High-Upside Fantasy Football Players by ADP (2026)

Looking at ADP in fantasy football is important for understanding a player’s value. Our Featured Pros highlight the high-upside targets they believe have the potential to dramatically outperform their draft cost and become difference-makers in 2026.

High-Upside Fantasy Football Players by ADP (2026)

Running Backs

Which RB comes with the most upside at his current positional half-PPR ADP and which player(s) would you pass on with a higher ADP at his position?

D’Andre Swift (RB – CHI)

“Are you looking for the most boring value play on the board? If you answered yes, have you met D’Andre Swift? Swift is the lead back in what is sure to be a solid Chicago Bears offense. Unlike in previous years of his career, when he faced significant backfield competition, this season he has only Kyle Monangai and Roschon Johnson to deal with, and neither is going to take away significant touches. Swift is going off the board as RB24 and 56th overall, while I have him much higher in my own personal rankings at RB17 and 28th overall. Swift is the name with no sex appeal that everyone passes on for the flashier, high-upside names. He has proven that when healthy, he has loads of pass-catching upside. Draft Swift as a solid floor option who will far outproduce his ADP.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)

Bhayshul Tuten (RB – JAC)

“Bhayshul Tuten. At his current Half PPR ADP, he’s one of the few running backs with legitimate league-winning upside. That’s the type of profile I’m willing to bet on. There are good running backs going ahead of him, but I’ll take Tuten over Javonte Williams, Kyren Williams, and Jeremiah Love. Their paths to outperforming ADP feel narrower. Tuten has the combination of opportunity, explosiveness, and ceiling I’m looking for. If I’m drafting in that range, I’d rather swing for a player who can finish as an RB1 than settle for a safer outcome with a lower ceiling.”
– Fantasy Football Goonz (Fantasy Football Goonz)

“Travis Etienne’s departure in free agency opens up the lead RB role in Jacksonville, and I think that could go to Tuten. Bhayshul Tuten is electric on the field. When it comes to Bhayshul “Rootin'” Tuten, his talent is obvious. He’s the fastest RB north, south, east, and west of the Pecos, according to Yosemite Sam Ringo. I would pass on Bucky Irving, Quinshon Judkins, and TreVeyon Henderson for Tuten, whose current ADP at RB 25 seems incredibly cheap. Ringo’s comp: Bhayshul Tuten reminds me of a smaller version of former Bronco and Redskin, Clinton Portis.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)

“There is simply no chance that Bhayshul Tuten finishes lower than RB25, his current ADP. The question is how high Tuten can finish. Yes, Tuten will have to fend off competition early from Chris Rodriguez and even LaQuint Allen for work in the Jags backfield following the departure of Travis Etienne Jr., but all signs are pointing towards Tuten winning this job. Jags HC Liam Coen has already said he expects Tuten to have a “big year”, and with 296 Etienne touches from 2025 up for grabs Tuten is the favorite to claim the majority. Tuten, who could pull off 1,000 and 7-8 rushing scores in 2026, should be deemed a safer investment for fantasy managers than the likes of Bucky Irving and Cam Skattebo, with both carrying significant medical red flags headed into the new season.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

“Since Bhayshul Tuten’s arrival in Jacksonville, the team has traded away Tank Bigsby and let Travis Etienne Jr. walk, adding only Chris Rodriguez Jr., a complementary piece, in the process. Chris Rodriguez is a zero in the passing game, making former 7th-round pick LeQuint Allen Jr. Tuten’s only competition in that department. Last year, Travis Etienne finished as the half-PPR RB12 in points per game despite converting just 2 of his 11 carries inside the 5 into touchdowns, a metric Tuten was 4/6 in. Additionally, Trevor Lawrence may be due for regression after converting 5/9 five-zone carries for scores and totaling a by-far career high 9 rushing TDs. Tuten absolutely has a path finishing as a top 12 RB, something I’d have a hard time seeing less versatile backs such as David Montgomery and Quinshon Judkins accomplish.”
– Charlie Sisian (The Fantasy DC)

Omarion Hampton (RB – LAC)

“Omarion Hampton is one of the few RBs outside the top-5 (RB10 ADP) that have RB1 overall upside. He showed solid pass-catching ability in the last 3 years, including college, and may now be tied to a top-5 offense with high touchdown upside. We have actually seen a solid year 2 jump for many RBs in recent years in production, contrary to popular belief. He is exactly what people think Ashton Jeanty will be this year with a better line, coaching staff, and QB.”
– Justin Weigal (FantasySharks)

Rachaad White (RB – WAS)

“Rachaad White has the most upside for me at his current ADP. White somewhat slid under the radar as a sneaky good pickup for Washington. He comes into a situation with no clear RB1 and already has chemistry with Jayden Daniels. On the flipside, I am avoiding Cam Skattebo at his current ADP.”
– Justin Fuhr (Pro Football Mania)

Blake Corum (RB – LAR)

“Blake Corum comes with the most upside of any RB at his ADP. While Corum is technically listed as the Rams’ second RB on the depth chart, he will see nearly identical snaps to Kyren Williams during the season, which makes Kyren one of the worst upsides at his ADP position. At the end of the day, Kyren will play a drive, then Corum will play the next drive. This sequence will go on all season as the Rams have one goal in mind: to keep both RB’s healthy for a Super Bowl run. I am not drafting either as part of my Draft Guide because predicting who will outperform the other on any given Sunday is the same as tossing a coin.”
– Muntradamus (Beast Dome)

Kenneth Walker III (RB – KC)

“I’ll continue to pound the Kenneth Walker III war drums, such is my excitement for K9 with a workhorse role in an Andy Reid offense. We saw Walker thrive with a heavy load in last season’s playoffs after stablemate Zach Charbonnet tore his ACL. Walker averaged 22.5 touches and 120.8 scrimmage yards over a four-game postseason run, scoring five touchdowns. The Chiefs have been craving explosiveness in their running game, and Walker is a stick of dynamite. It’s exciting to think about Walker’s largely untapped pass-catching potential with Reid, who never met a screen pass he didn’t like. Walker’s ADP is RB11, but I have him ranked RB7 and will be drafting him ahead of De’Von Achane, Saquon Barkley, Chase Brown, and Omarion Hampton.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)

Chase Brown (RB – CIN)

“Chase Brown is currently being drafted in the middle to late second round, but I think he belongs at the end of the first. He has legitimate overall RB1 upside this season after emerging as Cincinnati’s clear lead back in one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses. Brown has the workload, receiving ability, and touchdown potential to finish as the top fantasy running back if everything breaks his way. At his current ADP, I’d rather draft Brown than Saquon Barkley, De’Von Achane, James Cook, or Ashton Jeanty, all of whom are being selected earlier.”
– Brady Auer (BA Sports Podcast)

“Chase Brown is my RB5. Once Joe Burrow returned to the lineup last season, Brown’s production spiked, averaging an impressive 20.6 half-PPR points per game and ranking as the RB3 across Weeks 13-17. Through the last two years, Brown has averaged just shy of 1,000 rushing yards and nearly 1,400 yards from scrimmage. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, the former 5th-round draft pick will be looking to finish 2026 on his highest note to date. List of RBs last season with at least 400 receiving yards and 1,000 rushing yards: CMC, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, De’Von Achane, and Chase Brown. Happily drafting him ahead of Ashton Jeanty and Saquon Barkley.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)

J.K. Dobbins (RB – DEN)

“J.K. Dobbins is a player who worries fantasy owners due to his injury history, but he is the RB1 for the Denver Broncos and is currently ranked at RB34!! For the first 10 weeks of 2025, he averaged 77 yards/game on a Denver offense that is ascending. He comes into this year with a chip on his shoulder, having altered his training regimen to include a focus on flexibility and joint resistance with the goal of reducing injuries due to being able to better absorb impact, and is promising to deliver a full season to the only team that believed in him. At his cost, and as the RB1 for the Broncos, Dobbins could be a draft-day steal that solidifies managers’ RB2 with possibly RB1 spike weeks. His role makes him a player that should outperform higher-drafted running backs in crowded backfields such as Rico Dowdle, Kyle Monangai, Chuba Hubbard, or his running mate RJ Harvey.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

Wide Receivers

Which WR comes with the most upside at his current positional half-PPR ADP and which player(s) would you pass on with a higher ADP at his position?

Zay Flowers (WR – BAL)

“Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers is coming off the board as WR17 and pick 40 overall; O, on the other hand, has him as WR11 and 32nd overall. While a round discrepancy between my own ranks and ADP may not seem like much, it’s a canyon for a high-end receiver. Flowers is the potentially elite receiver on a run-first offense headlined by Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson, so it’s not surprising to see his hype less than you would expect. Flowers is easily the most proven receiver in the Ravens receiving corps and is certain to see a high target volume, well, at least a high target volume by Ravens standards. He is a perfect WR1 for someone who went Robust-RB early in the draft.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)

Romeo Doubs (RB – NE)

“I am jumping all over Romeo Doubs at his current ADP. To me right now his ADP is too low for a receiver they brought in with big expectations. AJ Brown may be the sexy pick to star in New England, but I predict Doubs will have similar numbers. I’m avoiding Mike Evans right now, who is already dealing with injuries.”
– Justin Fuhr (Pro Football Mania)

Christian Watson (WR – GB)

“Christian Watson’s injury history – he’s missed 20 games over four NFL seasons — is the primary reason why he’s being ranked as a midrange WR3 at RB29. I have him ranked WR24 but believe he has WR1 upside. Coming back from a 2024 ACL tear, Watson averaged 17.5 yards per catch, 11.1 yards per target, and 2.28 yards per route run over 10 games last season, producing at a 1,000-yard, 10-TD pace. Watson is 6-foot-4, runs like a gazelle, and has flypaper hands. The Packers have a pared-down WR corps this year, with Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks now playing elsewhere, so Watson should have a robust snap share. He also plays with an excellent passer, Jordan Love. If Watson stays healthy, he’ll absolutely crush his ADP.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)

“Christian Watson has a chance to be a top-12 WR in 2026. He was dominant last season despite coming off a late-season ACL injury. Watson returned to the lineup in Week 8 of 2025 after tearing his ACL late in the 2024 season. Despite coming off a brutal injury, Watson was electric in just 11 games (received an All-Pro vote). He supplanted Romeo Doubs as the WR1 in the Packers’ offense. He was the WR17 in PPG (11.5) to go with a 34% air yard share (totaling over 1,000 air yards). Watson also achieved career highs in both yards and yards per route run. The 27-year-old was also a low-key target hog: never saw fewer than four targets in any contest. Watson led the NFL with 294 deep receiving yards after coming back from his injury (43% deep target share). With Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks gone, Green Bay enters 2026 with the 3rd-most vacated air yards and 4th-most vacated targets in the league, representing a substantial opportunity opening that Watson is well-positioned to absorb if he can stay on the field. And if the reports out of training camp are true about the Packers’ WR deployment (Matthew Golden in the sacrificial X role), Watson could see a career-low average depth of target. That provides him the opportunity for more layup production. I’d take Watson over Jameson Williams, Davante Adams, Luther Burden and Mike Evans.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)

Jalen Nailor (WR – LV)

“Jalen Nailor played in the shadows of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but make no mistake, Nailor is electric in the open field. He’s also a good route runner and has a physicality to his game when it comes to creating YAC (yards after the catch). Nailor is reunited with former Vikings teammate Kirk Cousins in Sin City. Waiting in the wings to take over at QB is the number one overall pick Fernando Mendoza. With an ADP at WR 64, Nailor is pretty much free, and I think based on his talent alone, he outperforms his draft cost in street shoes. I think he’ll do better than Brian Thomas Jr., Calvin Ridley, Jerry Jeudy, and Ladd McConkey in half-PPR. Ringo’s comp: Nailor reminds me a little of former Panther Steve Smith Sr.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)

Emeka Egbuka (WR – TB)

“Emeka Egbuka is currently being drafted as the WR18 in the early fourth round, but I would be comfortable taking him at the end of the second or in the third round. He has the potential to finish as a top-12 fantasy WR, with Mike Evans‘ departure freeing up 61 targets from last season. Baker Mayfield also has room to bounce back after not playing at his highest level last year, which could further elevate Egbuka’s production. I would draft Egbuka ahead of Malik Nabers, Tee Higgins, Zay Flowers, and Tetairoa McMillan, all of whom currently have a higher ADP.”
– Brady Auer (BA Sports Podcast)

“Emeka Egbuka carries top-5 WR potential in 2026, and is one of those players that fantasy managers simply need to move heaven and earth to get. 127 targets in his rookie year, that number stands to go up after the departure of Mike Evans from Tampa Bay. Also consider that Baker Mayfield played the majority of the second half last year; Egbuka now stands out with a clearer pathway to even more targets with a healthy starting quarterback and a schedule that contains plenty of opponents with defensive question marks. Egbuka is worth the selection over the likes of Tet McMillan, Rashee Rice, and Zay Flowers, who are all being selected ahead of him in current ADP.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

“Emeka Egbuka started his NFL career on fire with 445 yards and 5 touchdowns in his first 5 games! Then, during week 6, he suffered a hamstring injury that slowed him for the rest of the season. Gone is Mike Evans, which elevates Egbuka to the WR1 for Tampa Bay. At WR18, he will well outperform his draft spot, surpassing players drafted before him like Zay Flowers and Tetairoa McMillan.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

Jaguars WR Room

“Parker Washington is one of my favorite values at wide receiver because I think the market is underestimating his opportunity. I’m betting on him finishing as Jacksonville’s top target, and if that happens, his current Half PPR ADP won’t last long. At his price, I’m comfortable drafting him ahead of Brian Thomas Jr., Marvin Harrison Jr., and Mike Evans. Those are all talented receivers, but I’m chasing the player I believe has the best chance to outperform his draft cost. Fantasy football is won by identifying tomorrow’s WR1 before everyone else sees it. I think Parker Washington has that kind of upside.”
– Fantasy Football Goonz (Fantasy Football Goonz)

“Brian Thomas Jr. – 2024’s WR4, a former first-round pick who is just 24 years old, is available at a WR31 cost; need I say more? Currently, BTJ and Parker Washington are being drafted behind Luther Burden and Rome Odunze, despite the Jaguars being projected for more passing yards by Vegas and the Bears’ WRs having the threat of Colston Loveland – that seems like a market inefficiency. Over the course of the 2025 season, BTJ accumulated wrist, shoulder, and ankle injuries, recently claiming “it doesn’t hurt to run” anymore. The wrist injury may explain why, among WRs with at least 60 targets, BTJ ranked second in drop rate (10.99%) in 2025, over double his 2024 rate of 5.26%, a stat that doesn’t correlate year to year regardless. Thomas is priced around WRs we are hoping to see a breakout from (Ex., Odunze, Watson, Tate, Harrison Jr.), despite having already broken out himself. I’m also comfortably taking him over a 33-year-old Davante Adams that will likely experience TD regression after the Rams threw nearly as many scores in 2025 (46) as 2024 and 2023 combined (48).”
– Charlie Sisian (The Fantasy DC)

“Parker Washington, Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers all have terrible upside at their ADP. When Travis Hunter went down last year, Parker Washington really started to step up his game, and they added Jakobi Meyers at the same time. Well, now Travis Hunter is healthy, and Brenton Strange, who missed a handful of games, is healthy as well. All three WRs (Washington/Thomas/Myers) will all struggle to show consistent upside for their ADP with so many mouths to feed in the Jaguars offense.”
– Muntradamus (Beast Dome)

Tight Ends

Which TE comes with the most upside at his current positional half-PPR ADP and which player(s) would you pass on with a higher ADP at his position?

Kyle Pitts Sr. (TE – ATL)

“After comparing my own rankings to ADP, I came to the startling revelation that I’m the Kyle Pitts guy! What a terrifying thought for a player whom I have been way lower on since his rookie season. It seems as though the ADPs of the tight ends I have ranked above him are so out of control that he is simply the best value because of the drop in ADP for his range in the tight end tiers. Pitts is currently TE7 and 70th overall in ADP, which is the only one of the top 10 tight ends that is actually a value compared to where I have them ranked. It looks like I will be punting tight end this year in most leagues in favor of late dart throws or Pitts. I have Pitts ranked as TE4 and 52nd overall. While Pitts certainly isn’t a player I’m going to be clamoring for, he may be the only top 10 tight end who I may realistically draft. As I’ve stated, my case isn’t for Kyle Pitts; it’s against paying up for the tight ends above him in ADP. Take the discount tight end in Pitts and load up on receivers and workhorse backs instead of a fancier name at the position.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)

Dallas Goedert (TE – PHI)

“Dallas Goedert. He’s my favorite tight end value at his current Half PPR ADP. With a larger opportunity in the passing game and Sean Mannion taking over as offensive coordinator, I think Goedert is positioned to outperform where he’s being drafted. At his current price, I’m taking him over Dalton Kincaid, Travis Kelce, and Kyle Pitts Sr. Those are talented players, but I’m betting on Goedert to provide more value relative to cost. Tight end is usually about finding reliable volume without paying a premium. I think Goedert gives you exactly that, with enough upside to finish well ahead of his ADP.”
– Fantasy Football Goonz (Fantasy Football Goonz)

T.J. Hockenson (TE – MIN)

“I like picking up T.J. Hockenson at his current ADP. It’s a low-risk, high-reward pick for a TE with real upside. If Kyler Murray is the expected starter, which I believe he will be, then Hockenson should get plenty of targets. Murray targeted his TEs a ton in 2025 (47.4%), with Trey McBride getting a majority of them. On the other end, I can’t justify drafting Travis Kelce at his current ADP.”
– Justin Fuhr (Pro Football Mania)

George Kittle (TE – SF)

“George Kittle comes with the highest upside at the TE position with his current ADP, but a lot of risk because of his Achilles injury. If there was one injury that I feel could really hinder a player’s performance, Achilles is probably number one. The player who is going way too high and I want nothing to do with at the position is Colston Loveland. I know Loveland broke out towards the end of last year, but now you are paying the price for that consistently as he is TE3 off the board, and that price is too rich for the pool of talent behind him.”
– Muntradamus (Beast Dome)

Brock Bowers (TE – LV)

“I don’t have much beef with the ADPs of any of the top 15 tight ends, although I think it’s a little silly that Brock Bowers isn’t the unanimous TE1. Bowers’ overall ADP is 20th, and I think he has a good chance to return first-round value with the sort of epic season Trey McBride put together last season — and Bowers can do it without the benefit of the absurdly high team pass volume the Cardinals had last season. As a rookie in 2024, Bowers had 112 catches for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns, finishing TE1 in PPR fantasy scoring while playing with QBs Gardner Minshew, Aidan O’Connell and Desmond Ridder. Bowers was third among ALL pass catchers — tight ends AND wide receivers — in receptions that season, sixth in targets, eighth in receiving yardage. Kirk Cousins, who’ll quarterback the Raiders early in the season, has always been a TE-friendly passer. No. 1 draft pick Fernando Mendoza, who’ll take the helm at some point, will be an upgrade over Cousins. It’s going to be a monster year for Bowers.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)

David Njoku (TE – CLE)

“Njoku sounds like a Japanese word game, but make no mistake, he is explosive and can turn catches into long TDs. The pairing with Justin Herbert and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel could catapult David Njoku into a Top 10 TE. McDaniel is known for having his QBs quickly get the ball out to his playmakers. Remember Jonnu Smith‘s season in Miami a few seasons ago? The same could happen here with Njoku. His current ADP at TE 22 is cheap enough to roll the dice given the talent and situation he’s in. I would pass on Brenton Strange, Kenyon Sadiq, and even his teammate, Oronde Gadsden II, for Njoku. Now, what’s a five-letter word for idiot? Hmnn….R-i-n-g-o. Hey look- it fits, haha!”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)

Chig Okonkwo (TE – WAS)

“Chig Okonkwo is the tight end who comes with the most upside at his current ADP. With 171 targets vacated from the departures of Deebo Samuel and Zach Ertz, there is a massive opportunity available in Washington’s passing attack. During Jayden Daniels‘ rookie season, Ertz was his second-most targeted pass catcher behind Terry McLaurin, and Okonkwo has reportedly emerged as the No. 2 target in training camp behind McLaurin. Currently being drafted as TE19, I believe Okonkwo has a realistic path to finishing as a top-12 tight end. I would take Okonkwo ahead of Brenton Strange, Hunter Henry, and Oronde Gadsden, all of whom are currently being drafted ahead of him.”
– Brady Auer (BA Sports Podcast)

“Should you choose to wait at the tight end position, Chig Okonkwo seems like a textbook target. We’ve seen it take time for highly athletic tight ends to develop in the past (e.g. David Njoku, Vernon Davis). There’s reason to believe Chig, who has an elite size-speed combination, could be next on the list. Chig now finds himself as the potential #2 target in a strong Washington offense that made Zach Ertz the TE7 two years ago. I’d much prefer Okonkwo over Hunter Henry and Brenton Strange, who have a very limited path towards truly breaking out, which is all we should care about when taking a late-round flier.”
– Charlie Sisian (The Fantasy DC)

Greg Dulcich (TE – MIA)

“It is hard to say whether there is true “breakout” potential with Greg Dulcich, but the logic behind him outperforming TE29 is relatively straightforward. Miami needs anyone to catch the football, whoever it is. Dulcich seems to be the clubhouse favorite to lead this team in catches, and for a team that is expected to be not so great (being kind), that volume could propel Dulcich up the TE points standings quickly. While fantasy managers cannot expect Dulcich to blossom into a top-10 option, he could very well become a steady TE2 option, and someone managers could depend on as a volume play over the likes of David Njoku, AJ Barner, and even Chig Okonkwo.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

Dalton Schultz (TE – HOU)

“Dalton Schultz was a tight-end target hog for the Texans last year! He averaged 6.24 targets/game, making him the 6th most targeted tight end, right behind Harold Fannin, Jr. Houston has emphasized improving the offensive line, with numerous new starters, and the backfield by adding top-tier pass protector David Montgomery, both of which will give C.J. Stroud more time in the pocket to target all his pass catchers, including Schultz. With his relationship with C.J. Stroud, target share, and improvements in Houston, it is ludicrous that Schultz is the TE24, and that mis-ranking will show when he outperforms other higher-ranked tight ends such as Kenyon Sadiq, Hunter Henry, and Dalton Kincaid.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)

Isaiah Likely (TE – NYG)

“Isaiah Likely as the TE13. The Ravens opted to sign Mark Andrews to more years rather than extend Likely in the final year of his rookie deal. Likely struggled with injuries to both himself and his QB, which dramatically hurt his 2025 production (along with several oh-so-close TDs that didn’t actually result in scores). Entering free agency and eventually signing with the New York Giants, Likely’s stock is nowhere near where it was at this time last year (TE16 finish in 2024). However, the upside we have seen from Likely when Andrews has missed time in the past – 11 PPG with no Andrews, equivalent to the TE5 in PPG last year – warrants a shot on Likely if he carves out a clear TE1 role with John Harbaugh as his head coach in NY. Harbaugh is one of the biggest Likely stans that there is, so it bodes well for him to receive ample opportunities to post numbers and stats. Likely is ESPN’s 3rd-highest-ranked TE in their receiver score since 2023. He could be the de facto No. 1 target in Big Blue while Malik Nabers ramps up production from his ACL injury. Again, Nabers’ availability doesn’t guarantee the same type of elite production he had before his season-ending injury. Nobody would be surprised if he needs a ramp-up period. In the meantime, Likely could feast. Perfect storm to be “the” late-round tight end you need in 2026. “Likely” taking the Giants TE over the likes of Travis Kelce.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)