RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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With NFL preseason officially kicking off, it is time for one of the most anticipated parts of the offseason: fantasy drafts. Fantasy leagues are often won by finding value in the later rounds and lost by falling for the wrong players early. Every season brings players who outperform their draft position and others who fail to live up to the hype. Here are the players who could emerge as fantasy sleepers, as well as those who could disappoint at their current draft price.
A Closer Look at the Bucs Backfield
Tampa Bay’s Bucky Irving is well known for his breakout rookie season in 2024. However, he was a massive disappointment for fantasy owners in 2025. The Buccaneers added Kenny Gainwell this offseason, which could create major problems for Irving.
Irving’s biggest concern heading into the 2026 season is his grip on the Buccaneers’ running back room. Tampa Bay gave Gainwell a two-year, $14 million contract with $9.83 million fully guaranteed. The team sees Gainwell as more than just a depth piece and expects him to have a meaningful role in this offense.
Gainwell is coming off a 2025 season in which he set career highs in rushing attempts, rushing yards, receptions and receiving yards. His ability to contribute both as a runner and receiver gives Tampa Bay another versatile option out of the backfield. If Gainwell earns the coaching staff’s trust, Irving could see his opportunities decrease. That would make it difficult for Irving to live up to his current fantasy value.
With so much uncertainty surrounding Irving’s role, fantasy managers should look elsewhere at his current draft price. Gainwell, on the other hand, could be an intriguing late-round target with the opportunity to earn a larger role as the season progresses. If he can take advantage of his opportunities, Gainwell has the potential to provide significant value for fantasy managers.
Can Dart Take the Next Step?
Finding a top quarterback in the middle to late rounds of the fantasy draft can give managers a major advantage. Drake Maye was a great example last season, as he was drafted around the 10th round and finished as the QB2 in fantasy football. New York Giants sophomore quarterback Jaxson Dart has the potential to follow a similar path in 2026.
Dart took over as the Giants’ starting quarterback and produced despite playing on a team that struggled throughout the season. He finished with 2,272 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns and just five interceptions in 14 games. What makes Dart even more appealing for fantasy is what he was able to do with his legs. He rushed for 487 yards and nine touchdowns, giving him an added source of fantasy production that many quarterbacks do not have.
Jaxson Dart could be the TRUTH.
What a play and incredible ball placement while rolling to his left pic.twitter.com/cPKUg6l7mN
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) August 15, 2026
Despite the lack of a strong supporting cast around him, Dart showed that he could create plays and produce fantasy points on his own. That makes his situation heading into 2026 even more intriguing, as the Giants have made major changes around their young quarterback.
New York hired John Harbaugh as head coach and Matt Nagy as offensive coordinator, giving Dart a new coaching staff heading into his second season. Harbaugh brings a Super Bowl-winning track record, while Nagy has experience working with quarterbacks and building offenses around their strengths. The changes give Dart a fresh start and could help him take another step forward.
The Giants have also improved the talent around their young quarterback. Malik Nabers is working his way back from a knee injury and recently returned to live team drills, giving the Giants hope that their top receiver can be back on the field this season. New York also added veteran tight end Isaiah Likely , giving Dart another experienced option in the passing game.
Dart has already shown he can produce in a difficult situation. Now, he enters his second season with a new coaching staff and more talent around him. If those improvements translate to the field, Dart could provide excellent value as a fantasy quarterback.
Third Year Breakout Looming in New York
Finding wide receivers who can take a major step forward can provide tremendous value in the later rounds of fantasy drafts. One player who could be ready for a breakout season in 2026 is Adonai Mitchell .
Adonai Mitchell enters his third season in the NFL with a chance to finally live up to the potential that made him a second-round pick in 2024. After joining the Jets midway through last season, Mitchell showed flashes of what he could bring to the offense. His strong offseason has only added to the excitement, as he has consistently stood out during OTAs and training camp while building chemistry with new quarterback Geno Smith .
Geno Smith Adonai Mitchell
: @nyjets #JetUp pic.twitter.com/NMj0z6tv3n
— Jets Roundtable (@JetsRoundtable) August 18, 2026
Smith’s addition could be especially important for Mitchell. Smith has shown a willingness to attack defenses down the field, which fits well with Mitchell’s ability as a deep threat. The two have already connected on several deep plays during training camp. Mitchell is entering his third season and now getting a full offseason with the Jets. He could finally have the opportunity to reach the potential many expected when he was drafted in the second round.
New Wide Receiver One in Las Vegas
Mitchell has plenty working in his favor heading into 2026, but Jalen Nailor finds himself in an equally interesting situation. His previous relationship with Kirk Cousins could be especially valuable early in the season. The two spent time together in Minnesota, giving Nailor an established connection with the quarterback expected to start the season. As the Raiders eventually transition to Fernando Mendoza, Nailor could carry that potential early-season momentum into a new quarterback relationship.
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