Image Source: ESPN
Yahoo fantasy football managers preparing for the 2026 season have a new list of value picks to consider. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter has revealed his preferred early-, middle- and late-round targets, focusing on players he believes can outperform their current average draft position.
Schefter’s recommendations are designed for draft-day decisions rather than as a complete ranking. The players highlighted may not be the only options available, but they stand out as potential bargains when managers are choosing between similarly valued players. The ADP figures are based on 10-team league formats, with early rounds defined as Rounds 1 through 4, middle rounds as Rounds 5 through 11, and later rounds beginning in Round 12.
Powerful Yahoo Fantasy Football Quarterback Values
Schefter sees significant depth at quarterback, which is why he did not identify an early-round quarterback as a priority target. Managers can still select elite options such as Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson, but waiting could provide better value in many leagues.
- Bo Nix, Broncos — ADP 86.3: His rushing ability gives him another path to fantasy points beyond passing production.
- Caleb Williams, Bears — ADP 92.2: After showing flashes of his talent last season, Williams could benefit from another year in Ben Johnson’s offense.
- Justin Herbert, Chargers — ADP 106.0: A new offensive partnership with Mike McDaniel could create an opportunity for Herbert’s best NFL season.
In the later rounds, Schefter points to Tyler Shough of the Saints at an ADP of 155.4, Jordan Love of the Packers at 158.0 and Daniel Jones of the Colts at 158.2. Shough is expected to continue developing after flashing as a rookie, while Love has received confidence from Packers officials. Jones, meanwhile, was productive as a fantasy quarterback before suffering an injury last season.
Explosive Running Back Targets to Watch
Running back remains one of the most important positions in fantasy football, and Schefter believes the top of the board could be dominated by Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson.
- Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions — ADP 1.4: With 38 touchdowns over the past two seasons, Gibbs is viewed as one of the league’s most dangerous offensive weapons.
- Bijan Robinson, Falcons — ADP 2.5: Robinson and Gibbs are expected to be selected first and second in many drafts.
- Chase Brown, Bengals — ADP 21.9: As the lead back in a high-scoring offense, Brown offers rushing and receiving upside.
- Kenneth Walker III, Chiefs — ADP 22.3: Schefter expects Walker to surpass his previous best fantasy finish after recording 1,309 yards from scrimmage last season.
- Omarion Hampton, Chargers — ADP 25.3: Health is the major factor, but Hampton has already shown he can be highly productive.
Later-round options include Kenny Gainwell, Blake Corum, Jordan Mason, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jonah Coleman and MarShawn Lloyd. Corum is particularly interesting for managers seeking upside behind Kyren Williams, while Coleman and Rodriguez could benefit from crowded but unsettled backfields.
Surprising Wide Receiver Sleepers for 2026
Wide receiver offers value throughout the draft. Ja’Marr Chase, Puka Nacua, Justin Jefferson and Chris Olave headline the early group, but several middle- and late-round players could make a major difference for Yahoo fantasy football rosters.
DeVonta Smith has an ADP of 40.4 and could see more opportunities following A.J. Brown’s departure from Philadelphia. Ladd McConkey, listed at 50.1, may become a central part of the Chargers’ passing attack with McDaniel involved offensively. Bears receiver Luther Burden III, at 76.2, has also drawn attention after being compared by Ben Johnson to Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Parker Washington of the Jaguars is another middle-round option at 93.3. His strong finish last season continued into training camp, giving him a chance to build momentum.
Among the late-round receivers, Schefter names Wan’Dale Robinson, Jordan Addison, Josh Downs and several rookies. Addison has an ADP of 114.1 and could benefit from downfield opportunities with Kyler Murray. Rookie targets include KC Concepcion of the Browns, Ja’Kobi Lane of the Ravens and Caleb Douglas of the Dolphins. Kayshon Boutte, Pat Bryant, Ryan Flournoy, Tre’ Harris and Devaughn Vele are also identified as potential deep-league fliers.
Critical Tight End Breakout Candidates
Schefter describes tight end as one of the deepest and most talented position groups in recent memory. Brock Bowers remains the premier early option, carrying an ADP of 24.3 after quickly becoming a focal point of the Raiders’ offense.
Colston Loveland is a strong middle-round target at 45.0. His target totals over the Bears’ final four games last season were 10, 13, 10 and 15, signaling substantial involvement. Harold Fannin Jr. could also see an expanded role with David Njoku no longer in Cleveland, while Tucker Kraft offers upside for the Packers even if he does not become a full-time player immediately.
Late-round tight ends include Isaiah Likely of the Giants, Terrance Ferguson of the Rams, AJ Barner of the Seahawks and Gunnar Helm of the Titans. Likely may have the clearest path to consistent targets after following his head coach to New York and becoming the team’s top tight end.
How Managers Should Use These Fantasy Sleepers
Schefter’s list should be used alongside league settings, roster construction and current injury news. ADP can change quickly during the preseason, so managers should remain flexible and avoid selecting a player solely because he appears on a sleeper list.
The strongest strategy is to identify several targets at each position. That approach can help managers react when another drafter reaches for a preferred player. In deeper leagues, late-round names such as Shough, Corum, Addison, Likely and Lloyd may carry even greater importance because replacement options are limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main focus of Adam Schefter’s 2026 list?
The list focuses on players who may outperform their current average draft position, giving managers potential value targets across all major fantasy positions.
Which quarterbacks are highlighted as middle-round values?
Bo Nix, Caleb Williams and Justin Herbert are the primary middle-round quarterback recommendations.
Who are the top early running back targets?
Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson are the two leading early-round running back targets, with Chase Brown, Kenneth Walker III and Omarion Hampton also receiving strong consideration.
Which late tight end could have the clearest opportunity?
Isaiah Likely stands out because he is expected to serve as the Giants’ No. 1 tight end after moving from Baltimore.
