2026 Fantasy Football Rankings: Key Sleepers, Breakouts, and Busts
The NFL preseason for 2026 is underway with six games scheduled for Thursday, marking the beginning of the Fantasy football average draft position (ADP shaping). Players like Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, and Ja'Marr Chase are among the top picks, while Bills quarterback Josh Allen is notably valued at pick No. 21. Tight ends Brock Bowers and Trey McBride are closely competing for the first selection around pick No. 27.
SportsLine has simulated the upcoming NFL season 10,000 times to provide insights into Fantasy football strategies. The model previously predicted Colts quarterback Daniel Jones' successful season in 2025, where he finished as QB17 after an injury. The model has also accurately identified past Fantasy stars and busts, including Jonathan Taylor and Isiah Pacheco.
Among the sleepers for 2026, Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce is highlighted, having averaged 21.3 yards per reception last season. Despite an ankle injury affecting his draft position, he is expected to excel with Michael Pittman no longer on the team. Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten is noted as a breakout candidate, now leading the depth chart after Travis Etienne's departure. Conversely, Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III is flagged as a player to avoid due to injury risks and a challenging offensive environment. For more detailed rankings and insights, SportsLine offers comprehensive Fantasy football resources.
