Greetings, Falcoholics! It’s that time of the year again. The 2026 NFL season is quickly approaching, which means it’s fantasy football time. Fantasy owners from around the globe are prepping for their upcoming fantasy league drafts, so I will try to help the best I can.
Since 2019, I’ve been predicting top sleepers from each NFL team to help you dominate your fantasy league drafts. You can revisit my picks from 2019,2020,2021,2022,2023, 2024, and 2025 by clicking the respective years.
Before we take a look at this year’s sleeper list, let’s review the criteria. Each player chosen offers significant potential value for your fantasy team, based on points-per-reception (PPR) scoring format. While some names may be familiar, their average draft position (ADP) indicates they offer great value or are someone to keep an eye on.
Let’s get started!
Arizona Cardinals — WR Michael Wilson
WR Zay Jones (2025), RB Trey Benson (2024), RB Keaontay Ingram, (2023), WR Rondale Moore (2022), RB Chase Edmonds (2021), WR Andy Isabella (2020), QB Kyler Murray (2019)
Cardinals’ receiver Michael Wilson had a breakout last season as Marvin Harrison Jr. dealt with an injury issue. Wilson is expected to play a Z receiver role in the Cardinals offense, similar to what Puka Nucua’s role is with the Los Angeles Rams. Even with a murky quarterback room, Wilson is being drafted around WR40 territory, and he will most likely finish much higher in terms of production.
Atlanta Falcons — WR Zachariah Branch
TE Kyle Pitts (2025), QB Kirk Cousins (2024), QB Desmond Ridder (2023), RB Tyler Allgeier (2022), WR Russell Gage (2021), TE Hayden Hurst (2020), TE Austin Hooper (2019)
I expect Falcons’ rookie receiver Zachariah Branch to be a solid PPR play, even in year one. Branch excels on screens, quick slants, and short passes that he can turn up field for more yards. There’s obviously some other mouths to feed in the Atlanta offense, but Branch should be able to carve out a solid piece for himself considering where he’s currently expected to go in re-draft leagues, which is near the final rounds of the draft.
Baltimore Ravens — RB Justice Hill
TE Isaiah Likely (2025), WR Devontez Walker (2024), WR Rashid Bateman (2023), WR Devin Duvernay (2022), WR Rashod Bateman (2021), RB J.K. Dobbins (2020), RB Mark Ingram (2019)
Justice Hill’s value is pretty high because he does something that starting running back Derrick Henry doesn’t do a lot, and that is catch passes. Hill is used in a lot of the Ravens’ third down plays and yet he’s someone you can get towards the end of your fantasy draft. If for some reason Henry misses time, Hill is a must-start.
Buffalo Bills — WR Skylar Bell
RB Ray Davis (2025), WR Keon Coleman (2024), TE Dalton Kincaid (2023), RB James Cook (2022), WR Gabriel Davis (2021), WR John Brown (2020), WR Cole Beasley (2019)
The Bills have been trying to secure a top-flight receiver for quarterback Josh Allen for quite some time now. Bell has a real chance to make an impact for the team, as he is expected to surpass Keon Coleman on the depth chart who has largely been a disappointment for the Bills. Even with the addition of veteran D.J. Moore, Bell is someone to look at in upcoming league drafts with the team’s targets literally up for grabs.
Carolina Panthers — RB Jonathon Brooks
WR Jalen Coker (2025), QB Bryce Young (2024), TE Hayden Hurst (2023), TE Tommy Tremble (2022), QB Sam Darnold (2021), TE Ian Thomas (2020), WR D.J. Moore 2019)
Following back-to-back ACL injuries, Jonathon Brooks is back to competing for touches in Carolina. With Rico Dowdle gone, Brooks has likely his final opportunity to make an impact on the Panthers and push for more of a role. Currently, his ADP is RB40 and if things go according to plan for him, Brooks will finish higher.
Chicago Bears — RB Kyle Monangai
WR Luther Burden III (2025), QB Caleb Williams (2024), RB Roschon Johnson (2023), QB Justin Fields (2022), WR Darnell Mooney (2021), WR Anthony Miller (2020), WR Allen Robinson (2019)
Bears’ running back Kyle Monangai quietly made an impact in Ben Johnson’s offense in 2025, as he gained 5+ yards on 43% of his carries. With D’Andre Swift remaining as the team’s starter, Monangai still sees enough action to be a flex start with his current RB34 ADP being pretty much a steal.
Cincinnati Bengals — WR Colbie Young
WR Andrei Iosivas (2025), TE Mike Gesicki (2024), TE Ira Smith Jr. (2023), TE Hayden Hurst (2022), QB Joe Burrow (2021), QB Joe Burrow (2020), QB Andy Dalton (2019)
This is more of a dark horse, and injuries would be the main reason Colbie Young would be worth starting, but he’s still a talented receiver with a big frame at 6’3, 220 lbs in an offense that likes to throw the ball. Sure, he has two of the best receivers in the league ahead of him, but there’s a scenario in which Young carves out a spot for himself that’s well worth rostering.
Cleveland Browns — RB Dylan Sampson
RB Dylan Sampson (2025), RB Jerome Ford (2024), WR Elijah Moore (2023), WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (2022), WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (2021), QB Baker Mayfield (2020), QB Baker Mayfield (2019)
My first back-to-back sleeper this year is running back Dylan Sampson. Quinshon Judkins is the no-brainer starter in Cleveland, but Sampson is the literal backup who also serves in the passing game and brings PPR production. You can snag him in the very-late rounds of your draft, and if Judkins misses any time, he’s a lock to get most of the touches.
Dallas Cowboys — RB Jaydon Blue
RB Jaydon Blue (2025), Cowboys Defense (2024), TE Luke Schoonmaker (2023), WR James Washington (2022), WR Michael Gallup (2021), TE Blake Jarwin (2020), WR Michael Gallup (2019)
Again, another repeat here. Jaydon Blue makes too much sense as a late-draft flier. He’s entering his second NFL season and serves as a high-upside, change-of-pace runner behind starter Javonte Williams. If Williams misses time, Blue is who you want, even after a disappointing rookie season where he was mothballed.
Denver Broncos — TE Justin Joly
RB RJ Harvey (2025), WR Josh Reynolds (2024), TE Greg Dulcich (2023), TE Greg Dulcich (2022), RB Javonte Williams (2021), QB Drew Lock (2020), WR Courtland Sutton (2019)
The first tight end to make the list this season, Justin Joly is highly athletic option who slides into the Broncos offense which loves running multi-tight end sets. Evan Engram is the unquestioned starter, but he has a habit of disappearing in games. Joly has a chance to make some noise in Denver.
Detroit Lions — WR Isaac TeSlaa
WR Tim Patrick (2025), WR Jameson Williams (2024), RB David Montgomery (2023), WR Jameson Williams (2022), WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (2021), TE T.J. Hockenson (2020), WR Kenny Golladay (2019)
In 2025, Lions’ receiver Isaac TeSlaa carved out a nice role for himself as a red-zone specialist, as he scored in four of his last six games. Although he’s in an offense which gives him a low target share, TeSlaa is talented and has a chance to have that share grow in 2026. He’s currently going undrafted or at best going in late rounds, so I would snag him late if you can.
Green Bay Packers — RB Damien Martinez
WR Matthew Golden (2025), WR Dontayvion Wicks (2024), WR Jayden Reed (2023), WR Christian Watson (2022), RB A.J. Dillon (2021), RB A.J. Dillon (2020), WR Geronimo Allison (2019)
This is a very, very dark horse sleeper. With the Josh Jacobs situation up in the air, the Packers backfield is very murky. There’s a few obvious options ahead of him, but Martinez could surprise. He’s a physical, 220 lb downhill runner who fits perfecting into Matt LaFleuer’s run scheme. Even with the competition, there’s nobody ahead of Martinez (aside from Jacobs) who is better.
Houston Texans — RB Jawhar Jordan
WR Jayden Higgins (2025), RB Jawhar Jordan (2024), QB C.J. Stroud (2023), TE Brevin Jordan (2022), WR Keke Coutee (2021), RB David Johnson (2020), WR Keke Coutee (2019)
Jordan was my pick in 2024, and in 2025, he finally got an opportunity to start and rushed 15 times for 101 yards against the Cardinals. He has some talent ahead of him which will serve as a roadblock, but if you’re looking for someone to add at the end of your roster, Jordan is someone to target.
Indianapolis Colts — RB DJ Giddens
WR Josh Downs (2025), QB Anthony Richardson (2024), WR Josh Downs (2023), QB Matt Ryan (2022), QB Carson Wentz (2021), WR Michael Pittman Jr. (2020), WR Devin Funchess (2019)
Jonathan Taylor is the clear-cut starting running back in Indianapolis, and that won’t change unless there’s an injury. If there is one, DJ Giddens is the primary candidate to handle early-down rushing volume for the Colts. He’s RB81 right now, so he may go undrafted in a lot of leagues, but if you have Taylor, Giddens is definitely someone to add.
Jacksonville Jaguars — RB Chris Rodriguez Jr.
QB Trevor Lawrence (2025), WR Brian Thomas (2024), RB Tank Bigsby (2023), WR Christian Kirk (2022), WR Laviska Shenault Jr. (2021), TE Tyler Eifert (2020), WR Marqise Lee (2019)
The Jaguars had a shakeup at running back this offseason with Travis Ettienne entering free agency and landing with the New Orleans Saints. While Bhayshul Tuten is expected to serve as the starter, Rodriguez has more experience and has ideal size for short-yardage and goal-line carries. If Tuten was to struggle out of the gate, the Jaguars could look to Rodriguez to pick up the slack. He’s currently a late-round flier, so he doesn’t cost much investment either.
Kansas City Chiefs — RB Brashard Smith
RB Brashard Smith (2025), WR Xavier Worthy (2024), WR Skyy Moore (2023), WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling (2022), WR Demarcus Robinson (2021), RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (2020), WR Mecole Hardman (2019)
Similar to last year, I’m sticking with Brashard Smith as my Chiefs’ sleeper. Kenneth Walker is the clear starter and will get the bulk of the usage. But Smith is a hybrid player that, although listed at running back, also gets used in the slot. Considering he likely will go undrafted in your re-draft league, his explosiveness alone makes him someone to keep an eye on.
Los Angeles Chargers — WR Tre’ Harris
TE Oronde Gadsden II (2025), WR Ladd McConkey (2024), WR Quentin Johnston (2023), WR Jalen Guyton (2022), TE Jared Cook (2021), QB Tyrod Taylor (2020), TE Hunter Henry (2019)
Entering his second season in the NFL, Harris has established himself as Justin Herbert’s deep-threat weapon. He’s going as a late-round flier in leagues, and is the epitome of a low-risk, high-reward fantasy player.
Los Angeles Rams — RB Blake Corum
WR Jordan Whittington (2025), RB Blake Corum (2024), RB Kyren Williams (2023), WR Van Jefferson (2022), TE Tyler Higbee (2021), RB Cam Akers (2020), WR Josh Reynolds (2019)
Blake Corum is back as my sleeper for the Rams, mainly because of his RB35 value which can rise significantly higher very quickly as he is a direct threat to earn standalone fantasy value in 2026. On his own, that’s enough, but if for some reason Kyren Williams misses time, Corum instantly becomes a top-12 starter.
Miami Dolphins — QB Malik Willis
RB Jalen Wright (2025), RB Jaylen Wright (2024), RB De’Von Achane (2023), WR Cedrick Wilson (2022), QB Tua Tagovailoa (2021), WR Preston Williams (2020), WR Kenny Stills (2019)
The Dolphins brought in Malik Willis this offseason to be their starting quarterback. He’s currently QB24, so you can wait on him, but he has a lot of mobility giving him the fantasy quarterback rushing points as well as what he does through the air. Despite his current ADP, Willis in the fantasy world can provide team managers with top-15 production every week.
Minnesota Vikings — QB Kyler Murray
QB J.J. McCarthy (2025), QB Sam Darnold (2024), WR Jordan Addison (2023), TE Irv Smith Jr. (2022), TE Irv Smith Jr. (2021), WR Justin Jefferson (2020), QB Kirk Cousins (2019)
There’s essentially been a bottoming out for Kyler Murray after struggles in Arizona. With that being said, Murray is in the best spot that he will ever be in with head coach Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota. We saw what KOC was able to do for Sam Darnold, and Murray has shown flashes in the past. There’s a solid chance that Murray is able to turn things around career-wise in 2026, and his receiving corps will surely help with that.
New England Patriots — WR Romeo Doubs
RB TreVeyon Henderson (2025), WR DeMario Douglas (2024), TE Mike Gesicki (2023), RB Pierre Strong Jr. (2022), WR Jakobi Meyers (2021), WR N’Keal Harry (2020), WR N’Keal Harry (2019)
The Patriots recently made a trade for AJ Brown, who immediately becomes the team’s primary receiving option. But during the offseason, they also signed Romeo Doubs, who was a reliable receiving option in Green Bay for many years. He’s currently being selected as WR51, which is fair, but also he will finish ahead of that and costs practically nothing as a late-round selection in redraft leagues.
New Orleans Saints — WR Devaughn Vele
WR Brandin Cooks (2025), WR Bub Means (2024), WR Rashid Shaheed (2023), WR Chris Olave (2022), QB Jameis Winston (2021), RB Latavius Murray (2020), TE Jared Cook (2019)
This is a dart throw, as the Saints fantasy relevance is pretty much known with their starters. Devaughn Vele joined the Saints in 2025 and was somewhat quiet before having a great finish, recording 19 catches for 239 yards and a touchdown while being activated to the roster. He does have a lot of competition to getting a reliable target share, but if he is able, Vele could be worth rostering in PPR leagues.
New York Giants — TE Isaiah Likely
TE Theo Johnson (2025), RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. (2024), WR Wan’Dale Robinson (2023), WR Kadarius Toney (2022), QB Daniel Jones (2021), QB Daniel Jones (2020), WR Golden Tate (2019)
I previously had tight end Isaiah Likely as a sleeper for the Ravens, but now that he’s moved over to the Giants, he pops up here. Following time behind Mark Andrews in Baltimore, Likely has landed in a solid spot to emerge as a starting tight end and possible reliable passing option for young quarterback Jaxson Dart. His ADP has him going as roughly TE15, but he could easily finish higher than that.
New York Jets — TE Kenyon Sadiq
QB Justin Fields (2025), WR Malachi Corley (2024), TE Tyler Conklin (2023), WR Braxton Berrios (2022), QB Zach Wilson (2021), WR Denzel Mims (2020), TE Chris Herndon (2019)
Back-to-back tight ends here, and considering it’s one of the toughest positions to lock down, they could pay off. Kenyon Sadiq is very athletic and can be used all over the field for the Jets. His ADP right now is just behind Likely who I just mentioned, and Sadiq can turn into a start and forget option.
Las Vegas Raiders — WR Malik Benson
WR Dont’e Thornton Jr. (2025), TE Brock Bowers (2024), TE Michael Mayer (2023), WR Demarcus Robinson (2022), WR John Brown (2021), WR Hunter Renfrow (2020), RB Josh Jacobs (2019)
A lot of people possibly haven’t heard of this sleeper, but receiver Malik Benson is a zero-cost, high-upside sleeper for the Raiders. He will go undrafted in practically every league, but he’s certainly someone to keep an eye on. The Raiders have a wide-open receivers room and Benson is an elite burner who has impressed in OTA’s. He’s definitely not someone you need to draft, unless in deeper leagues, but be aware of this player.
Philadelphia Eagles — TE Eli Stowers
WR Jahan Dotson (2025), RB Will Shipley (2024), WR Quiz Watkins (2023), RB Kenneth Gainwell (2022), WR DeVonta Smith (2021), QB Carson Wentz (2020), WR DeSean Jackson (2019)
Again, tight end is the toughest spot to feel safe in fantasy football. Rookie Eli Stowers is an athletic, big slot type tight end who can surpass Dallas Goedert this season if things go his way. Considering Stowers is currently going as TE28, it’s worth taking him late with the chance he out-performs his slot this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers — WR Germie Bernard
TE Jonnu Smith (2025), WR Roman Wilson (2024), RB Jaylen Warren (2023), WR George Pickens (2022), Defense (2021), WR Diontae Johnson (2020), WR James Washington (2019)
Rookie Germie Bernard is expected to step right into the Steelers’ passing attack, primarily playing in the slot. With a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers and his quick release throwing the ball, Bernard can be a low-risk, high reward receiver that you can snag in later rounds; Arthur Smith is no longer there to ensure a slot receiver’s value is limited.
San Francisco 49ers — WR De’Zhaun Stribling
WR Ricky Pearsall (2025), WR Ricky Pearsall (2024), QB Sam Darnold (2023), QB Trey Lance (2022), QB Trey Lance (2021), WR Brandon Aiyuk (2020), RB Tevin Coleman (2019)
This is one of the more popular sleepers this draft season, as De’Zhaun Stribling can be a red zone target and carve out a sizable role in the 49ers offense early. Brandon Aiyuk is expected to be moved at any time, and Ricky Pearsall and George Kittle shouldn’t scare anyone away. Stribling is one of those players that could be a “why was he drafted so late?” thought by the end of the season.
Seattle Seahawks — WR Tory Horton
QB Sam Darnold (2025), WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba (2024), Jason Myers (2023), TE Noah Fant (2022), WR D’Wayne Eskridge (2021), TE Will Dissly (2020), WR D.K. Metcalf (2019)
Tory Horton is possibly someone that many haven’t heard of, even on a defending Super Bowl Champion team, but he’s someone to be aware of. Horton had two big games in 2025 filling in for injured Seahawks and had 4 catches for 48 yards and two touchdowns. There’s a few names ahead of him, but as Cooper Kupp keeps aging, Horton could be a possible WR2 in Seattle’s future, and his ADP is currently WR95 so he’s going undrafted.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers — RB Kenneth Gainwell
WR Jalen McMillan (2025), TE Cade Otton (2024), WR Trey Palmer (2023), WR Russell Gage (2022), RB Giovani Bernard (2021), RB Ronald Jones II (2020), WR Chris Godwin (2019)
One of my favorite sleepers this year is running back Kenneth Gainwell. He’s currently going in rounds 9 or later, and has a chance to lockdown the Bucs’ third down/passing game plays. He’s one of the best receiving backs in the NFL, and could be a flex start every week if Bucky Irving struggles with injuries again.
Tennessee Titans — QB Cam Ward
QB Cam Ward (2025), QB Will Levis (2024), RB Tyjae Spears (2023), TE Austin Hooper (2022), WR Josh Reynolds (2021), QB Ryan Tannehill (2020), TE Delanie Walker (2019)
I’m keeping Cam Ward for one more year as my fantasy sleeper here. The Titans’ offense has only improved, and rookie receiver Carnell Tate could be in play for offensive rookie of the year in 2026. He’s not going to get there unless Ward has a solid performance. Ward’s going as QB25 right now in re-draft leagues, and I believe he will finish closer to QB16 or possibly a little higher; I believe in the talent.
Washington Commanders — WR Antonio Williams
WR Luke McCaffrey (2025), QB Jayden Daniels (2024), QB Sam Howell (2023), QB Carson Wentz (2022), QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (2021), RB Adrian Peterson (2020), RB Adrian Peterson (2019)
The Commanders took Antonio Williams in the third round of the recent draft, with the intention of getting another weapon for their young quarterback. Williams is a good route-runner who could click with Jayden Daniels early, putting him in flex play range. His ADP is WR68 right now, and he has a chance to play better than that every week.