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Sleeper picks could make the difference between an ordinary fantasy football team and a championship contender in 2026. In an ESPN Fantasy feature published Aug. 28, NFL insider Adam Schefter highlighted value players across the early, middle and late rounds who could outperform their current average draft position.
Schefter’s recommendations are designed for managers looking beyond the biggest names. His list includes proven stars, emerging talents and late-round fliers with paths to expanded roles. The round ranges are based on 10-team league ADP, with early picks covering Rounds 1–4, middle picks covering Rounds 5–11 and later selections beginning in Round 12.
Explosive 2026 fantasy football sleeper quarterbacks
Quarterback remains one of the deepest fantasy positions this season, which means managers do not necessarily need to spend an early pick on Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson. Schefter believes the stronger strategy may be waiting for value in the middle and late rounds.
- Bo Nix, Broncos — ADP 86.3: Nix’s rushing ability gives him a valuable fantasy floor, while his development as a passer could create additional upside.
- Caleb Williams, Bears — ADP 92.2: After showing flashes of high-level talent last season, Williams enters another year in Ben Johnson’s offense with breakout potential.
- Justin Herbert, Chargers — ADP 106.0: His partnership with offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel could put Herbert in position for one of his best NFL seasons.
- Tyler Shough, Saints — ADP 155.4: Shough flashed as a rookie and is expected to take another step forward in Year 2.
- Jordan Love, Packers — ADP 158.0: Green Bay officials remain confident that Love is ready to elevate his performance.
- Daniel Jones, Colts — ADP 158.2: Jones was among fantasy football’s better quarterbacks before his injury last season and now appears healthy.
Powerful running back values to target
The running back position features several elite early-round options, but Schefter also identified a group of midrange and late-round players worth monitoring closely.
Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson are expected to be the first two running backs selected in many drafts. Gibbs has scored 38 touchdowns over the past two seasons, while Robinson continues to offer a rare combination of rushing volume and receiving ability.
Chase Brown, listed at an ADP of 21.9, is projected to lead the Bengals’ backfield in one of the league’s highest-scoring offenses. Kenneth Walker III, now with the Chiefs and carrying a 22.3 ADP, could exceed his previous career-best fantasy finish of RB18. Omarion Hampton, available around 25.3, is another major upside play if he stays healthy.
In the middle rounds, Schefter points to Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten and Rhamondre Stevenson of the Patriots. Tuten has continued to earn praise from Jacksonville, while Stevenson remains a productive player who is often overlooked.
Late-round targets include Kenny Gainwell, Blake Corum, Jordan Mason, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jonah Coleman and MarShawn Lloyd. Corum is especially intriguing because he could receive meaningful work alongside Kyren Williams while costing several rounds less. Mason could also benefit from Minnesota’s desire to improve its ground game.
Surprising wide receiver sleeper candidates
Wide receiver depth gives fantasy managers plenty of ways to build a strong roster. Ja’Marr Chase, Puka Nacua, Justin Jefferson and Chris Olave headline the early group, but Schefter sees several values outside the first few rounds.
- DeVonta Smith, Eagles — ADP 40.4: With A.J. Brown no longer in Philadelphia, Smith should see a larger share of the passing offense.
- Ladd McConkey, Chargers — ADP 50.1: McDaniel’s system could make him the focal point of Los Angeles’ passing attack.
- Luther Burden III, Bears — ADP 76.2: Ben Johnson has compared Burden to Amon-Ra St. Brown, an endorsement that makes his middle-round price appealing.
- Parker Washington, Jaguars — ADP 93.3: Washington impressed late last season and has continued to stand out during training camp.
The deeper receiver pool includes Wan’Dale Robinson, Jordan Addison, Josh Downs, KC Concepcion, Ja’Kobi Lane and Kayshon Boutte. Pat Bryant, Ryan Flournoy, Tre’ Harris and Devaughn Vele are also worth consideration in the final rounds, particularly for managers seeking upside rather than immediate certainty.
Critical tight end sleepers for draft day
Tight end could be deeper than it has been in years. Brock Bowers is an early-round option after quickly becoming the top offensive weapon identified by Raiders coach Klint Kubiak.
Colston Loveland is a standout middle-round target after recording 10, 13, 10 and 15 targets during the Bears’ final four games last season. Harold Fannin Jr. also has a clearer opportunity in Cleveland following David Njoku’s departure. Tucker Kraft remains an appealing option for the Packers, even if he does not become a full-time player until midseason.
Late-round tight end sleepers include Isaiah Likely, Terrance Ferguson, AJ Barner and Gunnar Helm. Likely moves to the Giants with a chance to become the No. 1 tight end, while Ferguson has earned the admiration of Rams coach Sean McVay.
How to use Schefter’s sleeper strategy
The most effective approach is not to draft every name on the list. Instead, compare each player’s expected role with his ADP, then use the best values to balance an early investment in elite talent. Monitor injuries, depth charts and preseason usage before draft night, because circumstances can change quickly.
For fantasy managers, Schefter’s biggest message is clear: patience can create opportunity. A well-timed sleeper pick may provide the production needed to strengthen a roster without sacrificing premium draft capital.
FAQs about 2026 fantasy football sleepers
What is a fantasy football sleeper?
A sleeper is a player being drafted later than his potential production suggests. These players often have a path to increased volume, improved health or a larger offensive role.
Who is Adam Schefter’s top quarterback sleeper?
Schefter highlights Bo Nix, Caleb Williams and Justin Herbert in the middle rounds, with Tyler Shough, Jordan Love and Daniel Jones as later-round options.
Which running back sleepers stand out?
Blake Corum, Jordan Mason, Kenny Gainwell, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jonah Coleman and MarShawn Lloyd are among the late-round running backs Schefter recommends monitoring.
Why is DeVonta Smith a strong value?
Smith could receive more targets in Philadelphia following A.J. Brown’s departure. His ADP places him in the middle rounds, making him an attractive value pick.
Should managers wait on tight end?
With depth throughout the position, managers can choose an early star such as Brock Bowers or target middle- and late-round values including Harold Fannin Jr. and Isaiah Likely.
