Fantasy Football 2026: Key Busts to Avoid in Drafts

The 2026 NFL season is set to begin on September 9, following the Hall of Fame Game. Fantasy football players are now preparing for their drafts, with notable veterans like Josh Allen and Jonathan Taylor leading the rankings.

SportsLine has simulated the season 10,000 times and released its Fantasy football rankings, highlighting players to target and those to avoid. Among the identified busts is New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers, who is recovering from an ACL injury and is not ranked among the top 15 receivers. Another player to watch out for is Bills running back James Cook, who is being drafted around the 12th overall pick but is ranked lower by SportsLine due to concerns about his fumble rate and competition for touchdowns.

SportsLine's model has a history of accurately predicting player performance, including last year's underperformance of Terry McLaurin. As the draft approaches, Fantasy owners are encouraged to consult the rankings and cheat sheets provided by SportsLine for informed decision-making.