20 Biggest Fantasy Winners & Losers: NFL Preseason (2026)

Adonai Mitchell has secured the clear WR2 role for the Jets, moving ahead of Omar Cooper Jr. Entering his third year, he is a strong late-round target and waiver wire candidate who could outperform expectations in an offense that may be better than projected.

Todd Monkin considers Bo Nix a 'steal' at his current ADP of QB14-16. Monkin highlights Nix's mobility, his production as a runner in back-to-back seasons, and his strong supporting cast (Waddle, Sutton, Bryant, Franklin) as reasons he could finish as a top-10 scorer.

Braelon Allen should be elevated as a priority handcuff following Breece Hall's injury. He is the preferred backup over Isaiah Davis and demonstrated his potential with a 31-yard rushing touchdown in the preseason.

Todd Monkin notes that Rashard Smith may see some work with the first-team offense in Kansas City due to his ability as a pass catcher, though he remains behind Emtt Johnson in the backup running back hierarchy.

Breece Hall is expected to miss two to three weeks due to a groin injury. While he remains a high-end asset and a target, his ranking has been adjusted downward slightly by two spots (from 21 overall) due to the injury news.

Chris Godwin is now ranked ahead of Emeka Egbuka in target priority due to the uncertainty surrounding Egbuka's toe injury. Godwin is identified as the primary beneficiary if Egbuka misses time, potentially leading to a high target volume.

Todd Monkin is bullish on Chris Olave, noting that Jordan Tyson's injury elevates Olave's draft stock. Monkin expects Olave to be a 2/3 turn pick in PPR and start-3 WR formats, citing his rare combination of target share, air yard share, and first-read rate, plus his 18.8 PPG average in Tyler Shuck starts last year.

Christian Watson serves as a historical precedent for Green Bay's willingness to extend players who have missed time due to injury. He is expected to start in two-wide receiver sets alongside Matthew Golden.

Chuba Hubbard is currently dealing with a hamstring injury, though he is expected to return.

Todd Monkin admits he has been a 'Courtland Sutton hater' but changed his stance after seeing a strong preseason performance where Sutton recorded three catches for 60 yards. Monkin is now open-minded about drafting him.

Todd Monkin and Theo Griminger have moved DJ Moore up their rankings, projecting WR1-esque usage in the Buffalo offense. Moore reunites with former offensive coordinator Joe Brady and benefits from the gravity of Josh Allen and James Cook, which helps generate significant space. Buffalo's lack of a 1,000-yard receiver since Stefon Diggs highlights the team's massive need for his skill set.

Denzel Boston is a late-round target (15th-16th rounds) confirmed as a starter in Cleveland's three-wide receiver sets alongside Jerry Jeudy and KC Conpsion. While Theo Griminger is high on his long-term potential as an outside threat, he views Conpsion as the more likely candidate for a massive fantasy season.

Todd Monkin has downgraded Emeka Egbuka due to a persistent and poorly communicated toe injury. He is no longer a second-round consideration and should be targeted in the late third or early fourth round; Monkin would only pull the trigger at the 3.10.

Todd Monkin acknowledges the buzz surrounding George Helani but suggests his role may be limited to pass blocking and occasional receiving. While Monkin is not against drafting him in the final round, he warns against overvaluing him over Jadarian Price.

Todd Monkin now ranks George Pickens ahead of Emeka Egbuka in his target hierarchy, citing the need for realism regarding Egbuka's injury status.

Isaiah Davis is the backup running back behind Breece Hall, but he is ranked behind Braelon Allen in terms of handcuff priority.

Todd Monkin likes JK Dobbins as a player but expresses significant concern regarding his durability, stating that he 'never stays healthy.' This injury risk is the primary reason Monkin suggests rostering backup options like Jonah Coleman in Denver.

Jalen McMillan returned to practice, which is a positive sign for his availability. He offers theoretical contingent upside in the Tampa Bay offense should Emeka Egbuka miss time due to his lingering toe injury.

Jalen Nailor and Trey Tucker are the top two wide receivers for the Raiders, with both expected to see significant snap shares. Nailor has received specific positive buzz from beat reporters regarding his talent and role, with a chance to be the number two target on the team.

Jaden Reed is not expected to be used in two-wide receiver sets under Matt LaFleur, a trend consistent with his career usage. While he possesses high efficiency metrics and contingent upside, his path to raw snaps remains more limited compared to teammates like Matthew Golden.

Todd Monkin remains very high on Jaylen Waddle, projecting him to have a 'massive role' as the WR1 in the Denver offense. Monkin notes that Waddle has returned to practice and is participating in pads, which is a positive signal for his availability.

Jeremiah Love looked dynamic with 14 touches, but a high ankle sprain creates uncertainty. Todd Monkin advises against drafting him at the 2-3 turn due to the injury risk, preferring healthy bellcow backs in that range, but considers him an auto-pick if he falls to the fourth round.

Jonah Coleman is a high-upside fourth-round rookie running back with a 'Doug Martin-like' build capable of sustaining volume. Benefiting from Denver's top-ranked offensive line, he is a prime candidate to follow the trend of successful fourth-round rookie backs. Todd Monkin notes that JK Dobbins' injury history and potential coaching frustration with RJ Harvey could open a path for Coleman to secure a large role later in the season.

Jonathan Brooks is fully healthy and expected to lead the Panthers' backfield, seeing 80% of snaps with the starters. Despite a rising ADP, he is considered worth the price due to his pass-catching ability and Dave Canales' offensive plans.

Jordan Love is noted for his ability to push the ball downfield and connect on deep passes, which facilitates the fantasy upside for Green Bay's wide receivers, particularly Matthew Golden.

Todd Monkin has dropped Jordan Tyson significantly in his rankings, moving him outside the top 100 due to a hamstring injury that could sideline him until early October. The team is unlikely to rush his return given his status as a top-10 draft pick.

The signing of Keenan Allen is a major blow to Josh Downs' fantasy value, as he is trending toward being relegated to two-wide receiver sets.

Josh Jacobs is dealing with a groin injury and lingering concerns regarding a potential NFL suspension. While he has returned to practice, his heavy career workload and current health status make him a risk, boosting the value of his backup, Marshon Lloyd.

Todd Monkin is bumping up Juwan Johnson's fantasy outlook, noting he will have a strong role after recording nine top-12 tight end finishes and over 100 targets last season.

Katon Mitchell is trending up in ADP and usage, having rested with the starters while Kamani Vidal played with the backups. He is expected to have a significant role in the Mike McDaniel offense, including usage on wheel routes and in the screen game, making him a strong 'zero-RB' or 'hero-RB' target who could reach ninth-round draft territory.

Keenan Allen's signing with the Indianapolis Colts is a significant development that negatively impacts the target outlook for other receivers on the roster, specifically Josh Downs, who is now trending toward being relegated to two-wide receiver sets.

Kamani Vidal is currently behind Katon Mitchell on the depth chart, having played with the backups during the preseason. While he remains a well-rounded back and a high-end handcuff who would see a significant role if Omarian Hampton were to miss time, he is currently lower in the team's usage hierarchy.

Todd Monkin ranks Malik Nabers ahead of Emeka Egbuka in his target hierarchy, noting that the vibes surrounding Nabers are currently very positive.

Matthew Golden should be bumped up in rankings as he is operating as an every-down receiver in two-wide receiver sets. After a disappointing rookie year, he has a clear path to a year-two breakout, leveraging his speed in an offense where Jordan Love is capable of pushing the ball downfield.

Mike Washington is a high-upside handcuff who should be drafted in deeper formats; he is expected to fill a Zack Charbonnet-esque role in the Clint Kubak offense, receiving roughly 30% of the first-team snaps.

Omarian Hampton is ranked 18th overall, placing him solidly in the second round of drafts. Despite some criticism regarding his ranking, he remains the primary back in the offense and sat out alongside Katon Mitchell during the preseason, suggesting a secure role.

RJ Harvey is considered a reasonable value at his current draft cost, though he faces competition in a crowded Denver backfield. Todd Monkin warns that there are scenarios where the coaching staff could become annoyed with him, potentially opening the door for other backs in the rotation.

Stefon Diggs is noted as the last Buffalo receiver to record a 1,000-yard season, underscoring the team's historical need for a high-volume target like DJ Moore.

Tony Pollard's value is trending down after being outsnapped by Tyjae Spears. Todd Monkin views Pollard as a structural, short-term play for early-season points rather than a high-upside asset.

Trey Tucker is established as one of the top two wide receivers for the Raiders and is expected to be a full-time snap-share player. He is expected to maintain a high snap share in the Raiders offense under Clint Kubak; he was one of the highest snap-rate wide receivers in the league last year and remains a solidified part of the rotation.

Despite concerns about the quarterback situation, Todd Monkin remains bullish on Trey McBride, ranking him alongside Coulson Lovelin. Monkin considers McBride a locked-in third-round target in PPR leagues and has drafted him in the second round in tight end premium formats.

Green Bay is actively managing the snaps and workload for Tucker Kraft, which may result in increased target opportunities for the team's wide receivers.

Tyjae Spears is a sneaky target who outsnapped Tony Pollard 12-9 in starter snaps. Todd Monkin views him as a potential long-term asset who could secure a 1A/1B role in the future.

KC Conpsion is compared to Zay Flowers in terms of his potential role under Todd Monkin, with Theo Griminger suggesting Conpsion may ultimately have a better career than Flowers.