2026 Awards Predictions: MVP, Breakouts, Busts & Rookie Picks! (09/08 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Dave Richard identifies Brock Bowers as a potential breakout player who could become a top-tier tight end similar to Travis Kelce or Rob Gronkowski, making him a target for late round-one consideration in future drafts.

Jamie Eisenberg highlights Bucky Irving as a potential fantasy asset, noting that if he secures 15+ touches, he could pay off significantly for managers who drafted him in the 4th or 5th round.

Carnell Tate is not expected to have a standout season, as he is viewed as a WR3 in a struggling Titans offense. While he may provide value at his current seventh-round ADP, he is expected to lose targets to other receivers on the team.

Dave Richard suggests looking for Chris Bell of the Miami Dolphins as a potential bench stash if Trey Tucker is already rostered.

Dave Richard considers McCaffrey a must-start player for Week 1, noting that he is ranking him as if he is going to play despite the tough matchup.

Dave Richard. Dave notes that Christian McCaffrey has had a drama-free training camp, though he remains a high-risk, high-reward player who will likely determine the success of Dave Richard. Dave's fantasy season.

DJ Moore is expected to bounce back from a poor 2025 season, with Josh Allen projected to maximize his production. Moore is expected to lead the team in all statistical categories and provide consistent 15 PPR points per game, making him a must-start after a slow week one.

Dave Richard remains high on DJ Moore, noting he drafted him frequently in rounds four and five. Richard believes Moore still has top-20 wide receiver upside, provided he avoids the decline seen in his age-29 season last year.

Jamie Eisenberg is lowering expectations for D'Andre Swift due to the week-to-week nature of Kyle Monongai's injury, which could impact Swift's workload.

Devon Achan is identified as a bust candidate due to his role on a struggling Dolphins team and concerns regarding quarterback Malik Willis's low target rate to running backs. Despite his talent, Achan is expected to disappoint managers who drafted him in the first round.

Dave Richard admits to underrating Derrick Henry in his initial rankings. He believes Henry can bounce back in 2026 and is a viable early-round pick, especially in non-PPR or half-PPR formats.

Jamie Eisenberg names DeVonta Smith his fantasy MVP, noting that with A.J. Brown gone, Smith has the opportunity to be the alpha receiver and potentially finish as a top-five wide receiver.

Devontae Smith is projected for an 'awesome' season, with Dave Richard noting he has averaged 17.1 PPR points per game in games without Dallas Goedert and A.J. Brown. Even with potential struggles from Jalen Hurts, Smith's target volume and talent suggest he will outperform his third-round draft position.

Dave Richard is nervous about Emeka Egbuka's ceiling due to a lingering turf toe injury that could persist all season. While still a viable starter, expectations have shifted from a potential top-10 wide receiver to a top-20 range performer.

Jamie Eisenberg does not consider Kittle a must-start for Week 1 due to concerns about his snap share and the strength of the Rams' defense, suggesting managers start Juwan Johnson, Mark Andrews, or Dallas Goedert over him instead.

Dave Richard expresses regret over not drafting enough George Pickens, predicting that the receiver will have a very good year.

Jamie Eisenberg suggests caution with rookie Jadarian Price in Week 1, noting that the Seahawks may ease him into the offense and rely on George Holani in a high-profile game.

Dave Richard names Jared Goff his fantasy MVP, citing his late draft position and the potential for a high-scoring season in a potent Detroit offense.

Jaden Reed is a high-value target in round 11 (previously round 8) who could finish as a top-20 wide receiver. With potential uncertainty surrounding Josh Jacobs' availability, the Packers are expected to lean more on their passing attack, benefiting Reed, who has averaged 16 PPR points per game in contests with at least five targets.

Dave Richard expects Jalen Waddle to be the target leader for the Broncos this season, noting his curiosity about how Waddle will be deployed in the slot against the Chiefs.

Jamie Eisenberg prefers Jalen Warren for the full season, despite preferring Rico Dowdle for Week 1, noting that Warren and Dowdle are ranked back-to-back.

Dave Richard ranks Jeremiah Love as a top 24 running back for Week 1 but notes that Tyler Allgeier will likely cut into his workload, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

Jeremiah Love is highlighted as a value pick falling to the third or fourth round. Despite a preseason injury, he is expected to be featured in the offense after a few games, and his current ADP makes him a strong candidate to outperform expectations in a weak rookie class.

Dave Richard does not expect a huge year from Jeremiah Love in 2026 but anticipates enough positive signs to make him a first-round pick in 2027, supported by improvements to the Cardinals' offensive line and quarterback situation.

Jeremiah Love is flagged as a bust based on draft value, as he is unlikely to live up to his third-round ADP. Factors include a difficult schedule, lingering injury concerns, and a committee backfield where Tyler Allgeier may steal goal-line work.

Dave Richard admits to potentially drafting too much of rookie running back Jonah Coleman. His role depends heavily on J.K. Dobbins' health, though Richard remains impressed by Coleman's preseason film and college production.

Jordan Tyson is considered a waste of a draft pick due to an injury that will keep him on IR to start the season. There is significant uncertainty regarding when he will return and how effective he will be, making him a potential lost-year candidate.

Dave Richard ranks 11 running backs ahead of Justin Jefferson, citing concerns about Kyler Murray's consistency and passing volume. While Jefferson will bounce back, he is not expected to reach his previous elite production levels, as Murray is unlikely to throw for 30+ touchdowns.

Justin Jefferson is viewed as a late-round one or early-round two pick, but he is ranked behind 11 running backs. Concerns about Kyler Murray's quarterback play limit Jefferson's upside despite his individual talent.

Jamie Eisenberg recommends starting Juwan Johnson over George Kittle in Week 1, noting that many managers drafted them as a pair.

Jamie identifies Kalon Black as the primary 'next man up' behind Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco. Given McCaffrey's heavy workload history and age (30), Black is positioned as a potential league-winner if he secures the lead-rusher role, making him a top candidate for fantasy rookie of the year.

Jamie Eisenberg views Kenneth Gainwell as a viable flex play for Week 1, especially in a game projected to be a high-scoring shootout.

Kyler Murray is not trusted to be a consistent top-12 quarterback. Despite having good receivers, his history of inconsistent fantasy production and low passing volume in Kevin O'Connell's system raise doubts about his ceiling.

Jamie Eisenberg views Luther Burden as a top 20 wide receiver for Week 1, noting that he would easily become a top 15 option if Rome Odunze is ruled out.

Dave Richard is skeptical of Luther Burden reaching a top-12 or top-16 wide receiver ceiling. While Burden should see 6.5 to 7.5 targets per game, Richard is concerned about his red-zone usage, noting that Colson Loveland and Rome Odunze are likely to command more end-zone targets.

Dave Richard expresses some nervousness regarding Malik Nabers' 2026 performance but believes he will show enough to be a confident first-round pick for next season.

Jamie Eisenberg notes that Marvin Harrison's performance with Jacoby Brissett in four games last year showed breakout potential, and he hopes to see that materialize in Harrison's third season.

Dave Richard is out on Marvin Harrison Jr., arguing that Michael Wilson is the better, faster player. Richard believes Harrison was overdrafted and will not break out unless there is an injury to other teammates, though he acknowledges Harrison's value as a consistent end-zone target.

Dave Richard is okay with starting Evans as a flex in Week 1 but advises keeping expectations in check due to the Rams' improved secondary and man-to-man coverage additions.

Dave Richard names Mike Evans his fantasy MVP, highlighting his falling ADP into the seventh round and projecting him for 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns.

Puka Nacua is expected to play in Week 1 and should be in fantasy lineups as long as he is active.

Dave Richard is starting Rhamondre Stevenson in Week 1, citing his expected high volume of touches and an improved Patriots offensive line featuring additions like Elijah Veritaker and Will Campbell.

Jamie Eisenberg prefers starting Rico Dowdle over Jalen Warren for Week 1, as he expects the Steelers to play with a lead, which might obscure the true pass-catching hierarchy in the backfield.

Jamie Eisenberg advises caution with Rome Odunze for Week 1 due to his injury status, suggesting managers compare him carefully against other options in the rankings.

Dave Richard regrets not drafting more of Saquon Barkley, noting that he preferred Ken Walker and Amari Hampton during drafts. Richard is optimistic about Barkley's increased passing game usage and a healthier offensive line.

Terry McLaurin is not expected to repeat his elite 2024 performance, with concerns about his age, the offensive line, and the presence of Stefan Diggs. A top-20 finish is considered unlikely.

Dave Richard recommends adding Trey Tucker from the waiver wire if he is available, noting he is unrostered in about half of CBS Sports leagues.

Dave Richard explicitly labels Trey McBride as a bust candidate for the 2026 season, despite acknowledging that the Cardinals might have a decent passing offense.

Trey McBride is considered a bust candidate because his target share is expected to decrease with Michael Wilson's emergence and a difficult schedule. Additionally, potential quarterback instability and a slow start to the previous season raise concerns about his consistency.