Fantasy Football 2026: Draft Avoids, Sleepers, and Key News

FantasyPros has released a suite of articles and news updates offering crucial insights for the 2026 fantasy football season. This includes identifying players to potentially avoid in drafts, late-round running back targets, and significant injury and contract news impacting veteran players.

Players to Avoid and Draft Picks

Andrew Erickson highlights several players to avoid based on their Average Draft Position (ADP) in his analysis Erickson's Players to Avoid Source. This deep dive helps fantasy managers steer clear of potential busts who may not live up to their draft cost.

Conversely, other FantasyPros articles focus on players to target. Derek Brown identifies 5 Late-Round Running Backs to Draft Source, offering potential value picks later in drafts. The FantasyPros Staff also points out 3 Mid-Round RBs to Target and 20 Fantasy Football Sleepers Experts Love to Draft.

Impact on Your Draft Strategy

For fantasy managers, understanding these recommendations can shape your draft strategy significantly. Avoiding overvalued players allows you to maximize value at each pick, while targeting sleepers and late-round gems can provide unexpected production and depth to your roster. Pay close attention to player ADPs and adjust your strategy accordingly.

Key Player News and Updates

Several significant news items have emerged affecting top players and rookies, which could impact their fantasy value.

Stefon Diggs Drawing Interest

Wide receiver Stefon Diggs (WR-FA) is reportedly drawing interest from at least five teams. Diggs is coming off an 1,000-yard season in New England despite tearing his ACL. He believes he will be even better due to offseason training with no lingering injury concern Source.

• Fantasy Impact: If Diggs signs with a new team, his fantasy value could fluctuate depending on the team's offensive scheme and target share. His experience and previous production suggest he could still be a viable fantasy option, especially if he lands with a pass-heavy offense.

Baker Mayfield's Injury Revelation

Baker Mayfield (QB-TB) played through sprained MCL and PCL injuries after Week 2 last season, in addition to a "bad biceps contusion" and a left shoulder injury in Week 12. He is expected to be back to full health for the upcoming season Source.

• Fantasy Impact: Mayfield's previous season was more impressive given his undisclosed injuries. With a clean bill of health, he could offer better consistency and upside, making him a potential value pick at quarterback, especially in two-QB or Superflex leagues.

Brenton Strange's New Contract

Brenton Strange (TE-JAC) signed a three-year extension with the Jaguars worth up to $48 million with $25 million guaranteed. Strange missed five games last season but emerged as a top threat in the passing game when healthy for Trevor Lawrence Source.

• Fantasy Impact: Strange is now positioned as a borderline TE1, particularly in PPR formats, given his guaranteed role and potential for targets. Managers should consider him a strong contender for a starting tight end spot, especially with Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol competing for snaps behind him.

Aaron Donald Hinting at Return

Aaron Donald (DT-FA) has been working out at the Rams facility and is hinting at a return with the team following their trade for Myles Garrett Source.

• Betting Impact: While not a direct fantasy football impact, Donald's potential return significantly bolsters the Rams' defense, which could influence game totals and defensive scoring in DFS and related prop bets.