2026 Fantasy Forecast: Preferred Players At Each Position

The fantasy football community is ready to start the upcoming 2026 season fantasy football season! I want to look at the top selections at each position that I like for the upcoming 2026 Fantasy Football Season.

To review, feel free to reference the position leaders in Targets and Touchdowns from last year as it may be helpful as we look forward towards our players of preference in 2026. I have the players of preference broken down by where I am seeing the players go on average in 12 Team Half Point Per Game drafts. Again, keep in mind a players Ability, Availability, Opportunity, Consistency, Advantage/Upside and Matchup.

2026 Top Quarterback Picks

Early Picks (Rounds 1-4) – Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson

Mid Round Picks (Rounds 5-9) – Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, Drake Maye, Justin Herbert, Jaxson Dart

Late Round Picks (Rounds 10-16) – Brock Purdy, Kyler Murray, Jared Goff, Jordan Love, Malik Willis

I like the mobile Quarterbacks that have a shot at some rushing yards to partner with their passing yards.

2026 Top Running Back Picks

Early Picks (Rounds 1-4) – Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, James Cook, Jonathan Taylor, Omarion Hampton, Chase Brown, Ken Walker III, Kyren Williams and D’Andre Swift.

Mid Round Picks (Rounds 5-9) – Bhaysul Tuten, Quinshon Judkins, Jadarian Price, Jonathan Brooks, Blake Corum, Kenneth Gainwell

Late Round Picks (Rounds 10-16) – Jordan Mason, Keaton Mitchell, Jonah Coleman, Tank Bigsby, Kaelon Black

Running Backs that have some role in the passing game is a great added benefit and a lot of these guys above have a bit of that in their arsenal.

2026 Top Wide Receiver Picks

Early Picks (Rounds 1-4) – Puka Nacua, Ja’Marr Chase, JSN, Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, DeVonta Smith, Emeka Egbuka.

Mid Round Picks (Rounds 5-9) – Jaylen Waddle, Jameson Williams, Ladd McConkey, Mike Evans, Luther Burden, DJ Moore, Parker Washington, Christian Watson.

Late Round Picks (Rounds 10-16) – Jordan Addison, Jayden Reed, Xavier Worthy, Michael Wilson, Makai Lemon, De’Zhaun Stribling.

Wide Receivers on high scoring offenses is usually a good recipe for success at this position!

2026 Top Tight End Picks

Early Picks (Rounds 1-4) – Trey McBride, Brock Bowers

Mid Round Picks (Rounds 5-9) – Colston Loveland, Tyler Warren, Dallas Goedert, Tucker Kraft

Late Round Picks (Rounds 10-16) – Dalton Kincaid, Travis Kelce, Juwan Johnson, George Kittle, Jake Ferguson, Isaiah Likely

Players that can be a top target within their offense usually leads to success at the Tight End position.

2026 Fantasy Forecast – Final Thoughts

The 2026 Fantasy Football Season is so very close now! The ranks at positions and overall thoughts are more in focus as we go through the pre-season. Much will happen from now until then, so be flexible and look for the value when drafting your Quarterbacks this year. I certainly tend to think waiting on a Quarterback in your drafts as long as you can is preferred and if you get the opportunity to find a Quarterback later that still has a nice rushing floor that would be the ideal selection for me.

Don’t forget to consider Ability, Availability, Opportunity, Consistency, Advantage/Upside and Matchup. Who has opportunity for Targets? Who will have the chance for Touchdowns? If you believe a player is in line for either, you know I would be interested in them!

Targets and TDs Fantasy Football

Find players with: Ability – Availability – Opportunity – Consistency – Advantage/Upside – Matchup

Players on an offensive team that can get many Targets and Touchdowns, you know I would be interested in them! Statistics courtesy of The Football Database , a great resource for your NFL players statistics. If you enjoyed the article please share it with others (via the social media links).

Missed any recent posts?!, check them out below as you get your mind focused on fantasy football opportunities!

Enjoy the ride throughout the 2026 Fantasy Football Season!