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Yahoo fantasy football draft boards are undergoing major changes as the 2026 NFL season approaches. With Week 1 nearly here, injuries, roster developments and preseason performances have created dramatic movement in average draft position, or ADP.
Yahoo Sports contributor Matt Okada outlined the final major risers and fallers in Yahoo ADP on September 1. Several running backs received significant attention, while injuries pushed one highly regarded rookie wide receiver down draft boards. Here are the most important fantasy football developments for managers preparing for draft day.
Yahoo Fantasy Football Reveals Explosive ADP Risers
Mike Washington Jr. and MarShawn Lloyd Lead the Charge
The biggest jump belongs to Mike Washington Jr., a rookie running back for the Las Vegas Raiders. Washingtonâs ADP climbed 25.3 spots, pushing him toward the 10th- or 11th-round turn in many drafts.
The surge follows growing uncertainty around Ashton Jeanty, whose ADP has fallen from 15th overall to 21st. Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has discussed the possibility of a two-man backfield, similar to the Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet arrangement in Seattle last season.
Washingtonâs preseason performance has further fueled interest. Although Jeanty remains an important early-round talent, the rookie is no longer viewed as a completely safe selection. Washington has become one of the most popular late-round fantasy football targets because of his potential workload and expanding role.
MarShawn Lloyd also made a dramatic move, rising 20.6 spots after Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs was placed on the commissionerâs exempt list amid an ongoing legal investigation. Lloyd is viewed as the potential frontrunner to handle additional work if Jacobs misses time.
However, the Packers backfield remains difficult to evaluate. Chris Brooks and Kaleb Johnson are also in the mix, while Jacobs has dropped only six spots to approximately 41st overall. Okada suggested a range near RB30 for Lloyd and closer to RB40 for Jacobs, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding both players.
Strong Tight End Movement Creates Draft Opportunities
Terrance Ferguson of the Los Angeles Rams climbed 18.6 spots, while Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz rose 17.2. The movement has surprised some analysts, particularly because neither player has received a clear, dramatic change in role.
Schultz appears to offer the safer fantasy profile. He has recorded at least 85 targets in five consecutive seasons and caught 82 passes for 777 yards last year. With Houston facing uncertainty at wide receiver following injuries and roster changes, Schultz could see steady target volume as a late-round selection.
Fergusonâs rise is based more on upside. He must compete with Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen, Tyler Higbee and rookie Max Klare for playing time. Even if he wins a larger role, he would still sit behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams in the Ramsâ target hierarchy.
George Kittleâs ADP has also increased by 5.4 spots after he returned to practice while recovering from a seven-month Achilles rehabilitation. The 49ers need his presence, especially with other pass catchers dealing with health concerns. Kittle offers elite upside, but his injury history makes him a riskier selection than Travis Kelce or Mark Andrews.
Critical Fantasy Football Fallers to Monitor
Jordyn Tysonâs Injury Causes Historic Slide
The most significant fall belongs to Jordyn Tyson, whose ADP has dropped 28.2 spots. The New Orleans Saints wide receiver is expected to miss more than a month because of a hamstring injury and began the season on short-term injured reserve.
Tyson was selected eighth overall after being widely regarded as the best receiver in the 2026 draft class. Still, missing crucial development time in August and September could make him difficult to trust immediately. He has fallen to around the 11th round, where he may be worth a late dart throw in leagues with injured reserve spots.
Josh Downs and Treveyon Henderson Lose Momentum
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs fell 6.4 spots after the team signed Keenan Allen. Downsâ breakout case was built partly on the expectation that he would receive a large share of targets following Michael Pittman Jr.âs departure.
Allen led the Los Angeles Chargers with 122 targets last season, creating immediate competition. Even with a possible short suspension for Allen, Downs now carries more risk and has settled around the WR35 range.
New England Patriots running back Treveyon Henderson dropped 5.6 spots. The concern is that he may not lead the backfield as consistently as drafters expected. Rhamondre Stevenson remains a major factor and could continue receiving the more valuable workload.
- Prioritize Washington and Lloyd only if their draft prices remain reasonable.
- Treat Kittle as a high-upside selection with significant health risk.
- View Schultz as a safer late-round tight end target.
- Use caution with Tyson until his recovery timeline becomes clearer.
- Do not assume Henderson will receive a featured role in New England.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Mike Washington Jr. rising in fantasy drafts?
Washington is gaining value because of uncertainty surrounding Ashton Jeanty, the possibility of a committee backfield and his encouraging preseason performance.
Should managers draft MarShawn Lloyd after Josh Jacobsâ news?
Lloyd is a reasonable upside pick, but his role is not guaranteed. Chris Brooks and Kaleb Johnson could also receive touches if Jacobs is unavailable.
Is Jordyn Tyson still worth drafting?
Tyson is best viewed as a late-round stash, particularly in leagues with injured reserve positions. Managers should not expect immediate WR2 production.
Is Dalton Schultz a strong late-round target?
Yes. His consistent target history and Houstonâs wide receiver uncertainty make Schultz one of the safer tight end values outside the top 12.