Fantasy Football Player Notes
2026 Draft Rankings
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1.
Josh Allen
BUF (vs . NYJ)
Josh Allen has been the QB1 in fantasy points per game in four of the last six seasons, and he's primed to finish atop the mountain again in 2026. The rushing floor and red zone equity remain as Allen has had at least 12 rushing scores and 524 rushing yards in each of the last three seasons. Last year, Allen was third in carries per game and first in red zone carries per game amongst quarterbacks. As a passer, he was still excellent last season. Among 45 qualifying quarterbacks, he was fifth in yards per attempt, third in highly accurate throw rate, and fourth in catchable target rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Allen is a wonderful pick in fantasy drafts again this season.
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2.
Lamar Jackson
BAL (vs . PIT)
Yes, I'm lower than consensus with Lamar Jackson this season, but I fully acknowledge his upside. Prior to 2025, in his previous six seasons, he logged three inside as the QB3 or higher in fantasy points per game (QB3, QB1, QB1), but last season's production was frightening. Last season, in Weeks 9-18, he was the QB20 in fantasy points per game. During that stretch, among 34 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranked 33rd in highly accurate throw rate, 26th in catchable target rate, and 31st in hero throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Jackson is also coming off a career-worst 26.8 rushing yards per game with the second-lowest yards per carry of his career. Can we chalk a lot of that up to his injuries last year? Yes, possibly, but even if he bounces back in this department, the question is how much. Jackson will be operating behind a reworked offensive line with a new offensive playcaller and with a questionable receiving depth chart behind Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews. Could everything gel this season and he be the QB1 in fantasy points per game again? Yep, that's possible, but where he's being drafted is baking in that as a near certainty when it's not. I won't discourage anyone for taking the swing on Jackson in any draft, but I won't be in 2026 unless he slips quite far past his current ADP.
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3.
Drake Maye
NE (vs . MIA)
Drake Maye had a wonderful breakout season last year as the QB3 in fantasy points per game, and he could equal or surpass that this season. This offseason, New England gave Maye new weapons that could take this offense to another level with the additions of Romeo Doubs and A.J. Brown. The Pats were ninth in neutral passing rate last season and could bump that up some more with Doubs and Brown in town. I'm painting the fever dream outcome for Maye, but none of this is impossible or even improbable. Maye will continue to add fantasy points weekly with his legs on top of the passing upside. Last year, Maye was 12th in rushing yards per game and seventh in red zone carries per game among quarterbacks. As a passer, he was outstanding, ranking first in yards per attempt, seventh in highly accurate throw rate, eighth in hero throw rate, and fourth in fantasy points per dropback (per Fantasy Points Data). Maye should be considered a strong top-five fantasy quarterback option with the ability to push Josh Allen for the QB1 spot if everything goes his way in 2026.
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4.
Joe Burrow
CIN (vs . CLE)
Once Joe Burrow returned to the huddle last year, he was the same stud quarterback that we have come to love in fantasy as the QB5 in fantasy points per game. During that stretch (Weeks 13-18), Burrow was 11th in CPOE, third in passing yards per game, second in highly accurate throw rate, and fourth in hero throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). With Burrow back under center, Cincy was fourth in neutral passing rate and seventh in neutral pace. I expect the Bengals to be a fast-paced, pass-happy offense again in 2026. Burrow is a rock-solid QB1 with top-3 upside with two stud wide receivers to lean on weekly.
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5.
Jalen Hurts
PHI (at NYG)
Last year, the Eagles offense hit a rut, and Jalen Hurts finished with his worst season (QB8) in fantasy points per game since becoming the full-time starter in 2021. While Hurts was still heavily involved on the ground near the goal line (fourth in rushing touchdowns and second in red zone carries), he also finished with the second-fewest rushing yards per game (26.3) of his career. There are big-time questions about whether Hurts can bounce back this season after the struggles of last season, the loss of A.J. Brown, and the Eagles transitioning to another new offensive coordinator who could emphasize utilizing the middle of the field. Last year, among 45 qualifying passers, Hurts ranked 20th in yards per attempt, 18th in CPOE, 25th in highly accurate throw rate, and 15th in hero throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). I'll be surprised if his rushing numbers don't rebound. The Eagles still have plenty of receiving talent in-house with DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert, and with their offseason additions of Makai Lemon, Eli Stowers, Dontayvion Wicks, and Hollywood Brown. I'm not shying away from buying the dip with Hurts despite the worries. Hurts has proven doubters wrong time and time again while improving as a player and passer along the way, going all the way back to college. Hurts still has top 3-5 upside in fantasy.
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6.
Jayden Daniels
WAS (vs . DAL)
Jayden Daniels' 2025 season was crushed by injuries. Daniels dealt with a knee sprain, a right hamstring injury, a dislocated elbow, and an elbow sprain. For a player who entered the NFL with questions about his size and injury risk, it wasn't what anyone wanted to see. Daniels still managed to flash the upside in his four full games played last year to remind people why they fell in love with him in the first place. In those four games, Daniels averaged 20.2 fantasy points per game, nine rushing attempts, and 44 yards on the ground. If he had kept up that pace all season, he would have been the QB7 in fantasy points per game and averaged the second-most rushing yards per game among quarterbacks. With all of the injuries he sustained last year, his stats are a muddied mess that are better off tossed in the trash, but for the sake of doing my due diligence among 45 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranked 42nd in highly accurate throw rate, 38th in catchable target rate, and 25th in hero throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Daniels has plenty of questions that he'll have to answer in 2026. Can he hold up for an entire season? Was his rookie season just a flash in the pan? I'm willing to draft Daniels again in 2026 despite all of these questions because of his rushing ability and the brief flash in 2025 of his rookie talent.
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7.
Caleb Williams
CHI (at MIN)
Last year, with Ben Johnson, Caleb Williams took a small step forward in his play, but it wasn't nearly as massive a step as most think. Yes, he was the QB7 in fantasy points per game while ranking 12th in rushing yards per game and 11th in rushing touchdowns among quarterbacks, but he still struggled mightily as a passer despite the fantasy production and late-game heroics. Among 38 qualifying passers, he was 22nd in yards per attempt, 30th in adjusted completion rate and highly accurate throw rate, 34th in catchable target rate, 25th in hero throw rate, and he had the tenth-highest off-target rate (per Fantasy Points Data). With Ben Johnson back at the controls this year and plenty of skill talent around Williams for 2026, I hope he makes more incremental improvements as a passer to improve his fantasy production because if his rushing production dips, he could see his fantasy stock slightly decline. He should still return QB1 production in 2026.
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8.
Justin Herbert
LAC (at DEN)
Justin Herbert walked away from the 2025 season remaining an enigma despite his QB10 finish for the season in fantasy points per game. The season was filled with more injuries to him and his offensive line, which certainly changed the flavor of the football coffee last year. Last year, Rashawn Slater was out for the year, and Herbert lost Joe Alt after Week 3. On top of that, Herbert sustained a broken hand in Week 13, which obviously impacted the rest of his season. In Weeks 1-3, Herbert faced the 14th-highest pressure rate, and in Weeks 4-12, with a healthy Herbert and without Joe Alt, Herbert saw the tenth-highest pressure rate. Despite all of this, Herbert still was a top-ten fantasy quarterback last season. Among 38 qualifying quarterbacks last year, Herbert was 14th in yards per attempt, ninth in adjusted completion rate and catchable target rate, sixth in highly accurate throw rate, and 11th in hero throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). With hopefully a healthy offensive line in front of him and the infusion of Mike McDaniel's offensive playcalling genius, Herbert can ascend to new heights in the world of QB1 land in 2026.
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9.
Trevor Lawrence
JAC (at IND)
Last year, Trevor Lawrence finally had the breakout season that everyone had been waiting for as the QB6 in fantasy points per game. It was the first season in which he had eclipsed 18 fantasy points per game. Yes, part of this magical season included nine rushing touchdowns, which is probably not a sustainable mark to expect him to repeat in 2026, but he was fifth in red zone carries per game among quarterbacks, so maybe there is some carryover in his rushing touchdown production to this season. Lawrence really caught fire to close last season (Weeks 12-18) as the QB1 in fantasy points per game. During that seven-game stretch, among 30 qualifying quarterbacks, Lawrence was excellent as a passer, ranking third in yards per attempt, fifth in passing yards per game, third in hero throw rate, 11th in catchable target rate, and second in passing touchdowns (per Fantasy Points Data). Lawrence is a locked-in QB1 with tantalizing upside for 2026 with his pass-catching depth chart intact from that stretch run.
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10.
Dak Prescott
DAL (at WAS)
Last year, Dak Prescott directed an offense that was 13th in neutral passing rate and ninth in neutral pace en route to a QB7 finish (Weeks 1-17) in fantasy points per game. Among 45 qualifying passers, Prescott was tenth in yards per attempt, eighth in highly accurate throw rate, and 13th in hero throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). With CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, Jake Ferguson, and Javonte Williams all still in the fold, I don't see a reason to expect Dallas or Prescott to slow down this season. Prescott had only a 5% passing touchdown rate last year, so there's still some meat on the bone for Prescott to be even better this season for an offense that was fifth in points per game and red zone scoring attempts per game (16th in red zone touchdown percentage). Prescott is a locked-in QB1 that could be a top-five option if they can put more touchdowns in the end zone in 2026.
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11.
Brock Purdy
SF (at ARI)
If you're not respecting Brock Purdy at this point as a strong QB1, I really don't know what to tell you. Over the last three seasons, he has finished as the QB5, QB10, and QB6 in fantasy points per game. In his four years in the NFL, he has only once finished with a passing touchdown rate lower than 7.0%. Last year, among 38 qualifying quarterbacks, Purdy was sixth in passing yards per game, ninth in yards per attempt, 12th in highly accurate throw rate, and third in fantasy points per dropback (per Fantasy Points Data). Purdy will again be a QB1 that goes far too late in drafts in 2026.
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12.
Bo Nix
DEN (vs . LAC)
Last year, Bo Nix regressed as a passer, and with his overall production, and his still was the QB11 in fantasy points per game. Nix saw his passing touchdown rate fall from 5.1% to 4.1%, and his rushing yards per game dip from 25.3 to 20.9 (16th). Nix still directed a passing offense that was fifth in neutral passing rate and tenth in neutral pace. I don't see either of those figures changing in 2026. With the addition of Jaylen Waddle, Denver could be even more pass-happy this season, too. Among 38 qualifying passers, he was 31st in yards per attempt, 18th in highly accurate throw rate, 19th in hero throw rate, and 22nd in fantasy points per dropback (per Fantasy Points Data). If Nix can bounce back or take another positive step in his career, he could be a top 5-7 quarterback in fantasy in 2026.
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13.
Jaxson Dart
NYG (vs . PHI)
Last year, once taking over as the Giants starter, Jaxson Dart was the QB7 in fantasy points per game. If you remove the wet fart game that he had in Week 16 against Minnesota, where he scored only one fantasy point and had 13 pass attempts and 33 passing yards, he averaged 22.5 fantasy points per game. That points-per-game mark would have made him the QB1 in fantasy points per game last year. Dart showed off his rushing ability, averaging seven rushing attempts and 40.6 rushing yards per game. He had the second-most rushing yards per game among quarterbacks last year behind only Justin Fields. Dart also wasn't a lackluster passer last year. Among 38 qualifying passers, he was 23rd in CPOE, 19th in highly accurate throw rate, and tenth in hero throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Dart was also fifth in fantasy points per dropback while dealing with the 12th-highest drop rate among quarterbacks. Dart is positioned to be a strong QB1 again this year with upside.
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14.
Patrick Mahomes II
KC (vs . LV)
Patrick Mahomes saw his season end in Week 15 last year with a torn ACL. Prior to that horrible injury, he was the QB2 in fantasy points per game. Last year, he averaged a career-high 6.6 rushing attempts per game and 30.1 rushing yards per game. He was first in scrambles per game and 14th in red zone carries per game among quarterbacks. I don't expect those numbers to repeat this season coming off the ACL injury. Mahomes will work from the pocket more in 2026, especially to open the season. Last year, outside of the immense passing volume he saw, it was an uninspiring year for Mahomes as an accurate passer. Among 38 qualifying passers, he was 18th in yards per attempt, 24th in adjusted completion rate, 16th in highly accurate throw rate, and 30th in catchable target rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Mahomes should return strong QB1 numbers again in 2026 based upon volume alone, but I won't be surprised if he regresses back into the low-end QB1 territory that he lived in 2023-2024 (QB11, QB10).
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15.
Jared Goff
DET (at GB)
Jared Goff is a wonderful quarterback to take in fantasy yearly. He offers an incredibly high floor with the ceiling to be a low-end QB1 in fantasy. Over the last four years, he has passed for at least 4,438 yards and 29 passing touchdowns yearly, with finishes as the QB13, QB7, QB11, and QB14 in fantasy points per game. Goff won't add anything with his legs (hasn't had more than 99 rushing yards in any season since 2019, but he will pile up the stats through the air. Last year, among 38 qualifying passers, he was sixth in yards per attempt, second in adjusted completion rate, fourth in highly accurate throw rate, and 15th in fantasy points per dropback (per Fantasy Points Data). He's a wonderful pick to pair with an upside QB late in drafts (Tyler Shough or Malik Willis).
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16.
Matthew Stafford
LAR (vs . SEA)
Matthew Stafford had arguably the best season of his NFL career last year, taking down the MVP award. Stafford finished with a career-high passing touchdown rate (7.7%) as the QB4 in fantasy points per game. It was easily his best season since his first year with the Rams, when he was the QB11 in fantasy points per game. It's impossible to project Stafford to have the same pure run out in 2026 that he experienced in 2025, but he could still be a QB1 for fantasy purposes. The argument for Stafford this year is similar to Jared Goff. Stafford will be commanding one of the best offenses in the NFL tied to an outstanding head coach and flanked by a bevy of talented skill players. Stafford won't provide much, if any, rushing output to help elevate his ceiling and floor, though. Last year, among 38 qualifying quarterbacks, Stafford was seventh-best in yards per attempt and fantasy points per dropback, 25th in adjusted completion rate, second in hero throw rate, and 13th in catchable target rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Stafford is a solid bet for fantasy purposes in 2026, but I won't be caught chasing him up the ADP board or overspending for him in drafts.
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17.
Kyler Murray
MIN (vs . CHI)
Last year, we only got to see Kyler Murray for five games. In the previous six seasons, he had never finished lower than QB12 in fantasy points per game. Could he be a QB1 in 2026 with the Minnesota Vikings? Yep, it's possible. Last year, in his limited starting sample before being sidelined with a foot injury, Murray had the seventh-lowest yards per attempt, the fourth-lowest aDOT, and the fifth-lowest hero throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). None of those numbers will make you feel warm and fuzzy, but the risk is essentially priced into Murray's ADP while his upside as a QB1 hasn't been. I have never been a Murray fan, but at this price point I'm willing to take the occasional late-round swing on him in 2026.
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18.
Jordan Love
GB (vs . DET)
Yes, I understand Jordan Love has been a mid-range QB2 over the last two years (QB17, QB16) since his massive breakout in 2023 (QB5), but that hasn't been because Love sucks. He has been locked in a run-first, run-always offense. Could that still be the case this year? Possibly, but if Green Bay increases its pass rate to even league-average standards (last year Weeks 1-15, eighth-best in neutral rushing rate), Love could return to QB1 land. Love has proven over the last three seasons that he can sustain above-average passing touchdown rates (5.5%, 5.9%, 5.2%), so I don't see him backsliding in that category. Last year, among 38 qualifying quarterbacks, Love was eighth in yards per attempt, fifth in hero throw rate, 15th in catchable target rate, and 13th (tied) in fantasy points per dropback. Love's QB2 production is priced into his ADP; his upside as a QB1 is not.
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19.
Baker Mayfield
TB (at NO)
Baker Mayfield had a tough fall from grace in 2025 as the QB17 in fantasy points per game after a wondrous QB4 campaign in 2024. Mayfield dealt with injuries to his receiver room and his offensive line while also struggling with injuries himself. In 2025, Mayfield had a bruised and battered throwing arm while also suffering a sprained MCL/PCL, a bicep tendon strain, and left shoulder issues. Among 38 qualifying quarterbacks, he was 24th in yards per attempt, 35th in adjusted completion rate, 22nd in catchable target rate, and 11th-worst in turnover-worthy throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Assuming Mayfield sees better health in 2026, he should enjoy a bounce-back season. Yes, Mike Evans is gone, but Mayfield still has a deep cupboard of skilled receivers to toss to this season. His rushing production over the last two seasons (at least 378 rushing yards each year) has also been a nice bump to his fantasy ceiling and floor. I don't expect that to go away. Mayfield could easily be a top 12 fantasy quarterback in 2026 that you're drafting as a mid-range QB2.
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20.
Tyler Shough
NO (vs . TB)
Tyler Shough is a wonderful late-round quarterback who could be a QB1 in 2026. Last year, in Weeks 12-18, Shough was the QB6 in fantasy points per game while averaging 25 rushing yards per game. That rushing yardage mark per game would have placed him at 12th-best last year had he kept it up for the entire season. In Weeks 12-18, among 30 qualifying quarterbacks, Shough was 12th in yards per attempt and highly accurate throw rate, ninth in hero throw rate, and seventh in passing yards per game (per Fantasy Points Data). With Travis Etienne, Bryce Lance, Oscar Delp, and Jordyn Tyson added to the offensive firepower this offseason, I expect the Saints offense to take another leap this season if Shough is up to the task, which his strong finish to last season says he is primed for.
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21.
Malik Willis
MIA (at NE)
Is Malik Willis in a tough spot in Miami? Sure. Could this offense outperform expectations in a number of ways? Absolutely. Greg Dulcich was outstanding on a per-route basis last year. Their receiver room is unproven and full of castoffs, but talented rookies like Chris Bell and Kevin Coleman Jr. could open some eyes in 2026 along with Willis. I know the starting resume for Willis is limited. I get it. What he have seen in limited doses over the last two years has been outstanding, though. Over the last two seasons, Willis has posted a 5.6% big-time throw rate (118 dropbacks, per PFF), 10.9 yards per attempt, and averaged 44.8 rushing yards per game. Last year, among all quarterbacks with at least 110 dropbacks, that big-time throw rate would have ranked eighth-best behind Caleb Williams, and his yards per attempt mark would have led the NFL. That rushing yardage mark per game over the last three years would have ranked first, fourth, and third among quarterbacks. Willis's running prowess should have him flirting with QB1 production this year alone. If he and this offense surpass lowly expectations through the air, Willis would be a strong QB1 with upside in 2026.
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22.
Sam Darnold
SEA (at LAR)
As good as Sam Darnold was from a real-life quarterbacking perspective last year, he wasn't great in fantasy, and I don't see that changing this season if their defense remains an elite unit. Last season, Darnold was the QB22 in fantasy points per game as Seattle led the NFL in plays while leading by seven or more points. When Seattle was 27th in passing rate when leading by seven or more points, they were 32nd in passing rate when trailing by a touchdown or more, and they finished 25th in neutral passing rate. In every conceivable situation, this team didn't want to throw the ball, and I don't see that being any different in 2026. Darnold had only seven weekly finishes as a QB1 in fantasy while finishing as the QB24 or lower in weekly scoring eight times. Darnold can continue to be awesome in real-life football and an avoid for fantasy purposes because of their offensive game plan and their strong defense. He's a QB2 that I'll be avoiding.
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23.
C.J. Stroud
HOU (vs . TEN)
C.J. Stroud had another struggle bus season last year as the QB20 in fantasy points per game. He had only four weeks in which he cracked the top 12 in weekly scoring among quarterbacks. Among 38 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranked 15th in yards per attempt, 18th in passing yards per game, 28th in highly accurate throw rate, 31st in catchable target rate, and 28th in hero throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Houston tried to hide him, as he had only five games last year with 35 or more passing attempts. I still have the hope candle lit for Stroud that MAYBE he can recapture some of his rookie season magic, but I won't be drafting him in any league unless it is in a Superflex format.
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24.
Daniel Jones
IND (vs . JAC)
Daniel Jones' monster 2025 season was derailed by a fractured fibula (Week 12) and then a season-ending ruptured Achilles (Week 14). In Weeks 1-10, when Jones was healthy, among 37 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranked fourth in yards per attempt, 15th in adjusted completion rate, ninth in highly accurate throw rate, and 17th in hero throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). During that stretch, he was the QB9 in fantasy points per game, contributing 14.3 rushing yards per game (five rushing touchdowns). Jones did fall off in his final three games played last year, which could be the league catching up to the Colts' offense, or it could also be injuries taking a toll on him. We'll see how well Jones bounces back from the Achilles this year and, with a full offseason to review the Colts' offense, if NFL defenses are better prepared for them. Jones is still a decent QB2/late round flier to take in 2026 for fantasy (especially Superflex formats).
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25.
Cam Ward
TEN (at HOU)
Cam Ward had a rough rookie season, but he was also airdropped into a horrible situation. Calvin Ridley was the only dependable receiver that he had entering the season, and he was limited to only seven games played. Ward was the QB33 in fantasy points per game with only one week as a QB1 in weekly scoring. Even when Ward's play improved marginally in Weeks 12-18, it wasn't amazing. During that stretch, among 30 qualifying passers, he was 15th in adjusted completion rate, 22nd in highly accurate throw rate, 26th in catchable target rate, and 23rd in hero throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). I have hope left for Ward, though. This offseason, the Titans overhauled the receiver room and the coaching staff, bringing in quarterback whisperer Brian Daboll with new head coach Robert Saleh to change the direction of the franchise. I have a ton of respect for Daboll with young quarterbacks after his work with Josh Allen, Daniel Jones, and Jaxson Dart. With Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson added to the receiver room, Ward should have a solid starting trio of receivers to lean on. Ward is a nice late-round lottery ticket for fantasy in 2026.
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26.
Bryce Young
CAR (vs . ATL)
Bryce Young didn't take the fantasy leap that we all hoped for last year. He finished the season as the QB24 in fantasy points per game with only five games as a QB1 in weekly scoring. The rushing floor I was hoping we would get in 2025 after some glimpses in 2024 also wasn't there, as he surpassed 25 rushing yards in only three games. Carolina tried to hide him as he surpassed 225 passing yards only three times and had more than 30 passing attempts only five times. Young is a low-end QB2 again this season that will have some eruption games, but good luck predicting when those will happen. He's only appealing in Superflex formats.
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27.
Jacoby Brissett
ARI (vs . SF)
After Kyler Murray sustained what proved to be a season-ending foot injury early last season, Jacoby Brissett took over as the Cardinals starting quarterback for the final 12 games of the year. While the Cardinals won only one of Brissett's starts, Brissett pumped life into the Arizona passing game, averaging 288 passing yards per start and throwing 23 TD passes and eight interceptions. Heavy passing volume helped. Brissett averaged 40.3 pass attempts per start, and the Cardinals led the NFL in pass attempts. Brissett is expected to open the 2026 season as the Cardinals' starter, although Arizona drafted Carson Beck at the top of the third round. The Cardinals have a nice set of pass catchers with TE Trey McBride and WRs Marvin Harrison Jr and Michael Wilson. But with the Cardinals' passing volume likely to regress, and with the likelihood that Beck gets an audition at some point this season, Brissett is a risky fantasy play for anyone inclined to chase his 2025 numbers.
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28.
Aaron Rodgers
PIT (at BAL)
Aaron Rodgers is only on my draft radar in Superflex formats after finishing as the QB23 in fantasy points per game last year. Rodgers had only four games last year in weekly scoring as a QB1. Among 38 qualifying quarterbacks last year, Rodgers had the tenth-fewest yards per attempt, the second-lowest aDOT, and 65.4% of his passing yards came after the catch (most among the QBs in this sample). Rodgers also had the 12th-fewest fantasy points per dropback. Even with a head coaching change and the addition of Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason, I don't see Rodgers reverting back to a top 12-15 fantasy quarterback in 2026.
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29.
Geno Smith
NYJ (at BUF)
Geno Smith is a viable late-round quarterback flier for 2026. Last year was tough for Smith, as he was the QB27 in fantasy points per game with only two weeks as a QB1 in weekly fantasy scoring. Smith has always been a pressure-sensitive quarterback, and last year was no different. When he was pressured, he had the fourth-lowest passer rating (19th from a clean pocket, per PFF). Behind what looks like a strong Jets' offensive line, this should be a year for Smith to see plenty of clean pockets. With a ton of skill talent around him with Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, Omar Cooper Jr., and Kenyon Sadiq, Smith should have a strong QB2 season with some streaming upside and late-round appeal in Superflex formats.
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30.
Fernando Mendoza
LV (at KC)
The No. 1 pick in this year's NFL Draft, Fernando Mendoza might sit behind veteran Kirk Cousins early in the season, but it shouldn't be long before the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner takes over as the Raiders' starter. Mendoza completed 72.0% of his passes last season, averaged 9.3 yards per pass attempt, and threw for 41 touchdowns in 16 games while leading Indiana to an undefeated season and the National Championship. Mendoza has an NFL-caliber arm and terrific ball placement. A student of the game, Mendoza is cool under fire. His functional mobility probably won't translate to much rushing value at the NFL level, although Mendoza could score a few rushing touchdowns every year. Matt Ryan seems like a reasonable comp for Mendoza based on their tools and style of play. We might not see much of a fantasy impact from the rookie in Year 1, particularly when the Raiders are so short on pass-catching firepower beyond TE Brock Bowers, but we can't rule out a fantasy-relevant rookie season for Mendoza.
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31.
Tua Tagovailoa
ATL (at CAR)
The Falcons signed Tua Tagovailoa to a cheap one-year deal after he was released by the Dolphins, who still owe him $54 million in guaranteed money. After averaging 269.2 passing yards per game for the Dolphins over 41 starts from 2022 through 2024, Tua averaged 190.0 passing yards over 14 starts in Miami last season. He also threw a career-high 15 interceptions and fumbled eight times. Tua will battle Michael Penix Jr. for playing time in 2026 and should probably be considered the favorite to start in Week 1 since Penix tore his ACL in November. Tua can't match the arm strength of Penix, but Tua has enjoyed a level of NFL success than Penix has yet to reach, helping to make Mike McDaniel's offense work in Miami. For fantasy, Tua figures to go undrafted in 1QB leagues this season but is a reasonable QB3 option in superflex formats.
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32.
Michael Penix Jr.
ATL (at CAR)
Michael Penix Jr.'s second NFL season came to a premature end when he tore his left ACL against the Panthers in Week 11. Penix tore his right ACL twice during his college career and has to be regarded as a major injury risk going forward. Although the Falcons were 3-6 in his nine 2025 starts, Penix offered a few encouraging signs last year, averaging a respectable 7.2 yards per pass attempt and posting an ultra-low 1.1% interception rate. But Penix threw only nine TD passes in his nine starts. The rocket-armed Penix will have to battle veteran Tua Tagovailoa for playing time in Atlanta this season. Penix isn't draftable in 1QB leagues but is a late-round option in superflex leagues.
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33.
Kirk Cousins
LV (at KC)
The Raiders signed veteran QB Kirk Cousins to a two-year deal in the offseason and will let him keep the seat warm for No. 1 draft pick Fernando Mendoza before eventually settling into a backup role. The question is how long Cousins will be the starter. There have been reports that the Raiders - and particularly minority owner Tom Brady - would like Mendoza to have a full redshirt season and not make any starts. The reality is that no quarterback drafted No. 1 has sat out his entire rookie season since Carson Palmer in 2003. Cousins, who'll be 38 this season, averaged just 6.4 yards per pass attempt with the Falcons last season and had fewer than 200 passing yards in six of his eight starts. Cousins is a viable option in superflex leagues only because he's expected to play early in the season.
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34.
Shedeur Sanders
CLE (at CIN)
Expected by many to be an early pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders fell to the fifth round and was drafted by the Browns, who had already taken QB Dillon Gabriel in the third round. Sanders wound up playing eight games and making six starts. The son of former NFL great Deion Sanders had a rough NFL debut, completing 56.6% of his passes and averaging 6.6 yards per attempt, with seven TD passes, 10 interceptions, and 23 sacks. The Browns, however, didn't provide their quarterbacks with much of a supporting cast last season, as the offensive line struggled and the WR group was among the worst in the league. No more than a late-round option in superflex leagues, Sanders will start the season backing up veteran Deshaun Watson but has a good chance to get starts at some point this season.
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35.
Deshaun Watson
CLE (at CIN)
Entering the final year of a burdensome five-year, $230 million contract that has been an albatross around the neck of the Cleveland Browns, Deshaun Watson won a battle with second-year man Shedeur Sanders to be the Browns' Week 1 starter, although it remains to be seen how long he'll keep the job. An electric dual-threat quarterback early in his career, Watson has been a flop since being traded to the Browns in 2022. The oft-injured Watson has started only 19 games for Cleveland over the last four seasons. He's averaged just 6.0 yards per pass attempt and 177.1 passing yards per start with the Browns. Watson has at least offered a little bit of rushing value, averaging 24.5 rushing yards per game since the trade. But it's fair to wonder whether that rushing potential still exists after a pair of Achilles tears, the latter of which sidelined Watson for all of 2025. Watson is no more than a late-round option in superflex leagues.
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36.
Carson Beck
ARI (vs . SF)
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37.
J.J. McCarthy
NYG (vs . PHI)
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38.
Mac Jones
SF (at ARI)
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39.
Justin Fields
KC (vs . LV)
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40.
Ty Simpson
LAR (vs . SEA)
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41.
Anthony Richardson Sr.
IND (vs . JAC)
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42.
Joe Flacco
CIN (vs . CLE)
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43.
Jameis Winston
NYG (vs . PHI)
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44.
Cade Klubnik
NYJ (at BUF)
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45.
Marcus Mariota
WAS (vs . DAL)
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46.
Tyrod Taylor
GB (vs . DET)
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47.
Davis Mills
HOU (vs . TEN)
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48.
Taylen Green
CLE (at CIN)
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49.
Tyson Bagent
CHI (at MIN)
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50.
Gardner Minshew II
ARI (vs . SF)
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51.
Joe Milton III
DAL (at WAS)
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52.
Trey Lance
LAC (at DEN)
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53.
Tyler Huntley
BAL (vs . PIT)
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54.
Quinn Ewers
JAC (at IND)
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55.
Spencer Rattler
NO (vs . TB)
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56.
Drew Allar
PIT (at BAL)
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57.
Jarrett Stidham
DEN (vs . LAC)
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58.
Jalen Milroe
SEA (at LAR)
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59.
Riley Leonard
IND (vs . JAC)
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60.
Sam Howell
DAL (at WAS)
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61.
Carson Wentz
MIN (vs . CHI)
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62.
Mitchell Trubisky
TEN (at HOU)
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63.
Dillon Gabriel
CLE (at CIN)
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64.
Tommy DeVito
NE (vs . MIA)
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65.
Jalon Daniels
TB (at NO)
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66.
Joshua Dobbs
DET (at GB)
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67.
Kenny Pickett
CAR (vs . ATL)
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68.
Mason Rudolph
PIT (at BAL)
|
|
69.
Drew Lock
SEA (at LAR)
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70.
Kyle McCord
MIA (at NE)
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|
71.
Kyle Allen
BUF (vs . NYJ)
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72.
Haynes King
CAR (vs . ATL)
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73.
Jack Strand
ATL (at CAR)
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|
74.
Andy Dalton
PHI (at NYG)
|
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75.
Tanner McKee
PHI (at NYG)
|
|
76.
Zach Wilson
NO (vs . TB)
|
|
77.
Will Howard
PIT (at BAL)
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|
78.
Jimmy Garoppolo
LAR (vs . SEA)
|
|
79.
Garrett Nussmeier
KC (vs . LV)
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80.
Cooper Rush
ATL (at CAR)
|
|
81.
Aidan O'Connell
LV (at KC)
|
|
82.
Stetson Bennett IV
LAR (vs . SEA)
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|
83.
Jake Browning
FA (BYE)
|
|
84.
Case Keenum
CHI (at MIN)
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|
85.
Collin Hill
FA (BYE)
|
|
86.
Brady Cook
MIA (at NE)
|
|
87.
Sam Ehlinger
DEN (vs . LAC)
|
|
88.
Joe Fagnano
BAL (vs . PIT)
|
|
89.
Behren Morton
NE (vs . MIA)
|
|
90.
Athan Kaliakmanis
WAS (vs . DAL)
|
|
91.
Kurtis Rourke
SF (at ARI)
|
|
92.
Hendon Hooker
TEN (at HOU)
|
|
93.
Will Levis
NYJ (at BUF)
|
|
94.
Nick Mullens
JAC (at IND)
|
|
95.
Sean Clifford
CIN (vs . CLE)
|
|
96.
Luke Altmyer
DET (at GB)
|
|
97.
Cole Payton
PHI (at NYG)
|
|
98.
Josh Johnson
CIN (vs . CLE)
|
|
99.
Shane Buechele
BUF (vs . NYJ)
|
|
100.
Sam Hartman
WAS (vs . DAL)
|
|
101.
Max Brosmer
MIN (vs . CHI)
|
|
102.
Blaine Gabbert
FA (BYE)
|
|
103.
Kyle Trask
FA (BYE)
|
|
104.
Brandon Allen
FA (BYE)
|
|
105.
Desmond Ridder
FA (BYE)
|
|
106.
Graham Mertz
HOU (vs . TEN)
|
|
107.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson
FA (BYE)
|
|
108.
DJ Uiagalelei
LAC (at DEN)
|
|
109.
Kedon Slovis
GB (vs . DET)
|
|
110.
Easton Stick
TB (at NO)
|
|
111.
Devin Leary
FA (BYE)
|
|
112.
Bailey Zappe
FA (BYE)
|
|
113.
Jeff Driskel
WAS (vs . DAL)
|
|
|
114.
Mark Gronowski
HOU (vs . TEN)
|
|
115.
Matt Barkley
FA (BYE)
|
|
116.
Matt Corral
FA (BYE)
|
|
117.
Joey Aguilar
JAC (at IND)
|
|
118.
Michael Pratt
FA (BYE)
|
|
119.
Trevor Siemian
FA (BYE)
|
|
120.
Carter Bradley
FA (BYE)
|
|
121.
Skylar Thompson
BAL (vs . PIT)
|
|
122.
Matthew Caldwell
LAR (vs . SEA)
|
|
123.
Chris Oladokun
FA (BYE)
|
|
124.
Jake Haener
NYG (vs . PHI)
|
|
125.
Seth Henigan
FA (BYE)
|
|
126.
Brett Rypien
TB (at NO)
|
|
127.
Adrian Martinez
FA (BYE)
|
|
128.
Cam Miller
FA (BYE)
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