playFantasy staffMultiple AuthorsSep 4, 2026, 12:49 PM ETOpen Extended ReactionsThis page will be updated throughout the summer, so continue to check back for the latest content.Summer ramps up our excitement about the 2026 fantasy football draft season.Whether you play in a casual redraft league, an intense deep dynasty format or anything in between, we at ESPN Fantasy are here to help.This draft guide will serve as a one-stop shop for all of our best material as you prepare to make the best fantasy football picks possible in every draft you’re in: rankings and cheat sheets; player projections; mock drafts for different league types; sleepers, busts and breakouts; and plenty of helpful information and tips from our expert team of fantasy football analysts.Fantasy football cheat sheets, projections and depth chartsThe Ultimate Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet All the names we’ve been talking about in a printable cheat sheet for your draft.Cheat Sheet Central A one-stop shop for printable cheat sheets that fit your specific needs.2026 projections Mike Clay’s projected output for players at every fantasy position, sortable by category.Depth charts: Offense | DefenseRankings2026 rankings hub A range of rankings types to suit you, including our staff consensus by position, superflex, IDP, dynasty and individual overall lists.Rankings tiers by position: QB | RB | WR | TEMock draftsFantasy Football Marathon: RB-heavy in first two rounds (8/25)10-team, 1/2 PPR: Nacua, Love drop due to recent news (8/17)12-team superflex: QBs go with top six picks (8/10)Knockout Leagues: Strategy, positional depth play a large role (8/3)10-team non-PPR: How no point per reception affects the RB/WR balance (7/20)12-team PPR: Depth can shift your quarterback and tight end philosophy (7/13)Superflex: Quarterbacks go early, often when starting two is an option (7/6)10-team half-PPR: Why rushing yards, big catches matter more (6/29)The Mock Draft Project: Results from 10 expert 10-team PPR mock drafts (5/23)10-team PPR: Where the new rookies landed (5/1)Ready to try a practice draft? Check out the Mock Draft LobbyAdvice and analysisFantasy football fast facts: Quick-hit notes to get you ready for your draft Forgot to do your fantasy football homework? Adam Rank has you covered at the most important positions.Facts vs. Feelings: In on Ladd McConkey?
Out on Bucky Irving? What about Lamar Jackson? In advance of the biggest draft weekend, Liz Loza reveals her strongest thoughts to help you have a successful draft.10 bold predictions: Which players will surprise in fantasy? Our fantasy analysts picked their favorite “out on a limb” predictions for the NFL season ahead.Adam Schefter’s fantasy football cheat sheet: Value picks and sleepers to target The annual favorite is back, featuring Adam’s favorite picks at each level of the draft, including sleepers.Best picks from each draft slot, Rounds 1-2: 10-team league | 12-team league Plan for which players might be available when your picks come around as you lay the foundation for your team.Field’s fantasy football favorite picks for 2026 The nine players Field Yates has been happy to snag most often in drafts this summer.Mike Clay’s Ultimate Draft Board Ideal picks for every round in a 12-team league.’Do Not Draft’ list: Giants’ young trio among players being overvalued The annual hit is back, with players Eric Karabell believes are going earlier than they should in drafts this summer.’Do Draft’ list: Henry, Mahomes among undervalued players to pick You’ve read the ‘Do Not Draft’ list.
Now, Eric Karabell lists players being drafted later than they should be.Who will be this season’s “league winners”? Michael F. Florio shares his players with breakout potential who could lead fantasy managers to titles in 2026.Matt Bowen’s favorite targets: 19 players to consider at all levels of your draft Breaking down his favorite picks this year, from first-round superstars to late-round dart throws.Sleepers, Busts and Breakouts The players our analysts think will surprise, disappoint and take a big step this season.Loza: “Red flag” players I’ll draft anyway Liz acknowledges the warning signs, but she’s still willing to click on these players.You can have ’em: Six big-name players I’ll be passing on in drafts Liz Loza lists some marquee players she’s not overly keen on drafting this season.Cockcroft’s deep sleepers: Carson Beck, Tre’ Harris and 12 more to watch These sleepers are truly for those in deeper leagues seeking off-the-radar types who could emerge in 2026.’Drumbeat’ players generating buzz that you shouldn’t ignore in drafts Liz Loza identifies six players generating excitement who could eventually turn into league winners.Eric Moody’s draft-day targets Eric lists the players he’s most excited about at different junctures of drafts.Rookies to pick in later rounds of fantasy football drafts Whether you’re in a standard league or a deeper league, these rookies could emerge in 2026 and beyond.Have skills, need opportunity: 10 picks who just need a chance to shine Matt Bowen and Tristan H. Cockcroft list players they are most excited about, if and when opportunity knocks.Fantasy football insurance RB rankings: Which backups are must-drafts?
Looking for insurance or just seeking upside at running back? Eric Moody lists those with the most potential.Matt Bowen’s superlatives: The best in the fantasy game in 30 categories Getting you excited for 2026 with breakouts, late-round finds, most likely to bust and much more.The six late-round fantasy draft fliers to know: Shough leads the way Nothing is better than hitting on a “super sleeper” pick. Liz Loza offers up her favorite targets.2026 breakouts: Why Dart, Tate, Egbuka are among those poised to shine Mike Clay identifies 10 players in position to follow a similar path to last year’s breakouts and produce big numbers.Six players who benefit most from vacated targets and touches Eric Moody preps you for your fantasy football draft with these players with golden opportunities.Ranking all 32 NFL teams for fantasy value Tiered rankings of the most attractive NFL squads for fantasy.Players to upgrade, downgrade because of O-line Eric Moody looks at running backs who benefit from, or are hurt by, the performance of their offensive lines.The 12 players who will bounce back this season Eric Karabell highlights players who disappointed in 2025 but are poised for a better 2026.The 11 players who will score MORE this season Mike Clay’s annual list of players he expects to find the end zone more often this season.The 12 players who will score LESS in 2026 Mike Clay’s lists those who will score fewer TDs this season.Ashton Jeanty among eight players who will benefit from new coaches Matt Bowen explains which players are poised to thrive in new schemes following coaching changes.Four players to trade for, trade away in dynasty Is now the time to trade for TreVeyon Henderson? Should you cash in your chips on a pair of Cowboys?Bad sign or just a bad season?
These nine players struggled in 2025. Tristan H. Cockcroft lets you know whether you should be concerned.Don’t be surprised if these 28 things happen in 2026 Eric Karabell offers his thoughts on players who could delight or disappoint in 2026.Which Bears pass catcher is the best value, riskiest and safest? Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland are being drafted close together.
Mike Clay explains how you should approach them.To draft or not to draft? Is there a player you feel cautious about whom everyone else seems to love — or vice versa? You’re not alone.Fantasy impact of A.J. Brown trade: Which players to upgrade, downgrade Mike Clay provides analysis of all Eagles and Patriots players affected by the long-awaited deal.StrategyThe Playbook: Planning a winning fantasy football draft strategy Mike Clay goes position by position and lays out a successful approach for 2026 fantasy football drafts.The nine mistakes that could sink your fantasy footba
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