Tier 1: The Milk and Honey Tier
These are the players who can take you to the promised land.
1. Bijan Robinson, RB, ATL
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 DeVon Achane (well, technically, Achane was at 4.47 in 2024, but we round up 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.
UPDATE: 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
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. Puka Nacua, WR, LAR
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.
UPDATE: Stafford’s back; Puka’s a top-five fantasy receiver. Well, as long as he sorts out his off-the-field things. It’s not enough to concern me from a fantasy perspective just yet.
4. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, DET
If you were hungry for fantasy points from your running back in 2025, Jahmyr Gibbs fed you a diablo sauce-covered RB3 season with spike weeks that hit like that first sip of Baja Blast. But the lows were low, low, like biting into that Beefy 5-layer Burrito from Taco Bell and realizing they added sour cream when you specifically asked them not to. There was plenty of good. Gibbs set a career-high 16% target share and handled over 50% of the team’s carries for the first time in his career. At first glance, it doesn’t look like he wore down over the second half of the season. 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. Now, don’t hear what I’m not saying. Gibbs is easily an RB1 in 2026 and should be one of the first backs off the board. But that efficiency drop is certainly concerning.
UPDATE: The Lions hired Drew Petzing to take over the offense and shipped a disgruntled David Montgomery/Knuckles to Houston, replacing him with Isiah Pacheco (Metal Sonic?). 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 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.
5. Kenneth Walker III, RB, KC
There’s a running back who’s the reason for the teardrops on my guitar keyboard. Watching Kenneth Walker III break tackles (first in missed tackles forced per attempt), run ever so explosively (second-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. He’s a free agent, and I pray to sweet baby Jesus, in your fleece diaper and golden manger, that he signs with a team that will fully unleash the beast. He left some room for improvement in yards after contact, but even if it doesn’t improve much, his talent in other areas is enough to overcome it. It’s a similar situation to Breece Hall‘s. The talent is there; he just needs to go to the right situation. If Walker lands on a team where he’ll get the most carries and a serviceable run-blocking line, he has darkhorse RB1 overall upside.
UPDATE: I’ve not worn pants since the day 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.
6. Justin Jefferson, WR, MIN
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. There’s a wide range of outcomes for where JJettas final preseason rank will land as the offseason moves along. Until we have a clearer picture of what that looks like, I can’t rank him among the top 10 receivers where he belongs. I know. I know. It hurts me too.
UPDATE: It appears Kyler Murray will 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.
7. CeeDee Lamb, WR, DAL
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.
8. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, DET
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. Well, two. First, 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 his situation is similar to teammate Jahmyr Gibbs. With a healthy LaPorta, would ARSB have finished top five, or more toward the back end of WR1s?
UPDATE: New OC Drew Petzing runs a balanced but slightly run-heavy type offense, but ARSB should still be used plenty. He doesn’t have the stratospheric upside of some of the guys above him, but he’s as reliable a WR1 as they come.
9. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, SEA
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-Njibga 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. But I am saying I doubt I’ll be buying all the risk and drafting him among the top three or so.
10. Rashee Rice, WR, KC
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. When both are on the field, Rice is easily a WR1. This is a volatile ranking that could change drastically by the time draft season rolls around.
UPDATE: It was a good Friday for Rice, as the league announced on April 3rd that they would not pursue any discipline related to offseason allegations. Things could always change, especially with Rice’s history of off-field issues. But for now, Rice slides right back into the top 10 and is a candidate for WR1 overall if Mahomes plays the majority of the season.
11. Jonathan Taylor, RB, IND
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 started as a drawing by Picasso and was finished by your local high school art teacher. JT was in early MVP talks after scoring three total 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. But 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.
Tier 2: The “Skip Intro” Tier
You know the plot, just start them.
12. Ladd McConkey, WR, LAC
What a weird season it was for Ladd McConkey. Kind of a reverse turd sandwich, if you will. He had a productive midseason stretch that was 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. McConkey was honestly being overdrafted as a WR1, but if he falls back into WR2 territory, he’ll be a nice value heading into next season.
UPDATE: MIKE MCDANIELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL…ahem. Excuse me. What I meant to say was that my heart starts skipping a beat when I think about how snugly McConkey fits into 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? Couple of no names: Puka Nacua, 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. Malik Nabers, WR, NYG
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 recovering from his torn ACL. Whenever Nabers can get on the field, he’s immediately a top-five, maybe top-three fantasy wide receiver.
UPDATE: While I anticipated Todd Monken would follow Harbaugh to New York, Monken became the head coach in Cleveland instead, and the Giants hired …gulp… Matt Nagy as OC. All in all, it doesn’t change much for Nabers. What the Giants do in the draft and how fast he can recover from injury are the things to watch.
14. James Cook III, RB, BUF
James Cook heard what you said about touchdown regression. He said you can take it, shine it up real nice, turn it sideways, and [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [REDACTED] [ILLEGAL TO SAY OR TYPE IN 48 STATES] [REDACTED].
Anywho… Cook is the stud fantasy back nobody seems to want to draft come August and regrets the decision come September. Yeah, 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 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.
15. Omarion Hampton, RB, LAC
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 easing 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. Najee Harris is likely gone after signing a 1-year prove-it deal that he never got a chance to, you know, prove it. Technically, Vidal is a free agent, but as an Exclusive Rights Free Agent, the Chargers can sign him to a minimal deal to bring him back. I expect Vidal to return and possibly a veteran signing to handle some of the grunt work, but Hampton should pick right back up as the bell cow and potential RB1 stud.
UPDATE: MIKE MCDANIELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL. Ahem. Yeah, sorry. I mean… if there wasn’t already enough to love about the former Tar Heel’s sophomore potential, he gets the same offensive coordinator 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 a nice rise with McDaniel running the offense.
16. Christian McCaffrey, RB, SF
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 yard seasons. 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. No matter what, 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 floor isn’t what it once was, but he sure does have that same sky-high ceiling.
17. Jeremiyah Love, RB, Rookie
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. He’s the clear first overall pick in dynasty rookie drafts and a first-rounder in redraft.
NFL Comp: Bijan Robinson
18. Travis Etienne Jr., RB, NO
I’m willing to admit when I’m wrong, and even though Travis Etienne Jr. 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, 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 are nearly impossible to predict. With his inefficient, explosive rushing production so heavily touchdown-reliant, I’m likely staying far away from the free agent to be, whether he’s back in Jacksonville or somewhere else.
Update: Etienne (pronounced “Achane”. Yes, actually) signed in one of the best possible scenarios for his fantasy value. It sounds like Alvin Kamara isn’t going anywhere, so there will be a dreaded two headed backfield committee. But this isn’t the Kamara of even two years ago, and I fully expect ETN to carry the majority of the load.
19. Nico Collins, WR, HOU
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.
20. George Pickens, WR, DAL
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, putting a damper on what should have been a positive season. If he re-signs with Dallas, slot Pickens right back in the low-end WR1, high-end WR2 range with a chance to go nuclear each and every week. If he signs elsewhere, his upside depends on the situation. On a pass-friendly offense as the top target, Pickens has top-five potential.
UPDATE: He’s back in Dallas. Rinse/Repeat 2025.
21. Ashton Jeanty, RB, LV
First off, if you’re reading this, I’m sorry, Nick Pollack. I convinced you to take him. I waxed poetic about Ashton Jeanty and why he’s worthy of a first-round pick, and you took him in the QB List Legacy League. For that, I will be forever remorseful. I knew the Raiders’ offensive line was going to be bad, but I didn’t expect it to be literally ranked dead last by PFF. Among running backs with at least 100 attempts, Jeanty had the second-worst yards before contact, second-worst success rate, and third-worst stuff rate. Thankfully for Jeanty, he’ll have a whole new coaching staff, almost certainly a new quarterback (hey there Fernando Mendonza), and hopefully an improved offensive line. The talent is there. If Jeanty just gets decent run blocking, he can put up top-five fantasy numbers. If his ADP is suppressed due to scorned fantasy managers, Jeanty could wind up one of the steals of 2026.
UPDATE: Not only does Jeanty have a whole new coaching staff, but he also has a brand-new carrrrrrrrr center! The lambo 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 III and Zach Charbonnet in Seattle this season, so he’s keeping it real. Jeanty has a wide range of outcomes based on how early the Raiders are willing to take another back. For now, he’s inside my top 12.
22. Saquon Barkley, RB, PHI
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 second in yards per carry and fourth 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. He’s 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.
23. Javonte Williams, RB, DAL
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 per 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.
24. Kyren Williams, RB, LAR
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 first in success rate (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), 25th in missed force tackles per attempt (Corum 11th), and 18th in yards after contact per attempt (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.
25. Josh Jacobs, RB, GB
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 Josh Jacobs next season.
26. Trey McBride, TE, ARI
The ultimate edge in fantasy football this season was easily Trey McBride after Jacoby Brissett took over. McBride blew away the competition to finish as TE1 and averaged 18.6 points per game, 11th among non-quarterbacks. Arizona is among the plethora of teams that cleaned house and will have a new head coach, offensive coordinator, and quarterback. Brissett is still under contract, but Kyler Murray is expected to be traded. I do think Brissett winds up starting a few games for the Cards next season, but I expect another long-term option on the roster. How drastic were McBride’s splits with Brissett under center? He saw an additional two targets per game, but the main factor was end zone targets. McBride had two in Murray’s five starts and a whopping 16 from Week 6 on with Brissett. McBride averaged nearly 10 more points per game. He’s no doubt worthy of coming off the board as the TE1 next season, but I won’t be drafting him. I expect McBride to go around the late first to late second-round pick, and while replicating his 2025 production would make him worth that capital, it’s a classic case of buying all the risk.
UPDATE: Kyler is headed to Minnesota, Brissett is back in Arizona, and McBride may actually be worth the risk. I don’t think I’ll draft him where he’ll be going, but I get it.
27. Brock Bowers, TE, LV
Despite playing in just 12 games, Brock Bowers finished as TE11 in total points and was tied with Tucker Kraft and George Kittle for TE2 in points per game behind McBride. With a better quarterback (assumedly) in Fernando Mendoza, a hopefully better coaching staff and offense, Bowers is right in the conversation for TE1 in fantasy and should be one of the top three tight ends off the board. He’s not three.
28. Drake London, WR, ATL
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 threw Kirk Cousins back under center, and Penix’s career could legitimately be over. Penix underwent his third ACL reconstruction at the end of 2025, and although he has a chance to be ready for the start of next season, the Falcons almost assuredly will have some sort of insurance. Another team that will have a new head coach, OC, offensive system, and maybe a quarterback. It’s hard to properly place a guy like London until we know who his quarterback will be and what the offense’s strategy entails. 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.
UPDATE: Tua and Stefanski isn’t a terrible combo for the fantasy prospects of London. His value remains about the same.
Tier 3: The Toy Story Tier
If they jump a tier, the buzz will last lightyears.
29. Derrick Henry, RB, BAL
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.
30. Breece Hall, RB, NYJ
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. His ranking depends solely on where he signs in free agency. If he ends up on the Chiefs, the Ravens, or another running back-needy team where he’ll see a ton of work, RB1 overall isn’t out of the question. But if he takes a bag to sign with a team where he’ll share the workload, or gulp, goes back to the Jets, he’ll remain on “RB2 with upside” island.
UPDATE: Gulp. He went back to the Jets.
31. Cam Skattebo, RB, NYG
An instant favorite among Giants fans and football fans in general, the equivalent of a slobbery English bulldog puppy, Cam Skattebo had his rookie season cut short due to injury, but that didn’t stop him from becoming. Skattebo had the fourth-highest yards after contact among running backs with at least 100 rush attempts at 2.8, unsurprisingly, as Skatt would actively seek out contact and would go looking for contact, running over KC backs. The Giants’ offensive line improvements played a part, as did having Dart at quarterback. But with Todd Monken expected to become the team’s offensive coordinator once the Harbaugh deal is finalized (still in talks at the time of writing), Skattebo will have an OC who has produced monster fantasy seasons for running backs. As much as I love Skatt, don’t buy into all the risk and draft him as an RB1. But if you’re able to get him at an RB2, you’re buying at his floor with upside for more. Bump him up a few spots for shoving J.D. McDonagh to the ground.
One thing you should know Dom…
DON'T MESS WITH CAM SKATTEBO!!! 😤@Giants pic.twitter.com/4tFeiwnS5k
— WWE (@WWE) November 18, 2025
Sometimes, it’s not about the player. It’s not about Skatt’s skillset or progress in attempts to return from a horrific broken ankle that prematurely ended his rookie season in Week 8 and left his foot flapping like 10,000 candles in the wind. But it is about the volume of the drumbeat increasing all offseason that the Giants are looking to add an impact running back. Although it didn’t come to fruition, the Giants were very interested and supposedly submitted a strong offer to Kenneth Walker before K9 chose the Chiefs. Now, as the NFL Draft is approaching, the mock drafts and rumors are swirling that the GMen very well may end up taking the uber-talented running back Jeremiah Love out of Notre Dame at five. If that ends up being the case, you can say bye-bye Lil Sebastian to Skattebo’s RB1 potential for fantasy.
32. Chase Brown, RB, CIN
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. He handled 61% of the team’s carries and set career highs with 69 catches, 89 targets, and five touchdowns. Where Brown lands in the rankings closer to the season depends on whether the Bengals add a significant piece in the backfield this offseason.
33. A.J. Brown, WR, PHI
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 has plenty of juice left in the tank, and whether it’s in Philadelphia or another city, I’ll be willing to buy the dip on Arthur Juan. There’s little to no risk drafting him as a WR2.
UPDATE: He’s still in Philly. For now.
34. Rome Odunze, WR, CHI
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. I’m drafting him with no hesitation in 2026.
UPDATE: DJ Moore leaving for Buffalo does nothing but make Rome’s situation even better. Those 85 vacated targets have to go somewhere.
35. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, CAR
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.
36. Chris Olave, WR, NO
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. He finished fifth with 151 targets, caught 100 passes for the first time, and reached 1000 yards for the third time in four seasons. 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. I foresee 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.
Tier 4: The GigaPet Tier
Vintage studs and hungry pups who need just a little hourly care.
37. Josh Allen, QB, BUF
Six straight seasons with a top-two finish. In the midst of his prime, there’s no reason not to rank and/or draft Allen as the QB1.
Josh Allen is good at football.
UPDATE: The Bills traded for DJ Moore from Chicago, further solidifying Allen’s top spot.
38. Lamar Jackson, QB, BAL
It’s been said ad nauseam that Lamar Jackson never looked the same after an early-season hamstring injury stalled his scorching hot start to the season. But in the words of Olympic gold medalist Kurt Angle, it’s true, it’s true. With the shocking news of John Harbaugh‘s firing came the revelation that Jackson and the offensive coordinator were rumored not to even be on speaking terms. Even in a “down” year, Jackson scored 23 total touchdowns in just 13 games. He’ll have a new head coach for the first time in his career and a new offense, but he’ll be heavily involved in the decisions on both. Jackson is still one of the elite fantasy quarterbacks, and any sort of discount offered would be free money.
UPDATE: The Ravens hired Jesse Minter to take over for the long-tenured 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, Lamar Jackson could be headed for another MVP.
39. Garrett Wilson, WR, NYJ
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. His 30% target share kept him afloat and likely will remain high no matter who the quarterback is in New York next season. The draft has gotten shallow at the top, so who his thrower of the football will be is still a question, and will be for quite a while.
UPDATE: 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 will remain a borderline WR1 in 2026. Just stay healthy this year, okay?
40. Tee Higgins, WR, CIN
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.
41. Tyler Warren, TE, IND
Will the real Tyler Warren please stand up? The stud rookie started as an offensive rookie-of-the-year candidate, averaging 13.6 points per game over the first 10 weeks. But from Week 11 on, that dropped to 7.5 PPG. His point-per-game struggles came before Daniel Jones‘ season-ending injury, so it can’t be pinned on that. With the defense playing well and Jonathan Taylor running the ball, Indy didn’t have to air it out much in the middle of the season. With such a loaded group of pass catchers, it came as no surprise that someone would inevitably get left out. The good news for Warren is that both Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr. are free agents. While it’s still too early to know for sure, it sounds like the Colts would re-sign at most one of the receivers. So there should be plenty of targets to go around. Jones is also a free agent, however, and is recovering from a torn ACL, so there are a lot of question marks for the Colts offense as we head into the offseason. But Warren should be fine and will be a target of mine if there’s any sort of dip in draft cost.
UPDATE: Jones is back in Indy, and Pittman isn’t. Arrow up for Tyler Warren.
42. Colston Loveland, TE, CHI
Although the rookie tight end didn’t have his first double-digit game until Week 9, he finished as a TE1 for the season thanks to seven of 10 games with 10+ down the stretch. Cole Kmet was much more involved early in the season, but Colston Loveland had the typical rookie second-half surge. It helped that various receivers were dealing with injuries, but the cat is out of the bag, and he’s not going back in. (Side note: who puts a cat in a bag? Seriously!) Loveland will be one of the first tight ends off the board next season, and deservedly so. But don’t buy all the risk and reach for him in the early-middle rounds.
UPDATE: DJ Moore being shipped outta town probably impacts Loveland more than anybody with more targets available. I still fear Loveland gets overdrafted, but he should easily finish as a TE1 in 2026.
43. Quinshon Judkins, RB, CLE
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.
44. De’Von Achane, RB, MIA
De’Von 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. A second consecutive top-five fantasy finish, yes. But there are some concerns heading into 2026. Mike McDaniel and his running-back-friendly offense are out the door, as is Tua Tagovailoa and the 74% of pass attempts under nine yards. The tendency to dump off passes. 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. At the time of writing, Miami was still searching for a head coach, and some of the names being interviewed were not conducive to fantasy production. The talent is elite and will remain so, but his role could change drastically if the offensive philosophy shifts to one that doesn’t pass the ball or one that is pass-happy. I’m afraid that Achane will be priced too high for my liking and carries a significant risk of being a bust in 2026.
UPDATE: Tua’s gone. Waddles gone. Who knows if Tyreek Hill will be. But Achane is the last weapon standing in Miami, and not one I want to invest a whole lot of draft capital in. If he remains among the top-12 backs off the board, I won’t have a single share.
45. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, NE
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.
46. Emeka Egbuka, WR, TB
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.
47. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, ARI
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. Coming out of the bye, Harrison scored in back-to-back games… then had an emergency appendectomy. 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. But with a new offensive system and likely a new quarterback, hope still remains for Harrison to achieve his elite pedigree. He’s a buy-low for me.
UPDATE: 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 Michael Wilson and tight end Trey 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. Don’t hear what I’m not saying. I don’t think he’ll 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.
48. Davante Adams, WR, LAR
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 Adams is one of five who caught eight or more in each of the last two seasons. In fact, Adams has caught eight 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 help win you some weeks when he catches a couple tuddys.
49. Jameson Williams, WR, DET
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. Like all the Lions I’ve blurbed so far, his value fluctuates greatly depending on who’s their new offensive coordinator. He’ll always have that boom upside, but how regular a bust he’ll be is still up in the air.
UPDATE: New OC Drew Petzing should attack downfield plenty, keeping Jamo right around the same value as last season.
50. Joe Burrow, QB, CIN
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. He made a valiant effort to lead Cincy to an unlikely playoff berth and looked every bit the top-tier thrower of the football upon his return. Burrow heads into 2026 with arguably the best duo of receivers, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see the team do whatever Burrow wants this offseason to appease him. He’ll once again be an elite fantasy option at quarterback.
Tier 5: The “Area 51” Tier
There’s definitely something there, but will it stay hidden from the public?
51. Terry McLaurin, WR, WAS
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.
52. Luther Burden III, WR, CHI
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 as DJ Moore transitions into more of a complementary receiver in the twilight of his prime, Burden should continue to see his role grow and has the potential to be a fantasy force as early as the upcoming season.
UPDATE: 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.
53. DJ Moore, WR, BUF
DJ Moore had the worst season since his rookie year and is not so gracefully slipping into a more complementary role than the borderline alpha he came to Chicago to be. Moore has a pretty hefty price tag and is a realistic cut or trade candidate, especially with the emergence of Rome Odunze, Luther Burden, and Colston Loveland. Depending on where he lands next season, Moore is likely a boom/bust WR3 with limited upside.
UPDATE: Moore was traded to Buffalo and immediately becomes 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.
54. Makai Lemon, WR, Rookie
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, Lemon is a first-round pick in the NFL Draft and could easily wind up the first receiver off the board. He would have to land in the right system to become an Amon-Ra St. Brown-like PPR stud, but he has the after-the-catch playmaking ability to have a top-15 season. Perfectly suited to be a 1a and form a dynamic duo with someone… say… Malik Nabers? Garrett Wilson? Early mid-round pick in redraft with upside. Early first-rounder in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Robert Woods aka Bobby Trees aka Robbie Plank aka Rob Lumber aka Bob Barker
55. Carnell Tate, WR, Rookie
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. His play style helps his ability to be productive if he winds up in a less-than-favorable situation with an inaccurate QB (Cleveland, anyone?). At worst, a WR2. His ADP is entirely dependent on the landing spot, but he’ll still be one of the first three rookie receivers taken in redraft and an early first-round pick in dynasty.
NFL Comp: DeVonta Smith
56. Zay Flowers, WR, BAL
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.
57. Mike Evans, WR, SF
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. Evans had a league-low 1.33 yards after catch per reception. Chris Godwin will be a year removed from his gruesome injury, and both Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillian will be a year further into their NFL careers. View Evans as similar to Davante Adams, a solid WR2 who will have a few spike weeks. The problem is that Evans has more competition for targets and nowhere near the touchdown upside.
UPDATE: Funny that comp is what I went with back in January, because the Adams in LA role is exactly what I project for Evans in San Fran.
58. DeVonta Smith, WR, PHI
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. Smith doesn’t have top-10 potential with Jalen Hurts under center, even if the Eagles move on from AJ Brown. He had more games under 10 points (10) than over (7). Smith’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.
59. D’Andre Swift, RB, CHI
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.
60. David Montgomery, RB, HOU
We may have seen the last of Sonic and Knuckles in Detroit. 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. A new team could be what’s best for his fantasy value.
UPDATE: 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.
61. Bucky Irving, RB, TB
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. Rachaad White is a free agent, and if he leaves town, it could open up a few extra touches, but Tucker is more likely to be the beneficiary there. Bucky has an offseason to get healthy and will lead the Bucs’ backfield in 2026. But if Tucker continues to hoard the goal-line work, Irving’s ceiling is capped.
UPDATE: The hopes of an offseason to get Irving healthy and the departure of White were the prerequisites for returning to form, but 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.
62. Bhayshul Tuten, RB, JAC
Bhayshul Tuten was causing some horns to be tootin’ 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, 43rd in explosive run rate, and was slightly better but nothing special in missed tackles forced (15th) and yards after contact (14). Even if Travis Etienne Jr. signs elsewhere, I doubt they give the keys to the kingdom to Tuten.
UPDATE: Etienne has headed to Nola, and as of now, Tuten is the top back on the depth chart. Whether he still is after the draft will decide what range his ranking lands. As the lead back, Tuten is easily in the top 20 RBs for me.
63. Mike Washington Jr, RB, FA
The biggest winner of the NFL combine, Mike Washington Jr., showed up and showed out, running the fastest time among running backs with a 4.33 40-yard dash. Washington immediately broke down in tears after the run, stating, “I’m so emotional, man. I’ve worked my whole life for this.” If that doesn’t hit you right in the feels, I’m sorry for whoever hurt you. He’s as explosive as an afternoon trip to Taco Bell and can turn a small gain into a long touchdown with just one surgical cut. Washington will need to improve his pass protection and fumbling issues, but he’s easily the top riser heading into the draft. Everybody and their grandma is rooting for him.
NFL Comp: Uncle Lenny/Leonard Fournette
64. J.K. Dobbins, RB, DEN
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. He had a one-year deal with Denver, so he’s free to sign with another team. If Dobbins gets an opportunity to start again, he’ll likely be a bargain-bin borderline RB2 worth taking a shot on.
UPDATE: Back with the Broncos, I love Dobbins as your RB3/FLEX.
65. Jaylen Warren, RB, PIT
Jaylen Warren could go into 2026 unrated once again. But I won’t make the same mistake I did and be one of the people underrating him, as I was in 2025. 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. The emergence of Kenneth Gainwell may have masked how good Warren was. Gainwell is a free agent in 2026 and could end up elsewhere, especially with the drastically changing scenario in Pittsburgh. Warren is a fantastic RB2 target who may be able to be had at an RB3 price tag.
UPDATE: 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.
66. Jonah Coleman, RB, Rookie
If I were to describe Jonah Coleman in one word, it would be…
WHAMMY! A power runner with a well-rounded skillset that should keep him on the field at all times. He 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. Coleman’s lack of explosive speed and below-average size shouldn’t keep him from being a Day 2 selection. 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. Likely not a fantasy starter early in the season, but could end up inside the top 24 before the season’s end. A late-round pick in redraft and a second-rounder in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Chris Carson
67. Jaylen Waddle, WR, DEN
It’s hard to rank any of the players on teams that have cleaned house of their coaching staff and, more than likely, their quarterback as well. Jaylen Waddle is one of those guys. Tyreek Hill is technically still on the roster, but I expect Miami to cut him with a new offensive coordinator and a new quarterback. The jury’s still out on what kind of upside we’ll see from 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 the new-look Dolphins offense.
UPDATE: We wanted him out of Miami, but a crowded Denver receiver room isn’t great for his upside. Waddle remains a WR2 with upside, but his floor is much lower than it was in Miami. I didn’t think that was possible.
68. Jayden Daniels, QB, WAS
Considering he dislocated his non-throwing elbow in an injury that looked much worse than it was, Jayden Daniels’ season could have been much worse. Daniels scored multiple touchdowns and gained 250+ total yards in every game he started and finished. Offensive Coordinator Kliff Kingsbury departed the team, much to the chagrin of Daniels. But Washington hired David Blough (whom Daniels has a close relationship with) to replace him, and it’s expected that Washington will maintain a similar style of offense as Daniels’ first two seasons. Daniels’ stature and propensity to take big hits have some concerned about his long-term viability in the league. But at least for 2026, Daniels has a full offseason to get healthy and stabilize the offensive system despite his new offensive coordinator, David Blough. That name again is Mr. Blough.
69. Justin Herbert, QB, LAC
Justin Herbert came out of the gates blazing, throwing 16 touchdowns in his first eight games. But as the already suspect offensive line began to drop like flies due to injury, Herbert had less and less time to throw, and eventually ended up with a broken hand. Herbert had only two games with multiple touchdown passes after Week 9, but he still finished as a QB1. If the Chargers can shore up the o-line and give Herbie some time without pressure, there’s potential for a push into the top five.
UPDATE: I’m fully back in on Herbert. The cost has risen a smidge with the hiring of Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator, the man who made Tua Tagovailoa look like a franchise foundational quarterback. The Chargers’ o-line should be much improved, starting with returning linchpins Alt and Slater, the signing of Pro Bowl center Tyler Biadasz, and almost assuredly addressing the guard position in the early rounds of this year’s draft, potentially in the first. We’ve seen Herbert’s upside as early as last season. 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 potential for multiple QB1 overall seasons. I’m not saying that’s Herbert’s future, but I’m not NOT saying it. Ya feel me?
70. Trevor Lawrence, QB, JAC
Trevor Lawrence finally put it all together and had the best season of his career under Liam Coen. Lawrence recorded 38 touchdowns and threw downfield a butt ton, ranking second in deep attempts and first in deep yards per game. He has a loaded receiver room with Jakobi Meyers, Brian Thomas Jr., Parker Washington, and Travis Hunter. 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.
71. Drake Maye, QB, NE
Drake “Drake Maye” Maye was the only player in the conversation for MVP alongside Matthew Stafford. The former Tar Heel ended the regular season ranking first in completion percentage, yards per attempt, and passer rating, and threw the third-most touchdowns (behind Stafford and Jared Goff). Maye also has a bit of wiggle, adding 450 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns. Depending on the scoring format, Maye finished second to Josh Allen by around 10 points. If any quarterback’s going to knock Allen from the QB1 pedestal, it’s gonna be Maye.
UPDATE: Maye led the Patriots to the Super Bowl, but it wasn’t pretty. Throughout the postseason, 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. The Pats have swapped out Stefon Diggs for Romeo Doubs, but have been rumored to be in heavy pursuit of AJ Brown as well. As things stand now, I think Maye runs the risk of being severely over drafted in 2026 based on his 2025 numbers.
Tier 6: The “Is This a Pigeon?” Tier
You aren’t sure if they’re a superstar or role player, but you’re starting them.
72. Jakobi Meyers, WR, JAC
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 WR2.
73. Christian Watson, WR, GB
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.
74. Courtland Sutton, WR, DEN
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, but if the Broncos don’t add any weapons this offseason, he’ll be in line for a third straight season as Bo Nix‘s go-to and a rock-solid WR2.
UPDATE: The Broncos surprisingly traded for Jaylen Waddle, pushing Sutton from solid WR2 territory to more WR3ish. That floor we once loved is gone.
75. Sam LaPorta, TE, DET
Sam LaPorta finished the season as TE7 in points per game, but it was cut short by a herniated disc in Week 10. The offense will look different in 2026 with the Lions looking for a new offensive coordinator, but LaPorta should stay involved enough to remain a TE1 for fantasy purposes. He’s TE1 overall in points-per-mustache leagues.
UPDATE: New Offensive Coordinator Drew Petzing comes to Detroit from Arizona, where he helmed an offense that produced one of the greatest fantasy tight end seasons of all time with Trey McBride. We back up with LaPorta, ba-bay!
76. Kyle Pitts Sr., TE, ATL
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. Kyle Pitts SZN was finally real, and it was spectacular.
77. Alec Pierce, WR, IND
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.
UPDATE: Pierce resigned with Indy and has an even safer floor with Pittman heading to Pittsburgh. That floor becomes quite a bit lower if Daniel Jones isn’t ready to start the season and the Colts are forced to start one of Anthony Richardson or Riley Leonard.
78. Jaxson Dart, QB, NYG
It seems the New York Football Giants finally have their quarterback of the future in Jaxson Dart. What could have been for the Giants if he had started from day one and Malik Nabers had stayed healthy? Dart 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. Oh, and new head coach John Harbaugh is here to help take Dart to the next level. He’ll need to work on protecting himself from big hits, but as long as Dart stays on the field, he’s a borderline QB1 with QB1 overall potential.
UPDATE: The Todd Monken thing fell through, but there’s still a lot to like with Dart in 2026. The Giants lost Wan’Dale Robinson but added TE Isaiah Likely in free agency, and are expected to address the receiver position in the draft. Dart has a wide range of outcomes, but one of the highest ceilings of all fantasy quarterbacks.
79. Rachaad White, RB, WAS
Rachaad White is a free agent, and although he isn’t quite Bucky Irving, he could be a serviceable RB2 in the right offense if given a chance to start or close to it.
UPDATE: White signed with the Commanders, which I LOVE for his fantasy viability. Where he winds up in rankings land depends on whether Washington drafts a running back and what kind of draft capital they invest. White is easily the most talented back currently on the roster.
80. RJ Harvey, RB, DEN
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 (seventh), 77.2 rushing yards per game (sixth), and a 7.8% explosive run rate (third). 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 a free agent, but he could certainly return to Denver; they signed him after drafting Harvey. Depending on what Harvey’s ADP turns out to be, he may be a full fade for me in 2026.
UPDATE: Dobbins is back, and the Broncos traded for Jaylen Waddle. The Felicio full fade of Harvey is on for 2026.
81. Isaiah Likely, TE, NYG
We FINALLY got the Kyle Pitts breakout. Can we get Isaiah Likely next? The pending free agent offers mouthwatering upside thanks to his athleticism and explosiveness, but he hasn’t been able to put it together for more than a few games in Baltimore. If he ends up as the TE1 in a tight-end-friendly offense (maybe following Monken to New York?), he has legit Top-5 potential.
UPDATE: Likely followed someone to New York, but it wasn’t Monken. Regardless, the points made still stand, and I LOVE Likely’s upside as a top target for Jaxson Dart.
82. Zach Charbonnet, RB, SEA
Zach Charbonnet is the bane of my existence. He seems like a nice guy, but he prevented my precious Kenneth Walker III from having a fantasy season for the ages. I came around and understand why the Pats kept Rhamondre Stevenson involved this year. He’s at least played well. But Charbs? He bested Walker in one metric, with 2.62 yards after contact to 2.11 for KWIII. Charbonnet did rank inside the top 10 in missed forced tackles per attempt, which was cool. You know what’s cooler? Ranking first in missed forced tackles per attempt. You know who did? Kenneth Walker, who also had a better yards per carry, double the explosive run rate, and more than double the yards per route run in the passing game. Charbs is a solid back, and with Walker moving on in free agency, I actually don’t mind him as an RB2 depending on ADP. But forgiving him for holding back Walker’s potential in 2025 may be the hardest thing I ever do.
83. Kenneth Gainwell, RB, TB
Kenneth Gainwell caught 73 passes on his way to 1,000 combined yards and an RB2 season, and he enters the offseason as an unrestricted free agent. The running back free-agent market is loaded, but Gainwell should be in a favorable position for fantasy purposes thanks to his pass-catching chops.
UPDATE: When one door closes, another opens, something something darkside….
I hate Gainwell in Tampa Bay for my boy Bucky Irving, but I LOVE it for Kenny. As the pass catching+ option, Gainwell likely winds up an RB2 that can be drafted at FLEX pricing in PPR formats.
84. Kyle Monangai, RB, CHI
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.
85. Rico Dowdle, RB, PIT
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, missed forced tackles, yards after contact per attempt, and the list goes on and on. It seems Dowdle wasn’t too happy with his questionable usage, per his post-playoff loss social media posts. With Hubbard still under contract and Jonathan Brooks returning from injury, I’d expect to see him elsewhere in 2026. If he can find a team willing to give him the lion’s share of the carries, we saw he’s plenty capable of putting up top-10 weeks.
UPDATE: Well, 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.
86. Isiah Pacheco, RB, DET
Isiah Pacheco is fun to watch run the football. He looks like a toddler running away from his parents because it’s bedtime. Sadly for Pacheco, his fantasy value has officially gone night-night. Among running backs with at least 100 rushing attempts, Pacheco had the second-lowest explosive run rate and was one of two players under 4%. If this is the end, I’ll never forget you, Isiah Pacheco. You’ve ruined me for trying to spell Isaiah for the rest of my life.
UPDATE: It is not the end. Depending on where his ADP lands this summer, 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. No, I don’t think I will.
87. Blake Corum, RB, LAR
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.
88. Wan’Dale Robinson, WR, TEN
Wan’Dale Robinson caught 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 and enters the offseason as a free agent. With Harbaugh and co. coming to New York, it’s unclear what their level of interest is in bringing him back. But wherever he lands, if Robinson can get a decent target share, he’s a solid WR3/WR2.
UPDATE: Robinson followed his former head coach to Tennessee, where he should be force-fed much like he was in 2025. He’ll be a PPR-scam WR2 if he and Cam Ward click. Maybe a safety blanket-type player like Robinson is exactly what last year’s first overall pick needs.
89. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, JAC
If Brian Thomas Jr. wasn’t the biggest bust of the year, he was rubbing elbows with them. But fear not, all hope isn’t lost for our beloved BTJ. Our expectations just have to be adjusted. Early in the season, he simply 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 by making some 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 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 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.
90. DK Metcalf, WR, PIT
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). 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.
91. Patrick Mahomes II, QB, KC
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. Even if Mahomes can rehab quickly enough to return by Week 1, as he hopes, he could be without Rashee Rice (possible suspension) and Hollywood Brown (Unrestricted Free Agent). I firmly believe Mahomes has multiple elite fantasy seasons left in him. But given that he’ll be returning from an ACL injury, possibly have a new offensive coordinator, and have multiple new pass catchers, 2026 may be the calm before the storm of a late-career surge a la Tom Brady.
UPDATE: Mahomes had some of his most productive seasons under new/old OC Eric Bieniemy, 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 Kelce is here to stay as well. If there is any sort of draft day discount, I’ll be rostering a whooole lotta Mahomes in 2026.
92. Woody Marks, RB, HOU
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 second-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 think Marks will have a solid role in the Texans’ offense in 2026, but I expect them to add a back to help carry the workload.
UPDATE: 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.
Tier 7: The “Oops!… I Did It Again” Tier
You lose all your senses and can’t stop drafting these guys.
93. Quentin Johnston, WR, LAC
Quentin Johnston is one of the five I keep talking about. One of five receivers to score 8+ touchdowns over 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.
UPDATE: MIKE MCDANIELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
94. Jordyn Tyson, WR, Rookie
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’s 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. Mid-rounder who could bump to early-mid rounds in redraft if he lands in an optimal situation. Mid-first round in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Jakobi Meyers
95. Jordan Addison, WR, MIN
Jordan Addison is in legal trouble for the third straight offseason. Could he face league discipline? Be traded? Cut? It’s impossible to properly rank Addison with so much in flux.
96. Michael Wilson, WR, ARI
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.
97. Tucker Kraft, TE, GB
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. Still just 25 years old, even if he’s unable to start the season, he should fully recover from the injury and pick up right where he left off. Kraft tied Brock Bowers and George Kittle for TE2 on a points-per-game basis.
98. James Conner, RB, ARI
James Conner has likely played his last snap for Arizona, as he’s a prime offseason cut candidate. Depending on where he lands, Conner could offer some FLEX viability, but his days as a reliable fantasy starter are over.
UPDATE: He’s back in Arizona alongside Trey Benson and new Cardinal Tyler Allgeier. Avoid at all costs.
99. Harold Fannin Jr., TE, CLE
Harold Fannin Jr. was the only reliable pass-catcher for the Browns for about 99% of the season, which was enough to propel the uber-talented rookie to TE8 on a points-per-game basis. Fannin caught 72 passes and six touchdowns and even ran one in for a score. There’s so much in flux for Cleveland heading into 2026, but one thing is certain. Fannin is here to stay, for real football and fantasy.
100. Denzel Boston, WR, Rookie
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. If he lands in an offense that plays to his strengths, preferably one in need of a red zone threat, Boston could be a boom-bust WR2 from day one. He’s been linked to the Steelers, and both sides have shown interest. Boston’s redraft value may vary by landing spot, but it likely settles in the late middle rounds. In dynasty, he’s a mid-first rounder.
NFL Comp: Drake London
101. Josh Downs, WR, IND
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. Alec Pierce is a free agent, and Michael Pittman’s contract is structured to make him an easy cut with little dead cap, with the expectation he’ll move on this offseason. It’s a near virtual lock that at least one won’t be back, and if neither is, Downs could be in line for a significant target share in 2026.
UPDATE: Pierce returns to Indy, but Pittman does not, giving Downs a chance to be a regular piece of the offense. Don’t ignore him.
102. KC Concepcion, WR, Rookie
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. He’s a tier below the Tysons and Tates, but in today’s NFL, if Concepcion can find himself in a West Coast offense, he can have a Cooper Kupp-type role. I would love to see him end up in Tennessee and become new OC Brian Daboll‘s Nashville Wan’Dale Robinson (edit: Wan’Dale Robinson will be Brian Daboll‘s Wan’Dale Robinson). Concepcion should start the season as a FLEX option at best, but someone I’ll be looking to pick up late in redraft leagues. He has WR2 potential. In dynasty, he’s a mid-to-late first-rounder.
NFL Comp: Wan’Dale Robinson
103. Ricky Pearsall, WR, SF
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.
104. Xavier Worthy, WR, KC
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. Worthy could find himself with yet another opportunity to do so, however, with Rice once again in legal trouble and his 2026 status uncertain.
UPDATE: The league announced on April 3rd that there would be no discipline for teammate Rashee Rice for offseason allegations, all but crushing any lingering hopes of a Worthy breakout.
105. Travis Hunter, WR, JAC
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.
106. Michael Pittman Jr., WR, PIT
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 he likely winds up elsewhere as the Colts could shift their focus to keeping Alec Pierce, who leapfrogged Pittman as the team’s WR1. Pittman can be a serviceable WR2 if he lands in the right situation.
UPDATE: 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 DK Metcalf, and it’s still unclear who his quarterback will be. Whether it winds up being Aaron Rodgers, Will Howard, or a current unknown, Pittman likely won’t be on many of my rosters this season.
107. Caleb Williams, QB, CHI
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. 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.
108. Dak Prescott, QB, DAL
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 is a free agent, and should he return, Dak is an easy QB1 who should come at a value. If Pickens leaves, Dak’s upside would be capped.
UPDATE: Pickens was tagged and will be back. Rinse/repeat from last year.
109. Jalen Hurts, QB, PHI
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. There’s even talk that the Eagles could draft or add a quarterback this offseason to motivate him. How much of that is true is hard to say, but often in these situations where there’s smoke, there’s fire. Hurts remains a QB1 in fantasy thanks to his legs, but especially if the Eagles trade AJ Brown, his top-five fantasy days may be over.
UPDATE: Brown is still an Eagle for now, and new OC Sean Mannion is an easy upgrade over Kevin Patullo. But things aren’t all kittens and rainbows for Hurts. There’s been an awful lot of smoke coming from the Brown outta town fire, enough for me to think it’s just a matter of when, not if. There’s also been word that some in the organization are beginning to sour on Hurts, who pushed back on playing under center more last season. Something Mannion is expected to look for Hurts to do this season. How well Hurts adapts to what Mannion wants to do is an offseason story worth watching, and could be one that leads to his exit from Philly, too.
110. Emmett Johnson, RB, Rookie
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. He’ll be a committee back in the pros, and his fantasy value will be heavily reliant on ending up in a situation where he can slot in as the pass-catching back from day one. Johnson is a late-round pick in redraft and a late first, early second-round pick in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Kareem Hunt
111. Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, NE
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. Vrable 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.
112. Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, FA
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.
113. Khalil Shakir, WR, BUF
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. Despite the attention brought to Allen’s lack of weapons and the heartbreaking divisional-round loss, I expect Buffalo to bring in some help. Shakir should be seen as a solid but boring WR3.
UPDATE: Buffalo indeed brought in help in DJ Moore, and Shakir remains a solid but boring WR3. If they bring in more, Shakir could become undraftable.
114. Chris Godwin Jr., WR, TB
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 is no guarantee to be on the Bucs roster next season with a hefty contract. If he does return, he’s a decent WR3, but not someone I’m looking to draft, as his upside is gone with his age and injury issues.
115. Dalton Kincaid, TE, BUF
Dalton Kincaid led the Bills (and all tight ends) in yards per route run and also topped the team in yards per reception, ranking fourth among tight ends. He was the Bills’ most explosive pass catcher, which reflects more on the team’s overall state than on Kincaid’s abilities. Although he struggled to stay healthy, when he is on the field, Kincaid is a borderline TE1. If the Bills don’t acquire any additional weapons this offseason, Kincaid would benefit the most.
UPDATE: The Bills’ addition of DJ Moore caps Kincaid’s upside, but he should stick around back-end TE1 range.
116. George Kittle, TE, SF
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. His draftability won’t be known until probably mid-summer at the earliest.
117. Bo Nix, QB, DEN
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, but will be a full go before training camp.
UPDATE: The Broncos’ addition of Jaylen Waddle this offseason gives Nix a safer floor to go with his obvious upside. It all depends on how much Sean Payton lets Nix run wild.
118. Brock Purdy, QB, SF
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 likely look different in 2026, with Jauan Jennings a free agent, George Kittle dealing with a torn ACL, and Brandon Aiyuk lost in the Upside Down. But in Shanny’s system, Purdy is a purdy good (I’m so, so sorry) option if you wait on quarterback.
UPDATE: Out is Jennings (and probably Aiyuk, those kids in Hawkins are still working on it), 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. 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.
119. Nicholas Singleton, RB, FA
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 if he ends up on an elite zone-running team, like San Francisco, Houston, or Denver, his draft-day fall could be the best thing that ever happened to him. He likely finds himself with a late-mid round ADP in redraft, and early second round in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Miles Sanders
120. Tony Pollard, RB, TEN
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 20206.
121. Jonathon Brooks, RB, CAR
Out of sight, out of mind. People forget too easily how highly touted Jonathan Brooks was coming out of Texas. Rico Dowdle is a free agent who likely won’t return, and Chuba Hubbard is the guy I said had literally zero explosive runs. Brooks is one of my favorite sleepers for 2026.
UPDATE: The Panthers lost Rico Dowdle but “added” AJ Dillon this offseason, which makes me even more confident in Brooks bounce back potential.
122. Kimani Vidal, RB, LAC
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 is an Exclusive Rights Free Agent, meaning the Chargers can sign him to a minimal deal to bring him back. I expect Vidal back with the Chargers in a backup role, with a full offseason for Hampton to get healthy. But Vidal proved he can put up solid numbers if given the workload.
UPDATE: 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.
123. Jadarian Price, RB, Rookie
Jadarian Price may have technically been the backup in South Bend, but he’d have been the bellcow just about anywhere else in the country. Price is a lot like his 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. The landing spot will determine his ceiling in 2026, but he should be FLEX viable from day one. He’s a late-round pick in redraft and a second-rounder in dynasty.
NFL Comp: Tony Pollard
Tier 8: The “Terms & Conditions” Tier
The talent is there, but you’ve gotta read the 50 pages of fine print.
124. Alvin Kamara, RB, NO
46th in yards per carry, 39th in explosive run rate, and third-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. Kamara could have some PPR FLEX value if he’s able to stay healthy, but he’s someone I’ll be avoiding in fantasy for the foreseeable future.
UPDATE: His RB1 days are over in fantasy and in NOLA, as Travis Etienne Jr. 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.
125. Matthew Stafford, QB, LAR
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’s having arguably his best season and is likely to win the MVP. Stafford led the league in touchdowns and passing yards per game, and if he returns for another season, he’s still a QB1 for fantasy purposes. Considering his age, you run the risk of him falling off the cliff, but in Sean McVay‘s offense, I highly doubt that happens.
UPDATE: HE’S BACK DOT GIF
126. Daniel Jones, QB, IND
Danny Dimes…er..Indiana Jones is back with the Colts, and I expect his production to be similar to what we saw most of last year. As of right now, he’s expected to be ready for the start of the season, currently recovering from a torn ACL suffered towards the end of 2025. He’ll have one less weapon with Michael Pittman leaving for Pittsburgh, but still have plenty with the Colts re-signing Alec Pierce and retaining Josh Downs and Tyler Warren.
127. Jared Goff, QB, DET
Jared Goff didn’t need Ben Johnson after all. Well, at least not to put up fantasy points. Goff brushed off the haters and threw for 34 touchdowns, second only to Matthew Stafford‘s 46. He finished as a QB1 again and enters 2026 as a near must-start, as long as he’s indoors.
UPDATE: 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.
128. Jordan Love, QB, GB
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. But Love had some big games against poor defenses. Love played decently, 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 option.
129. Oronde Gadsden II, TE, LAC
Oronde Gadsden is another of the multiple rookie tight ends who emerged for a stretch this season, scoring 12 or more fantasy points in four straight games in the middle of the season. That includes a 29.4-point performance against the Colts, followed by 18.7 versus the Vikes. It’s hard to take much away from the Chargers’ pass catchers in the second half of the season with Herbert battling a broken hand, but Gadsen should be considered a borderline TE1 with upside for 2026.
130. Jauan Jennings, WR, FA
Jauan Jennings wound up being the 49ers’ top receiver by default, which is good timing for him, considering he’s heading into free agency. He’s had back-to-back WR3 seasons, but at age 29 in July, I’m unsure what teams will be willing to pay him a significant amount for a major role. I’ll be taking a wait-and-see approach with him.
131. Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Rookie
Kenyon Sadiq is the type of tight end prospect that gets me a little hot and bothered. A superior athlete that hasn’t just drawn Vernon Davis comparisons — he literally broke Davis’s combine speed record for tight ends set nearly 20 years ago. Sadiq ran the fastest 40 ever for a TE at the combine (4.37), and although he wasn’t used much as a pass catcher downfield at Oregon, he has the skillset to be a vertical threat at the next level. An explosive but raw blocker, he’ll need to bulk up if he wants to reach his full potential at the pro level. Sadiq will be a playmaker from day one, thanks to his elite athleticism, and has all the ingredients to turn into the latest, greatest, elite tight end. I fear that also includes him being the latest first-round tight end to be overdrafted in fantasy in their rookie season. In dynasty, he’ll be a mid-first-rounder in most formats, but a contender for 1.01 in TE premium.
NFL Comp: Vernon Davis (shocker)
132. Jayden Higgins, WR, HOU
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.
133. Jake Ferguson, TE, DAL
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. If George Pickens doesn’t re-sign with Dallas, Fergie would see the biggest benefit.
UPDATE: Pickens re-signed with Dallas, keeping Ferg’s value suppressed. He should still have some spike weeks, but a borderline TE1 season is the most reasonable prediction.
134. Brenton Strange, TE, JAC
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.
135. C.J. Stroud, QB, HOU
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.
136. Jayden Reed, WR, GB
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.
137. Tyreek Hill, WR, MIA
Given that the Dolphins are in full rebuild mode, Tyreek Hill is likely to be traded or cut this offseason. 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.
UPDATE: 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 have linked him to the Bears, which would be a boost to the value of Caleb Williams but not move the needle for Hill’s fantasy value.
138. Chuba Hubbard, RB, CAR
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 a free agent and seems unlikely to return to Carolina, but 2024 rookie Johnathan Brooks is trending toward being ready for next season. 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.
UPDATE: Dowdle is gone, but was replaced by AJ Dillon. Hubbard’s value is unchanged.
139. Kyler Murray, QB, MIN
Kyler Murray‘s once sky-high ceiling has fallen all the way 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”. It would be a knee-high narrative to say his career is finished; his peak may just happen to be at waist-level. Nothing official has been said, but the Cardinals are ready to move on this offseason. Murray is likely wearing another uniform in 2026. He’s also short.
UPDATE: 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, Kyler could be a league winner.
140. Baker Mayfield, QB, TB
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 and Chris Godwin potentially out of the picture, he still has plenty of talent at the receiver position. 2024 was an aberration, but he’s still a serviceable starter.
UPDATE: Mike Evans is gone, another small breach in the chainmayfield armor.
141. Mark Andrews, TE, BAL
If Isaiah Likely leaves via free agency, an increase in targets for Mark Andrews could help offset the decline in his skills.
UPDATE: Isaiah Likely leaving via free agency could help offset the decline in Andrews’ skills with an increase in targets.
142. Juwan Johnson, TE, NO
Juwan Johnson tied with Tyler Warren for TE10 with 11.1 fantasy points per game. Johnson set career highs in targets, receptions, and receiving yards, and with Taysom Hill out of the picture, he should see increased involvement in 2026. With rookies added in the rankings fold, he’s a borderline TE1 with limited upside.
143. Cam Ward, QB, TEN
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.
What a drive for Cam Ward. Dropping dimes down the field. How bout that for deep accuracy!
6/7 for 69 yards and a touchdown on the drive, including completions of 25 and 30 yards. pic.twitter.com/tWPBis8rjE
— Justin Graver (@titansfilmroom) December 21, 2025
The Titans cleaned house and hopefully brought in a staff that will build the offense around Ward and give him time to throw. If you subscribe to the “Late Round QB” draft strategy, Ward could be worth a dart throw in 2026. But he’s not someone you’ll want to depend on.
UPDATE: The Titans hired Brian Daboll as OC, signed his bae Wan’Dale Robinson, and could still add help at receiver. Don’t rely on him by any means, but Ward has sneaky upside in 2026 and would be the perfect pairing with someone along the lines of Jared Goff.
144. Tyler Shough, QB, NO
For a quarterback known for his deep ball, it’s disheartening to see Tyler Shough have the 3rd-worst deep throw completion percentage at 28.6% (min 25 attempts). As of now, it seems the Saints consider Shough their short-term/long-term answer at quarterback. While he was serviceable for fantasy purposes, temper expectations. He threw multiple touchdown passes in just three of 10 starts, posting a 10:6 touchdown-to-interception ratio, and threw for fewer than 250 yards in 50% of his starts.
145. Braelon Allen, RB, NYJ
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. Trey Benson, RB, ARI
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. I hope people forget how fantastic he looked in his short time on the field, because unless the Cardinals add a significant piece in the backfield, I’ll be drafting lots and lots of Benson in 2026.
UPDATE: This dream is dead, too, friends. 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.
147. Jacoby Brissett, QB, ARI
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. Brissett should once again be steady-eddie as a fantasy producer, a borderline QB with as safe a floor as they come, and potential for spike weeks with the weapons around him.
148. Malik Willis, QB, MIA
An unrestricted free agent, 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 an opportunity to compete for a starting job if he wants it this offseason.
UPDATE: Willis indeed played himself into a starting job. The problem is that there’s nobody left in Miami. No thanks.
149. Dalton Schultz, TE, HOU
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.
150. Tyler Allgeier, RB, ARI
Tyler Allgeier, don’t you dare come back to Atlanta. Pretty please? I want to see what Bijan Robinson can do with a full workload. I also want to see what you can do with a full workload. The free agent-to-be has a nose for the end zone and is sure-handed, with zero career fumbles on 737 touches, but ranks 41st/49th in explosive run rate. If he lands in a favorable situation, Allgeier has RB2 potential.
UPDATE: He did not. Allgeier will share work with a disgusting three-headed committee in Arizona, rendering all three backs useless.
151. Parker Washington, WR, JAC
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 next season.
152. Sam Darnold, QB, SEA
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 10 games. Darnold had some low-volume games that keep him from being a consistent starter, but he’s a borderline QB1 who’s perfect to pair with another quarterback to mix and match based on opponent.
153. Tre Tucker, WR, LV
This guy put up a 40-burger in week three, which made the Raiders comfortable enough to trade Jakobi Meyers. He’s at best a complementary receiver who could offer some flex value with the soon-to-be Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
154. Stefon Diggs, WR, FA
Stefon Diggs played 60% of offensive snaps in just three games this season but bounced back in New England to finish as 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. He’s a fine WR3 but not much more.
UPDATE: Released by New England, his value greatly depends on where he lands and what type of role he’ll play.
155. Troy Franklin, WR, DEN
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 WR NUMBER and tied for the fifth most red zone targets in the league. With Sutton creeping up in age, Franklin is a worthwhile target who could still take over as Nix’s top option.
UPDATE: LOL NVM, THE BRONCOS TRADED FOR JAYLEN WADDLE.
156. Jerry Jeudy, WR, CLE
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.
157. Brandon Aiyuk, WR, SF
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.
158. Dallas Goedert, TE, PHI
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 value could skyrocket if the Eagles end up trading AJ Brown and not acquiring another pass catcher.
159. Jalen Coker, WR, CAR
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 solid WR2 numbers.
160. Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, NYG
Tyrone Tracy Jr. 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. If Todd Monken is indeed the Giants’ hire at offensive coordinator, that bodes very well for Tracy. Monken uses multiple formations with two backs on the field at the same time, opening up opportunities for Tracy to be fantasy relevant alongside Skattebo in 2026.
UPDATE: All this talk of adding a running back in the offseason doesn’t bode well for Tracy’s standing with the Giants come August, and neither does the OC being Matt Nagy instead of Monken. If the Giants don’t add a significant runner via the draft, I like Tracy as a FLEX with upside. But it sure sounds like they will, maybe in the 1st.
161. Travis Kelce, TE, KC
“Say you’ll remember Kelce
facing 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.”
Tier 9: The “Mustard Seed” Tier
The path to there if you have the faith to hold on.
162. Brian Robinson Jr., RB, ATL
Brian Robinson Jr. was in line to lead the Commanders’ backfield before a surprise trade to the 49ers just before the season to back up Christian McCaffrey. Shockingly, McCaffrey handled nearly all the work, but Robinson is a free agent. It’s a strong free-agent class, so it’s doubtful Robinson finds work as an unquestioned starter. But if the power back finds himself in a prolific run offense with a decent workload, he can offer some FLEX appeal with RB2 upside.
UPDATE: I can’t wait for all the “B. Robinson scored a touchdown” jokes that will flood Twitter when either scores a touchdown this season after this one signed with Atlanta. Robinson is a high-value handcuff who could have some standalone FLEX value if he sees Allgeier-type usage.
163. Jalen McMillan, WR, TB
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. Mike Evans and/or Chris Godwin could not be on the roster this time next season, setting a path for McMillan to receive significant looks and jump into the top 150.
UPDATE: With Evans leaving town to head to San Fran, McMillian is in line to play a major role in the Bucs offense in 2026.
164. Tre Harris, WR, LAC
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.
UPDATE: MIKE MCDANIELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
165. Jaylin Noel, WR, HOU
Jalyin 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.
166. Isaac TeSlaa, WR, DET
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.
167. Adonai Mitchell, WR, NYJ
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.
168. Rashid Shaheed, WR, SEA
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. Shaheed is set to become a free agent and likely will have plenty of suitors for his services as an electric kick returner and deep threat. His fantasy value depends on whether the team he signs with has wide receiver depth, specifically a downfield weapon. (Note: Imagine Shaheed in Buffalo?!!?)
UPDATE: He’s back with Seattle, a disappointing outcome for his fantasy potential.
169. Mason Taylor, TE, NYJ
Mason Taylor wasn’t able to get much going in his rookie season, which isn’t surprising, given the Flaming Hindenburg of Sadness they call the New York Jets offense. Taylor has the talent and the pedigree to become a fantasy weapon, but the Jets have to get their mess under center figured out before you can consider drafting him.
170. Fernando Mendoza, QB, Rookie
Thanks to the release of Geno Smith, you can go ahead and write “Fernando Mendoza” on the Las Vegas Raiders draft card in permanent marker for the first overall pick. He’s the consensus top quarterback in this class after leading Indiana — yes, Indiana — to its first National Championship while also winning the Heisman Trophy. Despite being locked in as the first overall pick, Mendoza profiles more as an efficient, game-managing quarterback than the electric playmakers we’ve seen go in the first round over the past few seasons. 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. He’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. In Dynasty, he’s a late first-rounder in 1QB leagues but a top 2-3 pick in Superflex. A decent comp for him in my eyes is Alex Smith (complimentary).
171. Tank Bigsby, RB, PHI
He’s so freaking good, man. I hope he just gets a chance.
Tier 10: The “Mandela Effect” Tier
You knew they were good, but it’s like they never existed.
172. Pat Bryant, WR, DEN
Pat Bryant only scored double-digit fantasy points twice in his rookie season, which isn’t a surprise given the crowded receiver room and Bo Nix’s low passing totals. Bryant has the skill set to become a fantasy asset, but he would need multiple injuries ahead of him to get the target share needed.
UPDATE: LOL THE BRONCOS TRADED FOR JAYLEN WADDLE, REMEMBER?
173. Bryce Young, QB, CAR
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.
174. Houston Texans, DST, HOU
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.
175. Darius Slayton, WR, NYG
Darius Slayton has had just one season with a yards per catch under 14.5, and could become a useful boom-or-bust FLEX option if he lands in the right situation.
UPDATE: Slayton is returning to the Giants and should have a similar role/fantasy value as last season.
176. Matthew Golden, WR, GB
Matthew Golden is ranked here simply on his first-round pedigree and upside on a team that loves to throw the deep ball.
177. Seattle Seahawks, DST, SEA
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.
178. Romeo Doubs, WR, NE
Romeo Doubs is the most Khalil Shakir receiver that ever James Jonesed. Doubs had some moments early in the 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.
UPDATE: Doubs signing with New England is a net-zero move for his fantasy value.
179. Kyle Williams, WR, NE
The explosive rookie made only a few plays in his first season, but he could still develop into a deep threat for MVP candidate Drake Maye.
180. T.J. Hockenson, TE, MIN
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. He could find himself in a new uniform next season, as his contract has no guaranteed money in 2026.
181. Kayshon Boutte, WR, NE
An inconsistent deep threat is still just 23 years old. Worth stashing, but don’t overdraft.
182. Tory Horton, WR, SEA
In a cruel twist of fate, rookie speedster Tory Horton had a two-touchdown breakout game in Week 9, just before the Seahawks traded for skill-set clone Rashid Shaheed. Luckily for Horton, Shaheed is an unrestricted free agent at season’s end, so Horton could carve out a deep-threat role if Shaheed leaves Seattle.
UPDATE: Shaheed did not leave.
183. Denver Broncos, DST, DEN
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.
184. Los Angeles Rams, DST, LAR
Give me a defense that ranks top five in forced turnovers and top 10 in sacks.
185. Tyjae Spears, RB, TEN
Tyjae Spears couldn’t beat out Tony Pollard for the starting job, and his yards per carry have been under four in each of the past two seasons.
186. Dylan Sampson, RB, CLE
The reincarnation of Duke Johnson with a ceiling of a bye week fill-in FLEX.
187. Kaleb Johnson, RB, PIT
Kaleb Johnson couldn’t get on the field with the coaching staff that drafted him. What makes you think he’ll get a chance with a completely new staff?
UPDATE: I stand corrected. New (retread) Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy recently stated everyone has a clean slate, which bodes well for Johnson. The signing of Rico Dowdle does not, however.
188. LeQuint Allen Jr., RB, JAC
With Travis Etienne Jr. heading into free agency, LeQuint Allen Jr. might have the chance to compete for the backup running back position.
UPDATE: Allen would have some handcuff upside if the Jaguars don’t add a back during the draft. But chances are they do.
189. Devin Neal, RB, NO
A hamstring injury cut Devin Neal’s season short just as he was handed the reins to the backfield. He didn’t show much, averaging less than 4 yards per carry in two starts, but it’s unfair to judge on such a small sample size. The Saints’ backfield is in flux, and Neal could have an opportunity to earn significant touches.
Update: Etienne becoming a Saint ended any chance of Devin Neal becoming a thing.
190. Joe Mixon, RB, HOU
Technically, Joe Mixon is signed through this season, but the Texans have an out where they can cut him this offseason for a minimal cap hit. A season lost to injury that was oddly shrouded in secrecy, Mixon is a total wildcard at this point.
UPDATE: After trading for David Montgomery, the Texans have officially released Mixon. There has been no update on his injury status, and I wonder if we’ll ever see him on the football field again.
191. Aaron Jones Sr., RB, MIN
Aaron Jones Sr. had the league’s worst 1.67 yards per contact and the 3rd-lowest missed tackles forced. He’ll offer some PPR FLEX viability, but another year older is bringing him close to the end of his fantasy rosterability. Is rosterability a word?
UPDATE: The Vikings cut the resigned Jones to a one-year discount. There’s a solid chance he’s not on the team come July.
192. Nick Papagiorgio, QB, VV
Thank you for reading this far!
193. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, ATL
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.
194. Geno Smith, QB, NYJ
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 weapons in the passing game with Garrett Wilson, Mason Taylor, and AD Mitchell has also shown some flashes. I’m avoiding in 1QB, but Smith could be a solid spot starter in good matchups.
195. J.J. McCarthy, QB, MIN
The best thing that J.J. McCarthy did for us this season (and possibly his career) was give us the “Nine” meme.
196./197. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, QB, CLE
It looked as if Shedeur Sanders would head into 2026 as the starter for the Browns, but recent rumors have surfaced that’s not a certainty. Cleveland still has Deshaun Watson on the roster, and as much of a dumpster fire as his career has become, he’s probably the more talented quarterback. I don’t have much interest in either, other than late round lottery tickets.
198. Aaron Rodgers, QB, FA
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
199. Brandon Aubrey, K, DAL
I guess I’ll add one kicker. He’s the only one worth taking before the last round of your draft. Just don’t be that guy or gal who takes him in the single-digit rounds.
200. Michael Penix Jr., QB, ATL
Michael Penix has a long road to recovery ahead, but I really like the Kevin Stefanski hire for his development if he can get back on the field healthy.
UPDATE: I really don’t like the signing of Tua Tagovailoa for his development.