Ellis Bryn Johnson | Wed, Aug 19th 2026, 7:37am EDT

5 Safest Players to Draft (2026 Fantasy Football)

Safety first. Well, unless you’re at the Burning Man festival, then it’s third; but for fantasy football, “safety” lies somewhere in the middle. In the end, safety is completely up to the discretion of fantasy managers. Sometimes even the safest players fail to come through for fantasy. Other times, they are exactly what you need to win a championship.

Although championships are decided in Week 17, you need to make it there first. As a result, having some “bust-proof” players to support your team each week is just as important as the players with high volatility. Here are five players that I believe define safety in 2026.

Safest Fantasy Football Players to Draft

Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV)

How can the back on the offense that is projected to be the 28th most points per game (19.2) be one of the safest players? In short, it’s because that player is an incredible talent and saw 87% of the team’s running back carries last year.

Even though 19.2 points per game is not an ideal projection, it would be three points greater than they averaged last season. Even in that terrible environment last year, Jeanty had over 1,300 yards and 10 touchdowns, finishing as the RB13. If he managed to get 10 touchdowns on that miserable offense, we could easily see him reach 12 or more if this offense is only marginally better.

So why would this offense be better? Firstly, they brought in Klint Kubiak from the Super Bowl Champion Seahawks. Kubiak has been on the fast track to becoming one of the best offensive minds in the league. Two years ago, with the Saints, he managed to make lemonade with Derek Carr and company. Last year, he orchestrated one of the most dynamic rushing attacks in the league, ultimately leading Kenneth Walker to a Super Bowl MVP accolade.

The team has also addressed their miserable offensive line from last year. Signing superstar Center Tyler Linderbaum to a massive contract from the Ravens was a great start. They also have Kolton Miller returning from injury. This may not be the best line in the league, but it is a massive step forward from last year.

Finally, the team has a QB tandem of Kirk Cousins and first overall pick Fernando Mendoza. Both of these options should be significantly more effective than Geno Smith was last year. They also have Brock Bowers fully healthy, which is a massive addition to the offense as a whole.

With all of that said, if Jeanty sees another 80% plus rush share, and stays involved in the passing game, any offense upgrade will be gravy to his fantasy production.

Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR – DET)

When you have three consecutive WR3 seasons, you might be rivaling the safest pick in all of fantasy. That’s exactly what ARSB has done over the last three years, and there is no reason he can’t make it four.

When you are connected to a high-flying Lions offense and have perfected the art of creating separation, you are going to be good for fantasy. This season, the Lions are once again boasting a mediocre defense and elite offense. Heading into the season, they are tied with the Bills for the second most projected points per game. With Jahmyr Gibbs, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta complementing him, it’s no surprise there’ll be plenty of points to go around.

In each of his last three seasons, he has had double-digit touchdowns and over 1,250 yards. Last year, he also had the second most targets behind only Ja’Marr Chase. When Jared Goff is a walking 4500-yard passer, passing that mark each of the last three seasons, you couldn’t ask for a better situation.

With the potential suspension issues of Puka Nacua, and likely regression of the Seahawks offense, saying ARSB is the WR2 this season shouldn’t be a hot take.

Chase Brown (RB – CIN)

Much like ARSB, Chase Brown finds himself in the perfect situation for the third consecutive year. Coming out of London, Ontario, the fourth-year RB is primed for his third straight top-12 RB season.

The Bengals’ offense could be nuclear this season. Not only are they projected to score the fourth most points per game (26.0), but they also have the best offensive line they’ve had in years. After extending Dalton Risner and Amarius Mims looking like a potential star at Right Tackle, we may finally see above-average line play for this offense.

The line and potent offense alone make Brown a safe pick for fantasy. In case that isn’t enough, he also has a very safe workload. In 2024 to 2025, he had 229 and 232 rushes, respectively, with a difference of only 29 rushing yards. He also had 11 total touchdowns in both seasons. His pass catching has also taken a step forward; from 2024 to 2025, he saw an increase of 23 targets, going from 65 to 88. His 88 targets last year were the fourth most at the position, only behind Christian McCaffrey, Bijan Robinson, and Jahmyr Gibbs. That’s a pretty good place to be.

He may not be as talented as the elite backs, but he is a very good player in one of the best offensive environments.

Travis Kelce (TE – KC)

The big caveat here is Kelce’s age. However, even at 36-years-old, I still believe he can be one of the safest fantasy football selections. Sometimes being safe isn’t the most glamorous. Travis Kelce’s best years are well behind him, but he can still provide value for fantasy. The only difference is that he does not have the upside to finish as the TE1 anymore.

That said, if you are comfortable with the TE 5-10, he might be the best bet to finish in that range. Last year, Kelce had clearly taken a step back as a receiver, but still managed to finish as the TE3 on the season. He did this off of consistent volume and yardage, finishing with 106 targets, 851 yards, and five touchdowns.

There is no reason we won’t see a very similar stat line this season. With Xavier Worthy already dealing with a shoulder issue, and Rashee Rice only running in straight lines, Kelce will be a consistent part of this offense each week.

There is also a narrative case for even more upside this season, likely his final season in the league, Kelce currently sits fifth on the all-time TE touchdown list. He is four touchdowns behind Jimmy Graham and eight behind Rob Gronkowski. We all know that Kelce is one to be very cognisant of record and incentives. I wouldn’t be surprised if Patrick Mahomes wills his way past Rob Gronkowski and throws Kelce nine touchdowns this year.

Bo Nix (QB – DEN)

Based on the current reports that Bo Nix will be fully healthy come the start of the season, he instantly becomes a very safe fantasy selection.

Of the non-elite QBs in the league, Nix might be the safest for fantasy. Much like ARSB and Chase Brown, who have consecutive fantasy-friendly seasons, Nix is coming off two straight QB7 finishes. In fact, he and Josh Allen are the only two QBs to have 300 fantasy points in each of the last two seasons.

Do I believe Nix is one of the most talented QBs in the league? Absolutely not. Has he covered my face in egg as I eat crow from a fantasy perspective? Absolutely. Nix has more than shown he is a strong starting QB in the league. Supported by arguably the most well-rounded roster in the league, and it’s hard to see him failing.

Presuming that is the case, he is in an even better situation this season. Adding Jaylen Waddle is not some small improvement. Waddle completely opens up this playbook with his explosive play ability and separation skills. Waddle and Courtland Sutton complement each other’s skillsets perfectly, providing Nix with both a big-bodied red-zone weapon and yards after the catch threat.

We also haven’t addressed Nix’s ability as a rusher. With 92 and 83 rushing attempts, as well as four and five touchdowns, respectively, over the last two seasons. With the addition of Waddle and Jonah Coleman alongside J.K. Dobbins, he may not need to rely on his rushing as much this season. However, knowing that he has that production to fall back on exactly what makes him safe in fantasy.

I struggle to see Nix finishing inside the top five at the position. However, he is lined up for another 3,700-3,900 yards, 25-30 passing touchdowns, with 350 and six on the ground. If he does that, he will be locked in to another QB6-10 finish.

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