As fantasy football enthusiasts gear up for the 2026 season, two names are emerging as must-have targets: Jalen Hurts, the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback, and rookie running back Jadarian Price of the Seattle Seahawks. These players, along with four others, are being touted as potential league winners in upcoming drafts.
In the competitive landscape of fantasy football, making informed decisions is crucial. While many participants rely on generic cheat sheets, the selections highlighted here are based on thorough analysis of past performances, injury histories, and the strength of upcoming schedules. This data-driven approach can help fantasy managers differentiate between players when time is of the essence during drafts.
Jalen Hurts
Hurts has consistently ranked among the top quarterbacks in fantasy football, finishing as a Top-2 player in points per game for the past two seasons. Currently, he is being drafted as QB6 in many leagues, which some analysts consider a bargain given his potential for a breakout year in 2026. Despite the loss of star wide receiver A.J. Brown, Hurts still has a wealth of offensive talent around him, including a healthier offensive line and a favorable schedule.
Notably, Hurts is set to face a league-high eight teams that allowed the most fantasy points to quarterbacks last season, with five of those matchups against teams in the Top 5 for points allowed. This advantageous schedule positions him to not only start strong but also to outpace several quarterbacks being drafted around him.
Jadarian Price
Price, a former Notre Dame standout, is another player to watch closely. Selected in the fourth round of many drafts, he is expected to make a significant impact for the Seahawks. With a schedule that includes multiple matchups against teams that struggled against running backs, Price could quickly establish himself as a valuable asset. His potential role in the Seahawks' offense, combined with favorable early-season matchups, makes him a compelling choice for fantasy managers looking to build a strong roster.
Kyren Williams
Another running back to consider is Kyren Williams of the Los Angeles Rams. Despite being drafted in the third round, Williams has shown the ability to deliver RB1 value, finishing as RB8 in fantasy points per game last season. With a schedule that features several teams ranked among the worst in points allowed to running backs, Williams is poised to capitalize on these matchups, making him a steal at his current draft position.
DeVonta Smith
Wide receiver DeVonta Smith is also on the radar, especially following A.J. Brown's departure. As the Eagles' top receiving option, Smith's role in the passing game is expected to expand, particularly with a schedule that offers numerous favorable matchups against teams that struggled to defend against wide receivers last season. His current ADP places him as WR14, but many analysts believe he has the potential to finish among the top 10 wide receivers.
Tee Higgins
Finally, Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals is another player worth considering. As the second option behind Ja'Marr Chase, Higgins has consistently produced strong numbers, finishing as WR11 in points per game last season. With a schedule that includes several matchups against teams that allowed high points to wide receivers, Higgins is positioned to outperform his current ADP of WR18.
As the 2026 fantasy football season approaches, these players represent a mix of established talent and emerging stars. By strategically incorporating them into your draft strategy, you can enhance your chances of building a playoff-bound roster.
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