SportsLine model tabs Likely, Smith as 2026 fantasy sleepers
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- SportsLine's model simulated the 2026 NFL season 10,000 times and released fantasy rankings with sleepers, breakouts, and busts ahead of the first big draft weekend in August.
- The model correctly predicted Dolphins RB De'Von Achane would outperform his RB12 ADP last season — he finished RB6 with 1,838 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns, the article's proof of concept.
- Isaiah Likely is ranked TE9 by the model despite an ADP of 97, after following coach John Harbaugh from Baltimore to the Giants; the source notes he's reportedly Jaxson Dart's favorite target with Malik Nabers limited in camp by a knee injury.
- DeVonta Smith projects as a top-15 fantasy wideout despite an ADP outside the top 25 at the position, after the Eagles traded A.J. Brown to New England and elevated Smith to the No. 1 WR role, mirroring Jaxon Smith-Njigba's OPOY leap in Seattle.
- The model also flags an unnamed veteran wide receiver as a 'shocking' top-10 option ahead of CeeDee Lamb and A.J. Brown, with his identity hidden behind the SportsLine paywall.
- Injury bounce-back candidates the model flags for 2026 include Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Malik Nabers, framed as parallels to the 2025 rebounds of Dak Prescott, Christian McCaffrey, and Chris Olave.
Why it matters: Drafting fantasy players outside their ADP decides championships, and SportsLine is selling access to its full rankings plus one mystery veteran WR pick projected top-10. The Achane track record — 1,838 scrimmage yards and an RB6 finish from an RB12 ADP — is the article's hook that the picks are worth paying for.
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