Tier 8 (Continued): The “Terms & Conditions” Tier
The talent is there, but you’ve gotta read the 50 pages of fine print.
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.