LAST-MINUTE 2026 Fantasy Football Draft Guide | Sleepers, Busts, Breakouts & Cheat Codes! (08/18 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Jamie Eisenberg selected A.J. Brown in the second round after the top 12 running backs were off the board, illustrating a receiver-heavy draft strategy.

Jamie Eisenberg notes that Alec Pierce's fantasy value depends heavily on his health. If Pierce is healthy, Eisenberg ranks him as the highest-upside Colts receiver, even with Keenan Allen in the mix, because his skill set differs from the other pass catchers.

Ameer Abdullah is expected to slide into the role vacated by Quint Allen, who is out for the remainder of training camp.

Jamie Eisenberg lists Bijan Robinson alongside Jahmyr Gibbs as a top-tier priority, preferring them over quarterbacks like Josh Allen in early-round superflex drafts.

Jamie Eisenberg classifies Blake Corum on the higher end of high-end handcuffs to target for bench depth.

Bo Nix is highlighted as a sleeper who has consistently performed as a top-12 quarterback in his career, making him a strong late-round value.

Bowers is consistently being drafted in the top 20-28 range according to various ADP sources, making him difficult to secure in round three.

Heath Cummings makes a compelling case for Brock Purdy as a sleeper, though his current ADP makes the 'sleeper' label debatable.

Jamie Eisenberg considers Bucky Irving a viable target in round five for managers building a roster around two stud wide receivers.

Jamie Eisenberg highlights Caleb Douglas as a potential late-round sleeper and 'steal' of fantasy drafts, noting his high-upside, low-floor profile as a bench stash.

Caleb Williams is rising in ADP (QB7/QB8). Analysts note his potential to be the Bears' first 4,000-yard passer, though they debate whether he should be taken significantly earlier than peers like Brock Purdy or Jared Goff.

Jamie Eisenberg mentions Chase Brown as a potential running back target depending on ADP, suggesting he is a player to monitor in early rounds.

Jamie Eisenberg is high on Chris Olave, ranking him 23rd overall and viewing him as a late-round two pick. Eisenberg highlights that Olave averaged 9.9 targets and over 20 PPR points per game during the final seven games of last season without Rashid Shaheed.

Jamie Eisenberg identifies Christian McCaffrey as a bust candidate due to concerns over his workload, age, and recent tightness causing him to miss time.

Loveland is a late round three/early round four target with the potential to be the best tight end in fantasy, as he is expected to be a major differentiator in the Bears' offense.

Jamie Eisenberg suggests that drafters should evaluate their personal feelings on DJ Moore and Jaylen Waddle to determine if they are worth reaching for earlier than their current ADP.

Jamie Eisenberg does not believe the injury to Kyle Monongai significantly changes D'Andre Swift's fantasy value, as Monongai's injury is not long-term. Swift is currently being drafted around the 41st-50th pick range.

Jamie Eisenberg frequently drafts D'Andre Swift, viewing him as a key mid-tier running back target for roster construction.

Jamie Eisenberg views Goedert's current ADP of 85th overall as poor value, suggesting he is only a good pick if he falls into the hundreds.

Kincaid is viewed as a full-season play, though he remains touchdown-dependent and lacks a full-time role based on preseason usage.

Jamie Eisenberg includes David Montgomery in the group of running backs he is comfortable with as part of his top 24-25 rankings.

Jamie Eisenberg notes that Derrick Henry is an outstanding RB1 option for managers who have already secured two stud wide receivers.

Jamie Eisenberg identifies Derrick Henry as part of a key trio of running backs to target in the early rounds of drafts.

Jamie Eisenberg notes that DeVonta Smith is currently available at the back end of round three, representing good value for drafters.

Adam Aizer is comfortable waiting for quarterbacks like Drake Maye in round five or six, viewing them as viable alternatives to higher-priced options like Lamar Jackson.

Jamie Eisenberg identifies Emeka Egbuka as a breakout candidate, though he notes the player's current injury status makes his outlook slightly tricky.

Jamie Eisenberg identifies Emmitt Johnson as the Kansas City running back with the most 'juice' to pair with Kenneth Walker.

Jamie Eisenberg identifies Garrett Wilson as a high-quality player available in the round four range.

Kittle's availability for week one is uncertain due to injury, making him a risky draft pick.

Likely is viewed with skepticism following poor preseason performance reports, though some analysts remain unconvinced by the negative news.

Jamie Eisenberg includes Ja'Marr Chase in his elite tier of players to draft ahead of top quarterbacks in superflex formats.

Jamie Eisenberg notes that Jadarian Price is back at practice and may leapfrog Basial Tootin in the Jaguars' running back depth chart.

Jamie Eisenberg ranks Jahmyr Gibbs as his preferred 1.01 pick in superflex formats, prioritizing him over top-tier quarterbacks.

Jamie Eisenberg and Adam Aizer view Jared Goff as a sleeper with high upside, noting he is currently undervalued in ADP relative to his potential as a top-12 quarterback.

Jamie Eisenberg identifies Javonte Williams as a potential RB1 candidate for teams that prioritize wide receivers in the first two rounds.

Adam Aizer targets Jayden Daniels in round five as part of his strategy to avoid reaching for quarterbacks in the early rounds.

Jamie Eisenberg suggests that drafters should evaluate their personal feelings on Jaylen Waddle and DJ Moore to determine if they are worth reaching for earlier than their current ADP.

Jamie Eisenberg suggests Jalen Warren as a running back to consider for roster construction.

Jamie Eisenberg lists Jalen Warren as a player managers may need to stockpile in the middle rounds of a draft.

Jamie Eisenberg lists Jeremiah Love as a bust candidate.

Adam Aizer considers Joe Burrow a solid value target in round five, preferring to wait for him rather than reaching for Lamar Jackson in round four.

Jamie Eisenberg and Dave highlight Jonah Coleman as a high-end handcuff and favorite sleeper; Dave notes Coleman's impressive vision and patience in his first preseason game with Denver.

Jamie Eisenberg notes that Jonah Coleman has become a popular sleeper, causing his ADP to rise significantly, though he cautions that Coleman is currently the third running back on his team.

Jamie Eisenberg prefers Jonathan Brooks over Bejal Tootin based on draft cost.

Adam Aizer highlights Jordan Love as a sleeper, noting that the Packers' offensive changes and potential for a strong season make him an attractive late-round target.

Jamie Eisenberg maintains his stance that Jordan Mason will be the best running back for the Vikings.

Jamie Eisenberg notes that Josh Allen will likely be the first quarterback off the board and suggests targeting him in the third round if he is desired.

Jamie Eisenberg suggests targeting Josh Allen in round three, noting he will likely be the first quarterback off the board and is expected to be selected within the first five or six picks.

Jamie Eisenberg has downgraded Josh Downs by one full round, moving him from a 7th/8th round pick to a 10th round pick due to the arrival of Keenan Allen. Eisenberg notes that Downs has also been battling injuries throughout training camp.

Jamie Eisenberg suggests Josh Jacobs is a viable RB1 option for managers who start their draft with two wide receivers.

Jamie Eisenberg identifies Justin Herbert as a primary target when waiting for value at the quarterback position.

Jamie Eisenberg notes that some drafters may feel uncertain about Justin Jefferson's value, suggesting a potential hesitation in early-round drafting.

Jamie Eisenberg questions whether fantasy managers should be confident in Justin Jefferson given the current wide receiver landscape.

Johnson is a viable starter option for the early season, especially following the Jordan Tyson injury.

Jamie Eisenberg expresses concern about the Colts' pass catchers following the addition of Keenan Allen, noting that while Allen lacks explosiveness at age 34, he will still command targets. Eisenberg highlights that Allen's recent history includes 'ruining' the fantasy value of teammates like DJ Moore, Ladd McConkey, and Josh Downs. Statistically, Allen posted a 26.1% target per route run rate last year (11th among 78 WRs) but saw a career-low 35% slot rate.

Jamie Eisenberg likes taking chances on Kenneth Gainwell in PPR formats due to his potential involvement in the passing game.

Jamie Eisenberg projects Kenneth Gainwell to have a significant role as a pass-catcher for the Buccaneers.

Dave notes that Kenneth Walker is not a lock to finish the season, suggesting owners should pair him with a handcuff like Emitt Johnson.

Jamie Eisenberg notes that Kenneth Walker is not a lock to finish the season, suggesting fantasy managers should look for potential handcuffs.

Jamie Eisenberg highlights Kenneth Walker as a priority target in the early rounds, noting his value when paired with elite wide receivers like Puka Nacua.

Jamie Eisenberg notes that the top 12 running back tier ends around Kenneth Walker, making him a key target to secure before the position drop-off.

Jamie Eisenberg lists Kamani Vidal as a high-end handcuff to target for bench depth.

Kyle Monongai is expected to miss several weeks due to a hyperextended knee, though he could potentially return by Week 1. This injury is not considered season-ending.

Pitts is increasingly viewed as a bust candidate due to a lack of confidence in his role and the Cleveland quarterback situation, with his ADP settling in the mid-70s.

Jamie Eisenberg adds Kyler Murray to his list of sleeper quarterbacks, noting his history of top-12 production when healthy.

Jamie Eisenberg identifies Kyren Williams as a potential RB1 candidate for teams that prioritize wide receivers in the first two rounds.

Adam Aizer identifies Lamar Jackson as the most obvious bounce-back candidate, citing his adaptation to a new, aggressive passing scheme under Declan Doyle that emphasizes downfield routes. Aizer views him as a no-brainer pick in round five, though he acknowledges he may not be available there in home leagues.

Jamie Eisenberg highlights Luther Burden as a round four breakout candidate, noting that his current injury situation makes his draft outlook somewhat tricky.

Malik Nabers is not yet running at full speed according to coach Harbaugh. Despite this, he remains in the mix for the top 12-28 wide receivers depending on health status.

Jamie Eisenberg notes that Malik Willis has looked good in practice against the Dolphins defense and serves as a viable late-round quarterback option for best ball formats.

Adam Aizer suggests Malik Willis could be the best running quarterback this year, offering significant fantasy upside as a late-round sleeper.

Jamie Eisenberg recommends Marshawn Lloyd as a high-end handcuff to stash on fantasy rosters.

Parker Washington is not practicing due to an undisclosed injury.

Jamie Eisenberg notes he has successfully drafted Patrick Mahomes in double-digit rounds, viewing it as an ignore-proof value, while Adam Aizer considers him a potential sleeper if he falls late.

Jamie Eisenberg strongly endorses starting a fantasy team with Puka Nacua paired with top-tier running backs like Saquon Barkley or Kenneth Walker.

Jamie Eisenberg identifies Quinshon Judkins as a mid-tier running back target who could provide value to a roster.

Jamie Eisenberg likes taking chances on Rachaad White in PPR formats, citing his potential for high catch volume.

Jamie Eisenberg identifies Ray Davis as a high-end handcuff to stash on fantasy benches for potential league-winning upside.

Jamie Eisenberg lists Rhamondre Stevenson as a running back to stockpile for roster depth.

Jamie Eisenberg lists Rhamondre Stevenson as a player managers may need to stockpile in the middle rounds of a draft.

Jamie Eisenberg includes Rico Dowdle among the running backs to target for bench depth.

Jamie Eisenberg lists Rico Dattle (Dowdle) as a player managers may need to stockpile in the middle rounds of a draft.

Jamie Eisenberg notes that Saquon Barkley is an outstanding RB1 option for managers who have already secured two stud wide receivers.

Jamie Eisenberg suggests targeting Saquon Barkley in the early rounds, specifically pairing him with Puka Nacua or Ken Walker as a strong start to a fantasy roster.

Jamie Eisenberg notes that Tee Higgins frequently falls to round four in many drafts, making him a strong value target.

Ferguson is a sleeper to watch as he is expected to be the third option in the passing game, with added upside due to Puka Nacua's groin injury.

Jamie Eisenberg identifies Tony Pollard as a player to target for roster depth in the middle rounds of drafts.

Jamie Eisenberg admits he ends up with a lot of Tony Pollard shares, though he expresses mixed feelings about the player, noting he is a necessary stockpile option.

Jamie Eisenberg notes that Travis Etienne is now priced correctly after being slightly overpriced following his initial signing, making him a viable option in the fourth round.

Kelce is being drafted around 36th overall, but there is a lack of excitement surrounding his current draft stock.

Jamie Eisenberg notes that Travion Henderson is part of a group of running backs whose performance could significantly boost the overall class value this year.

Jamie Eisenberg targets Trevor Lawrence as a value quarterback, while Adam Aizer highlights his breakout potential, noting his strong finish last season and improved supporting cast including Brian Thomas and Parker Washington.

Jamie Eisenberg suggests that drafting Trey McBride in round three is a viable strategy for managers who start with two wide receivers.

Jamie Eisenberg suggests Trey McBride as a viable option for roster construction in the early rounds, depending on how a drafter chooses to build their team.

Jamie Eisenberg expects McBride to continue leading the Cardinals in targets, catches, and touchdowns, noting that getting him in round three is a great value.

Jamie Eisenberg identifies Tyler Warren as the only Colts pass catcher he is actively targeting in drafts, suggesting that Warren and the other receivers may negate each other's target shares.