Here are this week’s DraftKings and FanDuel top value plays for Sunday’s main slate, including projected points and value based on salary. I’ve also included notes on a few of these players, including Matthew Stafford, Rhamondre Stevenson and Malik Nabers.

Learn more about the metrics used in the charts and see where more players rank, including tight ends and D/STs, by checking out the full, sortable DFS value tool. Or, explore the latest fantasy football player rankings.

Quarterbacks

Matthew Stafford (LAR) vs. ARI

DraftKings: $6,400 | FanDuel: $7,800

A less-than-rich-man’s Josh Allen, minus the rushing ability, but Stafford’s much cheaper and has scored nearly 26 DK points in three of his four games this season. He’s also thrown over 50 passes in his last three. He should have another strong fantasy outing, with the pending matchup against the xx having a 52-point line and the Rams as 12.5-point favorites. The only danger here is the game script, should the Rams jump out to a big early lead.

Also consider: DeShaun Watson (CLE) in DK at $4.9K

“Watson still hasn’t been elite for fantasy purposes, but he’s dirt cheap at just $4,900 on DraftKings. That’s just $100 more than Jalon Daniels and Cam Ward, and Watson has more upside than both.” — Matt LaMarca, Fantasy Labs

Running Backs

Rhamondre Stevenson (NE) vs. NYJ

DraftKings: $6,000 | FanDuel: $6,300

With TreVeyon Henderson injured, Stevenson will carry the backfield for New England, a team that is starting to put things together offensively after a very slow start to the season. Expect plenty of touches in this one, with the Patriots favored by 7.5 points against the Jets.

Also consider: Braelon Allen (NYJ) in DK at 5.7K and FD at $6.2K

“This is a sneaky good spot for Allen, who will serve as the lead back again this week as Breece Hall remains out. The Patriots rank 24th against the run in DVOA, but they rank 30th in line yards allowed, which tells me that opposing offensive lines are opening holes and creating opportunities.” — Dan Paylo, RotoBaller.com

Wide Receivers

Malik Nabers (NYG) vs. NO | DraftKings: $6,500/FanDuel: $7,800 — You’d be forgiven for writing off Nabers after his slow start and the loss of Jaxson Dart at quarterback, but he’s topped 26 DK points in each of his last two games. Jameis Winston targeted him 20 times last week, and with the Giants the underdogs against the Saints, the game script should favor him again this week.

Also consider: Xavier Worthy (KC) in DK at $4.6K and in FD at 6.1K

“The last time Worthy got a chance to work as the team’s top WR was during the 2025 postseason, when he compiled 19 catches for 287 yards and three TDs. … the Chargers have had more than their fair share of missed assignments leading to big opposing plays … en route to an 0-5 start.” — Sasha Yodashkin, RotoWire

Tight Ends

Chart metrics explained

FPPG - The player’s fantasy points per game scored so far in 2025, based on the respective DFS platform (see DraftKings and FanDuel scoring rules).

DvP - Stands for Defense vs. Position. The higher the rank (i.e. 1), the better the defense is, and therefore, the worse the fantasy matchup is for the player.

Value - A metric projecting how much return on investment a player will deliver, based on their salary and projected performance (Proj.)

I’ll publish weekly player rankings on Thursday during the 2026 NFL season, and update them as often as I can up until the first games kick off on Sunday. These are just for half-PPR scoring, but you can view the latest rankings for all scoring formats here.

Here are this week’s DraftKings and FanDuel top value plays for Sunday’s main slate, including projected points and value based on salary. I’ve also included notes on a few of these players, including Jacoby Brissett, Jaylen Warren, and D.K. Metcalf.

Learn more about the metrics used in the charts and see where more players rank, including tight ends and D/STs, by checking out the full, sortable DFS value tool. Or, explore the latest fantasy football player rankings.

Quarterbacks

Jacoby Brissett (ARI) vs. DET | DraftKings: $5,500/FanDuel: $6,700 — There’s plenty to love about Brissett at this price, with the Lions-Cardinals game having a Sunday slate-high 54.5-point total, and the Lions allowing the most DraftKings points to the position through the first four weeks. Brissett has thrown at least 35 passes in three of these weeks, so the math adds up here. Brissett-Wilson will be a popular stack this weekend.

Also consider: Jared Goff (DET) in DK at $6.6K and FD at $8.1K

“(Jared) Goff has exceeded salary-based expectations on FanDuel in each of his last three games … He is the second-most expensive QB on DraftKings and the third-most on FanDuel, but he makes the most sense as a pay-up play due to his ceiling against the Cardinals.” — Zach Thompson, Fantasy Labs

Running Backs

Jaylen Warren (PIT) vs. IND | DraftKings: $6,700/FanDuel: $6,700 — Rico Dowdle practiced in a limited fashion all week, and looks likely to return to the field. But don’t be surprised if he’s eased back, given how well Warren has held the fort down. He’s totaled 220 rushing yards and 82 receiving yards over the last two weeks, and is averaging 15.0 DK points per game on the season. It’s a good matchup as well against the Colts, who’ve yielded the eighth-most DK points to backs this season.

Also consider: Braelon Allen (NYJ) in DK and FD at $5.9K; Chase Brown (CIN) in DK at $6.9K

“(Chase) Brown‘s likely to retain an elevated role in the passing game if at least one of (Ja’Marr) Chase or (Tee) Higgins sits against a Dolphins defense that has allowed a league-high four receiving TDs to RBs.” — Sasha Yodashkin, RotoWire

Wide Receivers

DK Metcalf (PIT) vs. IND | DraftKings: $5,400/FanDuel: $6,800 — Metcalf leads the Steelers with 33 targets, and is coming off of 115 yards on five receptions last week. With Michael Pittman Jr. expected to be sidelined for several weeks, and Aaron Rodgers playing well (290+ yards and three TDs in back-to-back games), Metcalf is likely to see his salary jump in the coming weeks.

Also consider: Michael Wilson (ARI) in FD at $6.4K; Romeo Doubs (NE) in DK at $5K

“With A.J. Brown and now Mack Hollins injured, (Romeo) Doubs has become the focal point of New England’s passing attack. … Expect Doubs to be featured against a Raiders defense that’s permitted 100-yard games to wideouts in back-to-back weeks.” — Justin Boone, Yahoo! Sports

Tight Ends

Isaiah Likely (NYG) at WAS | DraftKings: $4,300/FanDuel: $5,300 — Despite the loss of Jaxson Dart, Likely remains a key cog in the Giants’ passing game and leads the team with 35 targets. Washington has allowed tight ends to hit paydirt in each of their first four games.

Also consider: Sam LaPorta (DET) in DK at $4.9K

Chart metrics explained

FPPG - The player’s fantasy points per game scored so far in 2025, based on the respective DFS platform (see DraftKings and FanDuel scoring rules).

DvP - Stands for Defense vs. Position. The higher the rank (i.e. 1), the better the defense is, and therefore, the worse the fantasy matchup is for the player.

Value - A metric projecting how much return on investment a player will deliver, based on their salary and projected performance (Proj.)

I’ll publish weekly player rankings on Thursday during the 2026 NFL season, and update them as often as I can up until the first games kick off on Sunday. These are just for half-PPR scoring, but you can view the latest rankings for all scoring formats here.

Here are this week’s DraftKings and FanDuel top value plays for Sunday’s main slate, including projected points and value based on salary. I’ve also included notes on a few of these players, including C.J. Stroud, Christian McCaffrey, and Michael Wilson.

Learn more about the metrics used in the charts and see where more players rank, including tight ends and D/STs, by checking out the full, sortable DFS value tool. Or, explore the latest fantasy football player rankings.

Quarterbacks

Trevor Lawrence (JAC) at CIN | DraftKings: $5,900/FanDuel: $7,900 — The Jaguars/Bengals game has the highest projected plus/minus of Sunday’s main slate, and Lawrence has averaged 23.5 DraftKings points through the first three weeks of the season. “Lawrence remains under $6,000 on DraftKings and has the slate’s highest projected Plus/Minus,” writes Tyler Schmidt of FantasyLabs.com.

C.J. Stroud (HOU) vs. DAL | DraftKings: $5,700/FanDuel: $7,000 — Others might be scared off by his poor showing last week (167 yards and a touchdown), but we’re not too far removed from Week 2 when he put up 353 passing yards on 55 passes. With Nico Collins back and a good matchup lined up, Stroud is a sneaky value play this week.

Running Backs

Christian McCaffrey (SF) vs. DEN | DraftKings: $7,700/FanDuel: $8,800 — The words McCaffrey and value are rarely ever used in the same sentence, but health concerns have him at a season-low $7,700 on DraftKings. He appears healthy enough heading into Week 4, and with the 49ers offense humming, having topped 35 points in each of the last two games, it’s a good time to take advantage of McCaffrey’s discounted price.

Chase Brown (CIN) vs. JAC | DraftKings: $6,100/FanDuel: $7,600 — Here’s another way to take advantage of the projected high-scoring affair mentioned above. While Brown hasn’t been lighting the fantasy world on fire, the usage has been there, so it’s likely just a matter of time before he produces more consistently.

Wide Receivers

Parker Washington (JAC) at CIN | DraftKings: $6,500/FanDuel: $7,100 — His salary is up by $500 in DK, but Jacksonville’s top receiver is still a bargain, especially in this likely high-scoring matchup. Washington now ranks third in expected fantasy points per route run. A Lawrence-Washington stack is obviously tempting this week.

Michael Wilson (ARI) at NYG | DraftKings: $5,500/FanDuel: $6,200 — After a big Week 3 jump in target share (35% compared to around 20% in the first two weeks), which he turned into 11 catches for 89 yards and a touchdown, Wilson could very likely be emerging at Arizona’s top WR. His salary still doesn’t reflect this, so take advantage while you can at this price.

Chart metrics explained

FPPG - The player’s fantasy points per game scored so far in 2025, based on the respective DFS platform (see DraftKings and FanDuel scoring rules).

DvP - Stands for Defense vs. Position. The higher the rank (i.e. 1), the better the defense is, and therefore, the worse the fantasy matchup is for the player.

Value - A metric projecting how much return on investment a player will deliver, based on their salary and projected performance (Proj.)

I’ll publish weekly player rankings on Thursday during the 2026 NFL season, and update them as often as I can up until the first games kick off on Sunday. These are just for half-PPR scoring, but you can view the latest rankings for all scoring formats here.

Rankings Updated: Oct. 4, 2026, 4:31 am EST

Here are this week’s DraftKings and FanDuel top value plays for Sunday’s main slate, including projected points and value based on salary. I’ve also included some notes on a few of these players, who this week include Patrick Mahomes, Ashton Jeanty, and Parker Washington.

You can learn more about the metrics used in the charts and see where more players rank, including tight ends and D/STs, by checking out the full, sortable DFS value tool. Or, explore the latest fantasy football player rankings.

Quarterbacks

Tyler Shough (NO) vs. LV | DraftKings: $5,400/FanDuel: $7,500 — The N.F.L.’s leader in passing yards and fantasy’s QB5 through two games, he’s still a major steal in DraftKings. He doesn’t have the track record to be fully trusted, and Week 2 wasn’t as pretty as Week 1, but in DK especially, he’s tough to pass up in the Saints’ home opener.

Patrick Mahomes (KC) at MIA | DraftKings: $6,200/FanDuel: $8,100 — Mahomes threw back the clock last week with 382 yards and three TDs. Do not expect that every week, but the Chiefs may really be back in terms of an offensive power, with Kenneth Walker providing a legit ground game. It’s a great price for a former stud on the rebound.

Running Backs

Ashton Jeanty (LV) at NO | DraftKings: $7,100/FanDuel: $7,700 — Not exactly a salary-saver, but this pick should pay dividends, and you might not get him this cheap again for a while. Jeanty has quieted concerns of a timeshare with preseason darling Mike Washington, posting an 84% carry share in Week 2. You’ll want him in this matchup against the Saints.

Aaron Jones (MIN) at TB| DraftKings: $5,900/FanDuel: $6,200 — Let’s try this one again. He didn’t come through in a fantasy sense last week, though he still put up 100+ rushing yards in bad weather and while playing through a knee injury. By all accounts, he’s healthy this week, and his price is already rising, but he’s still in bargain territory for someone coming off of an 82% snap share.

Wide Receivers

Parker Washington (JAC) vs. NE | DraftKings: $6,000/FanDuel: $7,100 — He’s established himself as the clear top WR in Jacksonville and a consensus top-10 fantasy WR this week. Neither of these things is reflected in his Week 3 DFS salaries. Coming off of 12 targets, he should see plenty of volume most games this season.

Garrett Wilson (NYJ) at DET | DraftKings: $6,300/FanDuel: $7,300 — Detroit is getting crushed by opposing passing games through two weeks, allowing a receiver to top 140-plus yards in each game, and a total of six passing touchdowns. If you’re looking for a Jets WR to take advantage of this, Wilson is your guy, but also consider Adonai Mitchell, who is a true bargain at $4,300 on DraftKings and is coming off of 12 targets in Week 2.

Chart metrics explained

FPPG - The player’s fantasy points per game scored so far in 2025, based on the respective DFS platform (see DraftKings and FanDuel scoring rules).

DvP - Stands for Defense vs. Position. The higher the rank (i.e. 1), the better the defense is, and therefore, the worse the fantasy matchup is for the player.

Value - A metric projecting how much return on investment a player will deliver, based on their salary and projected performance (Proj.)

I’ll publish weekly player rankings on Thursday during the 2026 NFL season, and update them as often as I can up until the first games kick off on Sunday. These are just for half-PPR scoring, but you can view the latest rankings for all scoring formats here.

Rankings Updated: Sep. 26, 2026, 9:03 am EST

Here are this week’s DraftKings and FanDuel top value plays for Sunday’s main slate, including projected points and value based on salary. I’ve also included some notes on a few of these players, who this week include Brock Purdy, Javonte Williams, and Terry McLaurin.

You can learn more about the metrics used in the charts and see where more players rank, including tight ends and D/STs, by checking out the full, sortable DFS value tool. Or, explore the latest fantasy football player rankings.

Quarterbacks

Carson Wentz (MIN) at CHI | DraftKings: $4,600/FanDuel: $7,000 — With Kyler Murray ruled out with a concussion, Wentz will be behind center with a bargain-basement price tag. Consider stacking him with Justin Jefferson in a game with one of the higher point-total over/unders this week (48.5).

Brock Purdy (SF) vs. MIA | DraftKings: $6,200/FanDuel: $8,100 — Coming off of a sharp three-touchdown performance in Week 1, Purdy has a chance for at least three more against the Dolphins. Miami got lit up by Kirk Cousins for three TDs last week.

Running Backs

Aaron Jones (MIN) at CHI | DraftKings: $5,100/FanDuel: $5,900 — Another Viking whose fantasy value gets a boost via an injured teammate (Jordan Mason), Jones should get enough touches in what could be a shootout to make him more than worth his tiny salary this week.

Javonte Williams (DAL) vs. WAS | DraftKings: $6,400/FanDuel: $7,400 — Expect Williams to be fed well again in Week 2 after an impressive showing (24.2 DK pts.) in the opener that included five catches and a touchdown. “Williams has a phenomenal role in this Cowboys’ offense and has the third-highest projected Plus/Minus at the running back position this week,” writes Tyler Schmidt of Fantasy Labs.

Wide Receivers

Matthew Golden (GB) at NYJ | DraftKings: $4,700/FanDuel: $5,900 — He’s coming off a 2026 debut where he secured six of 12 targets for 95 yards, which bodes well for being a go-to target this season for Green Bay. His 82% snap share indicates he’s in a good position to hold off Jayden Reed on the depth chart moving forward.

Terry McLaurin (WAS) at DAL | DraftKings: $5,200/FanDuel: $6,200 — The Dallas secondary looked just as bad last week as it did in 2025, which gives a healthy Jayden Daniels and company a chance to produce more than they did against a stout Eagles defense in Week 1.

Chart metrics explained

FPPG - The player’s fantasy points per game scored so far in 2025, based on the respective DFS platform (see DraftKings and FanDuel scoring rules).

DvP - Stands for Defense vs. Position. The higher the rank (i.e. 1), the better the defense is, and therefore, the worse the fantasy matchup is for the player.

Value - A metric projecting how much return on investment a player will deliver, based on their salary and projected performance (Proj.)

I’ll publish weekly player rankings on Thursday during the 2026 NFL season, and update them as often as I can up until the first games kick off on Sunday. These are just for half-PPR scoring, but you can view the latest rankings for all scoring formats here.

Rankings Updated: Sep. 20, 2026, 12:03 pm EST

I’ll publish weekly player rankings on Thursday during the 2026 NFL season, and update them as often as I can up until the first games kick off on Sunday. These are just for half-PPR scoring, but you can view the latest rankings for all scoring formats here.

Rankings Updated: Sep. 13, 2026, 10:53 am EST

Below is my latest attempt to rank expected fantasy football performance for the 2026 NFL season. These are just for half-PPR scoring, but you can view the latest rankings for all scoring formats here.

Rankings will update regularly until the season kicks off. More soon.

Rankings Updated: Sep. 7, 2026, 4:10 pm EST

But there’s plenty of stats and more circumstantial evidence out there to help make some educated guesses, so here’s a quick overview of the top fantasy players to know at wide receiver before your draft.

Average draft positions (ADP) cited courtesy of fantasypros.com and based on PPR scoring leagues. ECR ranking represents the average ranking of fantasypros.com experts.

Complete WR rankings: The latest list for your 2026 fantasy drafts.

Wide Receiver Sleepers

Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts

Current ADP: WR45 | ECR ranking: WR42 | My ranking: WR36

Downs may finally get the full-time role fantasy managers have been waiting for. Michael Pittman Jr.’s departure creates more opportunities, and coach Shane Steichen has indicated that Downs will see additional work in two-receiver sets. He’s commanded targets on 23.9% of his routes over his first three seasons, so 120-plus targets is well within reach if he stays on the field.

Stefon Diggs, Washington Commanders

Current ADP: WR42 | ECR ranking: WR41 | My ranking: WR38

Don’t write Diggs off just yet (or dig his grave, even). He topped 1,000 receiving yards last season despite playing only 55% of New England’s offensive snaps, and he now steps into the slot role vacated by the Deebo Samuel. A larger snap share should provide an immediate boost, while more under-center play-action from Jayden Daniels could give Diggs another source of efficient targets.

Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers

Current ADP: WR53 | ECR ranking: WR55 | My ranking: WR49

Speak of the devil… Back in San Francisco after one season in Washington, Samuel returns to the very system that put him on the fantasy map. He was still the WR29 in points per game last season, and injuries throughout the 49ers’ skill group could create more opportunities than expected. If Samuel can establish himself behind Mike Evans in the receiving pecking order, there’s plenty of value left, especially given Evans’ health concerns (see below).

Also worth considering: Jalen Nailor (LV); Rashid Shaheed (SEA)

Wide Receiver Breakouts

Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers

Current ADP: WR16 | ECR ranking: WR19 | My ranking: WR15

After a disappointing 2025, the ingredients are there for a McConkey rebound, and then some. New coach Mike McDaniel’s emphasis on motion and quick looks in the passing game seems tailor-made for his skill set, while Keenan Allen’s departure frees up 122 targets. With a healthier offensive line, the still-only 24-year-old McConkey is likely to put any lingering bust chatter to rest.

Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers

Current ADP: WR29| ECR ranking: WR27 | My ranking: WR22

The only thing potentially holding Watson back is, of course, his health. Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks are gone, clearing targets in Green Bay’s receiving corps, while Josh Jacobs’ suspension could push the Packers toward the pass. Watson finally has a path to becoming the unquestioned No. 1 receiver.

Also worth targeting: Zay Flowers (BAL); Rome Odunze (CHI)

Wide Receiver Busts

Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs

Current ADP: WR14 | ECR ranking: WR15 | My ranking: WR17

Rice’s draft price leaves little room for things to go wrong, which isn’t great news for those still bullish. His production has relied heavily on short targets and yards after the catch, with his 4.69 air yards per target ranking only 112th since 2023. Some suggest Walker’s addition may very well put more emphasis on a traditional running attack, and less on dump-and-run, which would hit his production hard. Lingering availability concerns due to health and off-the-field issues raise further red flags.

Mike Evans, San Francisco 49ers

Current ADP: WR28| ECR ranking: WR30 | My ranking: WR30

Evans may make this prediction look foolish when healthy, but health has been in short supply. Now 33, he’s missed 12 games over the past two seasons and struggled to stay on the field throughout camp. His fit in Kyle Shanahan’s two-receiver-heavy offense remains intriguing, though, making Evans less of a player to avoid entirely and more of a worthwhile gamble if he falls far enough into WR3 territory.

Also be wary of: Malik Nabers (NYG); Garrett Wilson (NYJ)

And now, without further delay: from overlooked veterans and high-upside handcuffs, along with a couple of popular picks worth approaching carefully, here’s a quick overview of the top fantasy players to know at running back.

Average draft positions (ADP) cited courtesy of fantasypros.com and based on PPR scoring leagues. ECR ranking represents the average ranking of fantasypros.com experts.

Complete RB rankings: The latest list for your 2026 fantasy drafts.

Running Back Sleepers

Kenneth Gainwell, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Current ADP: RB40 | ECR ranking: RB38 | My ranking: RB34

Gainwell finally got a proper opportunity in Pittsburgh last season and made the most of it, topping 1,000 scrimmage yards with 73 catches. From Week 8 on, he averaged 17.8 fantasy points on 13.3 touches per game. He comes to Tampa Bay with Rachaad White gone and new coordinator Zac Robinson bringing a track record of heavily targeting running backs, making Gainwell a potentially sneaky PPR value back.

Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers

Current ADP: RB34 | ECR ranking: RB30 | My ranking: RB23

Brooks entered the NFL as a second-round pick after rushing for 1,139 yards in just 11 games during his final season at Texas, but injuries have kept his pro career from getting going. Rico Dowdle is gone, however, leaving Chuba Hubbard and A.J. Dillon as his primary competition. Brooks has the talent to eventually emerge as Carolina’s best back.

Mike Washington Jr., Las Vegas Raiders

Current ADP: RB43 | ECR ranking: RB49 | My ranking: RB43

Washington’s preseason performance offered a glimpse of why he’s one of the more intriguing handcuffs available. He flashed big-play ability during his final college season, ranking 17th in breakaway rate, and could provide some deep-flex appeal even alongside Ashton Jeanty. But if Jeanty misses time, Washington suddenly has the kind of opportunity that could make him a weekly difference-maker.

Also worth considering: Keaton Mitchell (LAC); Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS)

Running Back Breakouts

Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns

Current ADP: RB20 | ECR ranking: RB22 | My ranking: RB18

Judkins handled 230 carries for 827 yards and seven touchdowns as a rookie, but his 3.6 yards per carry came behind one of the league’s worst offensive lines. Cleveland responded by overhauling the unit this offseason, giving Judkins a much better environment for Year 2. Add underrated receiving ability and a path toward 300 total touches, and there’s plenty of room for a significant fantasy leap.

Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars

Current ADP: RB25 | ECR ranking: RB23 | My ranking: RB21

The path is wide open for Tuten to take control of Jacksonville’s backfield following Travis Etienne Jr.’s departure. He brings legitimate home-run speed (see 4.32-second 40 at the combine, along with the explosiveness and goal-line ability to thrive in Liam Coen’s offense. If Jacksonville scores as often as expected, Tuten could find himself attached to one of fantasy’s most valuable workloads.

Also worth targeting: Kenneth Walker (KC)

Running Back Busts

David Montgomery, Houston Texans

Current ADP: RB21 | ECR ranking: RB21 | My ranking: RB24

Montgomery’s move to Houston looks more like a fantasy downgrade than a fresh start. His efficiency had already deteriorated during his final season in Detroit, including just three broken tackles on 182 touches. Now he joins a less explosive offense where Woody Marks should command a significant share of the carries and most of the receiving work. The volume may simply not be there.

Cam Skattebo, New York Giants

Current ADP: RB18 | ECR ranking: RB20 | My ranking: RB25

The G-Men’s crowded backfield makes last season’s pre-injury workload difficult to project again. The Giants were already splitting work nearly evenly between Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy Jr. early in camp, and veterans Najee Harris and Devin Singletary are potentially further mouths to feed. Throw in the potential loss of receiving and short-yardage opportunities, and his return from a significant leg injury, and there are plenty of reasons for caution.

Also be wary of: De’Von Achane (MIA), Bucky Irving (TB)

Here’s a quick overview of the top fantasy players to know at quarterback, including the sleepers, breakouts and busts to have on your radar heading into the 2026 season.

Average draft positions (ADP) cited courtesy of fantasypros.com and based on PPR scoring leagues. ECR ranking represents the average ranking of fantasypros.com experts.

Complete QB rankings: The latest list for your 2026 fantasy drafts.

Quarterback Sleepers

Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints

Current ADP: QB21 | ECR ranking: QB20 | My ranking: QB17

Shough surprised many by his usefulness after taking over the starting job in Week 9, ranking as the QB12 in fantasy points per game the rest of the season. He showed a very solid and consistent floor, topping 17 fantasy points in each of his final six starts. With No. 8 overall pick Jordyn Tyson joining Chris Olave, Shough should have enough weapons to keep that momentum going.

Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings

Current ADP: QB17 | ECR ranking: QB17 | My ranking: QB14

It’s easy to forget just how productive Murray once was for fantasy managers. He averaged at least 20.3 fantasy points in each of his first four seasons and has never averaged fewer than 30 rushing yards per game, even while falling out of the top tiers in recent years. A move to Minnesota and a receiving corps featuring Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson give him a real shot at a resurgence.

Malik Willis, Miami Dolphins

Current ADP: QB20 | ECR ranking: QB21 | My ranking: QB18

If you’re hunting for upside late in drafts, Willis is an ideal target. While the sample size is small, he was the QB6 across his two starts last season despite ranking just 20th in passing yards over that stretch, a reminder of how valuable his legs can be. Willis offers legitimate top-12 upside without requiring anything close to a top-12 investment.

Also worth considering: Cam Ward (TEN); Bo Nix (DEN)

Quarterback Breakouts

Jaxson Dart, New York Giants

Current ADP: QB9 | ECR ranking: QB11 | My ranking: QB7

Depending on how you define breakout, it may have already started. Dart averaged 20.13 fantasy points across his 12 starts as a rookie, despite losing his top receiver, Malik Nabers, and RB1, Cam Skattebo, to injuries soon after taking over. He also rushed for 487 yards and nine touchdowns, giving him the kind of dual-threat upside fantasy managers covet. With Nabers and Skattebo back, plus Isaiah Likely and reinforcements along the offensive line, Dart has all the ingredients for a monster sophomore season.

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

Current ADP: QB7 | ECR ranking: QB7 | My ranking: QB6

Williams made a sizable leap in his first season under Ben Johnson, increasing his fantasy scoring by 3.4 points per game while setting a Bears record with 3,942 passing yards. Another year in Johnson’s offense should only help. If Williams can build on the three rushing touchdowns he added last season, his fantasy ceiling starts getting awfully interesting.

Also worth targeting: Trevor Lawrence (JAC); Brock Purdy (SF)

Quarterback Busts

Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

Current ADP: QB2 | ECR ranking: QB2 | My ranking: QB2

Nobody is questioning Jackson’s place in the quarterback top tier, but his declining rushing volume should give fantasy managers some pause at his likely price. He averaged just 5.2 carries and 26.8 rushing yards per game last season, roughly half his previous career norms as a starter. After falling from the QB1 in 2024 to QB20 last season amid multiple injuries, Jackson suddenly comes with more risk than we’re accustomed to.

Drake Maye, New England Patriots

Current ADP: QB3 | ECR ranking: QB3 | My ranking: QB3

Maye was fantastic last season, finishing as fantasy’s QB2, but he also benefited from about as friendly a schedule as possible. New England avoided every top-10 scoring defense while playing eight games against bottom-nine squads. This year brings the fifth-hardest schedule for passing, and the Patriots should remain a run-oriented offense. Drafting Maye at last year’s production level could be asking for trouble.

Also be wary of: Jayden Daniels (WAS); Patrick Mahomes (KC)

Free tool: Mock draft simulator

Prepare for your fantasy football draft, no matter your league setup, with our fantasy football mock draft simulator. This is a free tool available to all paying subscribers of 5th Down Fantasy.

To access, click here.

Before football wraps up for the season, I just wanted to thank you all for subscribing. I’ll be coming back at you soon with draft rankings for the 2026 season and a new slate of stat-driven tools to help you with your off-season research, so stay tuned and hope your Super Bowl is a fun one!

— Justin

📋 Latest player rankings

Rankings Updated: Feb. 7, 2026, 3:32 pm ET

Please note: I’ll only be providing rankings for PPR scoring formats during the NFL playoffs.

💸 DraftKings value ranks: Super Bowl LX

View the latest projections and value rankings for DraftKings and FanDuel.

Rankings Updated: Jan. 24, 2026, 5:20 pm ET

Please note: I’ll only be providing rankings for PPR scoring formats during the NFL playoffs.

💸 DraftKings value ranks: Two-game slate

View the latest projections and value rankings for DraftKings and FanDuel.

Rankings Updated: Jan. 17, 2026, 11:04 am ET

Please note: I’ll only be providing rankings for PPR scoring formats during the NFL playoffs.

💸 DraftKings value ranks (Flex): Four-game slate

View the latest projections and value rankings for DraftKings and FanDuel.

Rankings Updated: Jan. 9, 2026, 2:58 pm ET

Please note: I’ll only be providing rankings for PPR scoring formats during the NFL playoffs.

💸 DraftKings value ranks (Flex): Six-game slate

View the latest projections and value rankings for DraftKings and FanDuel.