-2026 NFL Schedule -Strength of Schedule
MOCK DRAFT
Ask the Commish.Com 2026 Draft Kit
DJ Giddens holds a highly volatile, deep-bench fantasy profile, serving primarily as a late-round handcuff or dynasty stash for the Indianapolis Colts. Behind workhorse Jonathan Taylor, Giddens is competing with Seth McGowan for the backup role. Giddens struggled to see the field as a rookie, frequently being listed as a healthy inactive in the latter half of the season. Coaches were also frustrated with his pass blocking and ball security, which led the team to prioritize veterans over him. Taylor has dealt with various injuries throughout his career, making Giddens a premium "lottery ticket" to draft in the final rounds or keep on dynasty taxi squads. Our advice is to leave him on the waiver wire. Giddens only becomes an option if you are rostering Jonathan Taylor in deep 14+ team leagues or utilizing deep bench spots.
TreVeyon Henderson is a high-upside, boom-or-bust fantasy option. He remains in a frustrating backfield committee with Rhamondre Stevenson on the New England Patriots. His explosive play-making ability provides week-winning upside, though his weekly floor is volatile. When given a featured workload (such as Weeks 9-11 in his rookie year), Henderson flashed true league-winning upside, posting overall RB3 and RB4 finishes. Henderson profiles similarly to Jahmyr Gibbs, excelling in the quick passing game and as a receiver. The Patriots bolstered their offensive line, which should improve his blocking capability and open up more explosive rushes. Rhamondre Stevenson remains the primary ball-carrier, consistently capping Henderson's volume and limiting him to about 15 touches per game.Pass Henderson's struggle in pass protection and reading opening holes has occasionally hurt his snap counts in key games, resulting in a low fantasy floor during tough matchups. There are multiple strategies for what to do with Henderson for fantasy purposes. He has the upside to be a fantasy RB1 -- but we highly discourage in investing that type of capital in him, given the various risks. We see him as more of a middling RB2 (in the RB20 range), and we also see him as a candidate for "Zero-RB" drafters who wait until the mid-rounds before addressing the RB position. If you draft Henderson, you should pair him with other mid-round running backs to build a resilient roster in case he takes time to unseat Stevenson.
Dylan Sampson projects as a rotational, receiving-heavy third-down back for the Cleveland Browns in 2026, serving as the primary backup to Quinshon Judkins. With Jerome Ford leaving for the Commanders, Sampson is heavily projected to soak up the vacated passing-down routes and targets. As a rookie, he was highly efficient through the air, securing 33 catches. Sampson is also a valuable insurance policy for Judkins, who saw a heavy workload and ended his rokies season on IR. Sampson stepped into double-digit carries and increased receiving work during the games Judkins missed late last season. His value is capped on the ground. He struggled with contact balance and averaged just 2.7 yards per carry, making him primarily a pass-catching specialist rather than an early-down volume runner. The Browns project to be in negative game scripts often, which could increase Sampson's passing targets, though overall offensive efficiency remains a concern. Sampson makes for an intriguing late-round stash or a mid-to-late round target in dynasty drafts. That makes him We see him as a low-risk, high-reward option.
Heading into his second year, Jordan James is the primary backup to Christian McCaffrey and holds massive upside should the veteran miss any time. Following Brian Robinson Jr.'s departure to the Atlanta Falcons, James has emerged as the front-runner for the primary RB2 job. He is competing against rookie Kaelon Black and third-year back Isaac Guerendo for touches behind McCaffrey. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has noted that James came on very strong at the end of last season, ultimately drawing praise for his well-rounded, natural running style. McCaffrey is entering his age-30 season and is coming off a massive, league-leading touch total from 2025. Because San Francisco 49ers running backs inherit high-value touches in this scheme, James is one of the most valuable contingency stashes in the league. He has a late-round average draft position (ADP), making him a nearly free end-of-bench stash. Make sure your invest one of you late picks on him if you own McCaffrey, even if you have to reach just a bit.
Serving as the primary backup to D'Andre Swift in Chicago, Monanga offers stand-alone value in traditional formats and top-15 upside should Swift miss time. He is expected to operate as a "1B" running back and an early-down hammer, seeing steady goal-line and red-zone work. In Ben Johnson's offense, he will likely average 10–12 touches per game, providing touchdown-dependent flex viability. Monangai is one of the most valuable bench stashes in the league. When given a starter's workload, he has demonstrated top-5 weekly RB upside. His ceiling is capped in PPR formats due to limited receiving usage (with notable drop issues) and a below-average explosive run rate. Furthermore, because he entered the NFL as a seventh-round pick, Chicago may look to upgrade the backfield in future drafts. He holds solid value in dynasty and keeper leagues, largely because D'Andre Swift is a potential free agent depending on contract outs. We see him as a RB3 (flex) option in fantasy, often making him a double-digit round pick. He is a priority target for managers prioritizing "Zero-RB" or "Hero-RB" builds who need reliable injury insurance.
Woody Marks enters the 2026 season as the Houston Texans' primary pass-catching back and backup to newly acquired veteran David Montgomery. Marks is expected to serve as the passing-down specialist and change-of-pace back, taking advantage of his agility and pass-catching abilities. Houston's trade for Montgomery heavily limits Marks' ceiling for early-down work and goal-line touches, essentially capping him as a depth piece or streaming flex option unless Montgomery misses time. Marks is best targeted between Rounds 9 and 11. He is a safer play in full-PPR formats but carries a low weekly floor if the Texans utilize Montgomery heavily.
RJ Harvey projects as a volatile PPR flex option. Denver’s backfield is shaping up to be a frustrating three-headed committee between Harvey, a healthy J.K. Dobbins, and newly drafted rookie Jonah Coleman. Sean Payton’s offense is notorious for utilizing multiple backs. Coleman is expected to absorb hard yards and goal-line work, while Dobbins is the primary ball-carrier when healthy. Harvey’s main path to fantasy relevance lies in passing-down work. He showed flashes as a receiver in his rookie campaign, but his low yards-after-contact and inefficiency between the tackles limit his ceiling unless an injury occurs. We've seen him drafted as a RB2 in a good number of leagues but find that a bit rich for our liking, especially since he has been battling through some nagging injuries in the off-season. Monitor his training camp progression to see if he can secure a reliable third-down role and improve his pass-blocking, which would vastly increase his snap share. He profiles best as a bench stash or bye-week fill-in with weekly upside.
Ashton Jeanty will be seen as a disappointment for fantasy managers exiting his rookie season. It wasn't a failure, but you can make the argument that, because of his talent and the hype, it didn't live up to lofty expectations. Jeanty was the RB15 in fantasy points per game, finishing with 321 touches and 1,321 total yards. He ranked fifth in snap share, first in opportunity share, seventh in weighted opportunities, and 15th in red zone touches. Among 49 qualifying backs, Jeanty ranked 16th in missed tackle rate and 17th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). The ecosystem surrounding Jeanty stunk. The Raiders were 31st in red zone scoring attempts per game and 30th in yards per play. Among those 49 qualifying backs previously, Jeanty had the second-fewest yards before contact per attempt (1.28), and 65% of his rushing yards came after first contact. With Klint Kubiak in town, Fernando Mendoza or Kirk Cousins at the helm, a healthy Brock Bowers, and improved blocking up front, Jeanty could be poised to post a strong RB1 season in his second season.
Last year, Omarion Hampton's rookie season was derailed by an ankle injury in Week 5. When he came back, he wasn't close to 100% healthy and had only one game with over a 55% snap rate. Any games after Week 4 last year, I'm just tossing in the trash because that wasn't the "real" Hampton. In 2025, in Weeks 1-4, Hampton averaged 17 touches and 95 total yards as the RB13 in fantasy points per game. In that small sample of games, he posted a 7.4% explosive run rate, a 19% missed tackle rate, and 2.54 yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). If he had kept up that pace the entire year in those three categories, he would have ranked fourth, tenth, and eighth in those categories (minimum 100 carries). Those are impressive numbers and speak to his talent and upside in 2026 as Mike McDaniel's possible bellcow. Hampton also contributed through the air in his first four NFL games with a 10.1% target share, 27.5 receiving yards per game, and 1.12 yards per route run. McDaniel is sure to get Hampton involved through the air after designing offenses of the last three seasons that have ranked third, third, and seventh in target share to the running back position. Yes, I know that Hampton isn't De'Von Achane, but this is still a feather in Hampton's cap. Hampton should be a rock-solid RB1 with massive upside in 2026.
Robbie Ouzts holds virtually no redraft fantasy value entering the 2026 season. While he serves as the primary fullback for the Seattle Seahawks, he did not record a single touch or target in the regular season last year.Team Context & Coaching ChangesThe Seattle Seahawks are undergoing an offensive scheme shift with new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury—who was brought in from the 49ers. Fleury is known for his heavy reliance on versatile fullbacks, utilizing them in similar fashion to San Francisco's Kyle Juszczyk.Potential UpsideBecause of this scheme, Ouzts could become a sneaky asset in deep dynasty leagues or tight-end premium formats.Dual-Threat Profile: Since Ouzts played tight end at Alabama, he brings above-average receiving skills to the fullback position.Increased Opportunity: With the Seahawks moving on from lead backs like Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet's lingering ACL recovery, the team will lean heavily on the running game and could dial up more check-downs and backfield passes to their fullbacks.Health Status: After missing the end of last season and the Super Bowl with a neck injury, Ouzts was a full participant in OTAs, confirming he is 100% healthy.The VerdictDo not draft him in standard 10-12 team leagues. However, if you play in a very deep dynasty format, he represents an interesting "zero-floor, developmental" late-round stash as he operates within a highly creative blocking scheme
The human battering ram known as Cam Skattebo made waves in his rookie season before being sidelined by a horrible ankle/fibula fracture that also ruptured his deltoid ligament in Week 8 of last season. In Weeks 2-7 as the Giants' workhorse, Skattebo averaged 19.5 touches and 96.3 total yards as the RB8 in fantasy points per game. I won't be surprised if Skattebo's per-touch efficiency is impacted for at least part of his 2026 season, if not the entire year, as he works his way back from last year's injury. If he's good to go, he should be the Giants' leading ball carrier this season. Last season, he was stellar with his touches, ranking fourth in missed tackle rate and yards after contact per attempt, 11th in target per route run rate, eighth in yards per route run, and second in first downs per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). He's best viewed as a volume-driven RB2, but I won't be shocked if he's an RB1 this season.
Quinshon Judkins had off-the-field and contract issues last year, entering his rookie season, which caused him to miss training camp and not start the season until Week 2. Once he was on the field, he was Cleveland's workhorse back until suffering an ankle and fibula fracture in Week 16. In Weeks 2-15, he was the RB26 in fantasy points per game (RB22 in expected fantasy points per game), averaging 18.7 touches and 72.8 total yards. I wasn't high on Judkins as a prospect, as his per-touch efficiency in college wasn't amazing. He didn't debunk that trend in his rookie season, either. Among 49 qualifying backs, he ranked 40th in explosive run rate, 33rd in missed tackle rate, and 26th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). In his defense, Judkins' offensive line didn't do him any favors last season. Among those 49 backs, Judkins had the fifth-highest mark of yards after first contact, with 62.2% of his rushing yards coming after first contact, and he had the fourth-fewest yards before contact per attempt, with only Cam Skattebo, Ashton Jeanty, and Zach Charbonnet seeing less runway with the ball in their hands. With a rebuilt offensive line to run behind in 2026, hopefully better quarterback play in front of him (fingers crossed), and more scoring opportunities, Judkins could return RB2 production this season.
As a traditional fullback for the New England Patriots, Brock Lampe's primary responsibilities revolve around run-blocking and special teams rather than accumulating rushing or receiving statistics. Lampe missed his entire rookie season on injured reserve (IR) after suffering a foot injury during training camp. He faces a significant uphill climb to make the active roster. The team signed veteran fullback Reggie Gilliam during free agency, making Gilliam the presumptive starter. Lampe must also compete with Jack Westover, who cross-trained and handled fullback duties while Lampe was sidelined. Even if Lampe secures a roster spot, fullbacks in this offensive system do not receive enough volume to be viable fantasy assets. Unless your specific league requires you to start individual fullbacks (e.g., highly specialized custom leagues or certain formats), he offers no floor or ceiling.
With Travis Etienne gone, Bhayshul Tuten will compete with Chris Rodriguez to be the lead back for the Jaguars in 2026. I want to bet on Tuten this year and his talent. Last year, Tuten was unfortunately robbed of the stretch run of his rookie season as he was sidelined by a finger injury. Before the injury, he was starting to make some noise. This could be the big breakout season for Tuten, who, on a per-touch basis, flashed the immense talent that I really liked when he was in college. Last season, among 55 qualifying backs, he ranked fifth in rushing success rate, 11th in missed tackle rate, and 17th in yards after contact per attempt. Rodriguez will remain a worry for Tuten at the goal line and to his overall touch count until we see his role fleshed out this season, but if he can be the clear lead guy, he has the talent to match Etienne's RB13 finish last year in fantasy points per game.
Croskey-Merritt is expected to see the majority of first- and second-down carries for Washington. He is not a major threat in the passing game. Veterans Rachaad White and Jerome Ford are expected to handle the bulk of the third-down and hurry-up work. Croskey-Merritt will likely have opportunities to punch the ball in near the goal line, though he faces physicality challenges from rookie Kaytron Allen. Croskey-Merritt showcased excellent burst and tackle-breaking ability as a rookie, recording 3.50 yards after contact per attempt and averaging a strong 4.6 yards per carry. He has historically been lethal on zone runs and can generate explosive plays. Washington has restocked the running back room, meaning carry shares will be heavily distributed among Croskey-Merritt, White, Ford, and Allen. Fumbles were a nagging issue during his rookie season, which could easily cost him touches if they continue. He has missed some off-season work with a soft-tissue injury, which could delay his chemistry with the offense. Jacory Croskey-Merritt is a high-upside, early-down runner for the Commanders. However, a crowded, competitive backfield—featuring newcomer Rachaad White—and his limited usage in the passing game cap his ceiling. He is best drafted as a mid-to-late round RB3 or flex option in 2026 fantasy drafts.