SportsLine Model Calls Nabers, Cook 2026 Fantasy Busts
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- SportsLine's model simulated the 2026 NFL season 10,000 times and flagged Malik Nabers as a bust despite his pick-34 ADP, ranking him outside the top 15 receivers — below DeVonta Smith and Nico Collins.
- Malik Nabers isn't a lock for Week 1 after tearing his ACL last season and undergoing a follow-up procedure in the spring; the Giants lean run-heavy under OC Matt Nagy.
- James Cook is called a bust despite an ADP around No. 11 overall (5th RB off the board) — the model ranks him RB10, behind Derrick Henry and Chase Brown.
- Josh Allen looms as a touchdown vulture for Cook, who fumbled at a higher rate in 2025 despite finishing RB6.
- SportsLine's track record includes calling Terry McLaurin's 2025 collapse (582 receiving yards, 3 TDs after a 1,100-yard, 13-TD season), A.J. Brown as a 2020 sleeper, Jonathan Taylor's 2021 monster year, and C.J. Stroud's 2024 step back.
- 2026 ADP top tier (PPR, via CBS) is led by Jahmyr Gibbs (1.30), Bijan Robinson (1.92), Ja'Marr Chase (3.98), Puka Nacua (4.91), and Jonathan Taylor (5.29).
Why it matters: Managers drafting in the next two weeks who avoid Nabers (ADP 34, off an ACL tear with OC Matt Nagy shifting the Giants run-heavy) and Cook (ADP 11, capped by Allen's goal-line role and fumble concerns) gain an edge — the model's preferred alternatives (DeVonta Smith, Nico Collins, Derrick Henry, Chase Brown) are ranked higher at lower draft cost.
Ask SkimNews
