SportsLine Model Unveils 2026 Fantasy Football Rankings
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- SportsLine released its 2026 Fantasy football positional rankings after simulating the NFL season 10,000 times; the model has a track record dating to 2017 of calling breakouts like Derrick Henry (2019), A.J. Brown (2020), and Daniel Jones (2024), and flagging busts like Terry McLaurin's down year and C.J. Stroud's 2024 regression
- Josh Allen tops the QB rankings despite his fewest passing yards (3,668) and passing touchdowns (25) in six years last season, with 41 rushing TDs over three years — the second-most in the NFL regardless of position
- Bijan Robinson leads the RB rankings after a 1,478-yard rushing season (4th in the NFL) and leading all running backs in both receptions (79) and receiving yards (820)
- Puka Nacua is the top WR after leading the NFL with 107.2 receiving yards per game in 2025, while Trey McBride anchors the TE rankings, having averaged 8.1 catches for 80.3 yards with 10 total TDs in 12 games with Jacoby Brissett as Arizona's starter
- Lamar Jackson checks in at #2 QB with new Baltimore OC Declan Doyle — credited with unlocking Caleb Williams last year — while Drake Maye lands at #3 coming off a runner-up MVP campaign (4,394 passing yards, 31 TDs) with the Patriots adding A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs
- Jahmyr Gibbs slots in at #2 RB with David Montgomery gone from Detroit; in six career games without Montgomery, Gibbs has averaged 152.3 scrimmage yards and 10 total touchdowns
Why it matters: SportsLine's model has correctly flagged past breakouts (Derrick Henry 2019, A.J. Brown 2020, De'Von Achane 2025) and busts (C.J. Stroud 2024, Terry McLaurin 2024), so managers drafting in early rounds have concrete tier guidance at every position. With Allen carrying an ADP of just 23 overall and only one manager landing him, the rankings directly shape early-round decision-making across the Fantasy landscape.
