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Yahoo Sports fantasy football readers preparing for the 2026 season have a new group of names to consider after Adam Schefter shared his personal cheat sheet of value picks and sleepers. The ESPN NFL insider identified players across every major position who could outperform their current average draft position, or ADP.
Schefter’s recommendations cover early, middle and late rounds in 10-team leagues. His approach is not simply about finding obscure players. Instead, the list focuses on athletes with favorable roles, rising opportunity, strong offensive environments or the potential to deliver more fantasy production than their draft cost suggests.
Yahoo Sports fantasy football sleepers to watch
The quarterback position offers particularly strong depth this year. Schefter believes managers can wait beyond the opening rounds and still find reliable starting options, making early selections such as Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson less essential for certain draft strategies.
Quarterback values with major upside
- Bo Nix, Broncos: Nix carries an ADP of 86.3 and could benefit from his ability to generate points both as a passer and a runner.
- Caleb Williams, Bears: After showing flashes of his talent last season, Williams is expected to make further progress in Ben Johnson’s offense. His ADP is 92.2.
- Justin Herbert, Chargers: Listed at an ADP of 106.0, Herbert could be positioned for one of his best seasons with Mike McDaniel serving as offensive coordinator.
- Tyler Shough, Saints: Shough is a late-round option at 155.4 after showing promise as a rookie.
- Jordan Love, Packers: Team confidence and a late ADP of 158.0 make Love an intriguing quarterback target.
Explosive running back targets for 2026 drafts
Running back remains a position where elite players can define a fantasy roster. Schefter expects Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson to compete for the top overall selection, while several middle- and late-round backs offer opportunities to strengthen depth.
Gibbs has scored 38 touchdowns over the past two seasons and owns an ADP of 1.4. Robinson follows closely at 2.5. Chase Brown of the Bengals and Kenneth Walker III of the Chiefs are also highlighted as early-round choices. Brown is expected to remain the lead back in a high-scoring offense, while Walker could significantly improve on his previous best fantasy finish of RB18.
Among the mid-round options, Bhayshul Tuten of the Jaguars carries an ADP of 71.8, and Rhamondre Stevenson of the Patriots is listed at 83.1. Schefter describes Stevenson as a player who is consistently overlooked despite steady production.
Late-round names include Kenny Gainwell, Blake Corum, Jordan Mason, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jonah Coleman and MarShawn Lloyd. Corum is particularly appealing because he is expected to share work with Kyren Williams while being drafted several rounds later.
Wide receiver values could reshape draft boards
With NFL passing volume continuing to create fantasy opportunities, wide receiver is loaded with potential at nearly every stage of the draft. Ja’Marr Chase, Puka Nacua, Justin Jefferson and Chris Olave headline Schefter’s early recommendations.
DeVonta Smith stands out in the middle rounds. With A.J. Brown no longer in Philadelphia, Smith could see a meaningful increase in targets. Ladd McConkey is another compelling choice, particularly with McDaniel joining the Chargers’ offensive staff. Bears receiver Luther Burden III, Jaguars wideout Parker Washington and their favorable ADPs also make the list.
Late-round receivers include Wan’Dale Robinson, Jordan Addison, Josh Downs, KC Concepcion and Kayshon Boutte. Schefter also points to several deeper fliers, including Ja’Kobi Lane, Caleb Douglas, Cyrus Allen, Pat Bryant, Ryan Flournoy, Tre’ Harris and Devaughn Vele. These players may have limited name recognition, but training camp reports and projected roles suggest they could become useful bench options.
Powerful tight end sleepers and value picks
Tight end could be one of the deepest fantasy positions in 2026. Brock Bowers is the early-round standout, with an ADP of 24.3 and a prominent role expected in the Raiders’ offense.
Colston Loveland is a strong middle-round selection after receiving 10, 13, 10 and 15 targets during the Bears’ final four games last season. Harold Fannin Jr. could also benefit from David Njoku’s departure in Cleveland, while Tucker Kraft remains a touchdown threat for Green Bay even if he does not immediately play every snap.
In the late rounds, Isaiah Likely moves to the Giants with a chance to become the team’s top tight end. Terrance Ferguson, AJ Barner and Gunnar Helm are additional fliers who could provide value if their preseason momentum carries into the regular season.
How fantasy managers should use the list
Schefter’s recommendations should be viewed as a draft guide rather than a rigid ranking. Managers should compare each player’s ADP with league scoring, roster size and positional needs. In deeper leagues, late-round players become more valuable, while managers in smaller formats may be able to leave some of these names undrafted.
The biggest takeaway is that value can be found throughout the 2026 fantasy football draft. Waiting at quarterback, targeting opportunity-driven receivers and adding running back depth late could help managers build a balanced roster without overpaying for every position.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Adam Schefter’s top fantasy football sleeper?
Schefter highlights several sleepers, but Tyler Shough, Jordan Love and Daniel Jones are among his preferred late-round quarterback values.
Which running backs should be drafted early?
Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson are Schefter’s leading early-round running back targets. Chase Brown, Kenneth Walker III and Omarion Hampton are also recommended.
Why is DeVonta Smith a strong fantasy pick?
Smith could receive more targets after A.J. Brown’s departure from Philadelphia, increasing his potential to deliver consistent weekly production.
Is it necessary to draft an elite quarterback early?
Not necessarily. Schefter points to considerable quarterback depth, meaning managers can wait and target players such as Herbert, Shough, Love or Jones later.
Which late tight ends are worth monitoring?
Isaiah Likely, Terrance Ferguson, AJ Barner and Gunnar Helm are late-round tight ends with opportunities to outperform their current ADPs.
