Tier 11: The “Mandela Effect” Tier (Continued)
You knew they were good, but it’s like they never existed.
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.