racked up 57 sacks and 16 interceptions in 2025.
293. Chicago Bears, DST, CHI (DST20)
Chicago led the NFL with 23 interceptions in 2025 and added 10 fumble recoveries and two defensive touchdowns.
294. Mike Gesicki, TE, CIN (TE34)
Mike Gesicki is never going to happen. But please, just give me a few more horrendous griddys on touchdown scores this year, and I’ll be happy.
295. Evan Engram, TE, DEN (TE35)
Maybe the real joker is the friends we made along the way?
296. Cam Little, K, JAC (K2)
Two…
297. Jason Myers, K, SEA (K3)
Three…
298. Cameron Dicker, K, LAC (K4)
Four…
299. Jesse Katsopolis, QB, SF
Have mer-cy if you pass on this guy. He can rip it.
300. Ka’imi Fairbairn, K, HOU (K5)
Five.
And now, the full Top 300 presented in table form!: