RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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This is an excerpt from the 150+ page draft playbook that's part of the Yahoo Fantasy Ultra subscription, Scott Pianowski offers quick-hitting blurbs on his biggest fades this draft season.
Fantasy Ultra features several top-notch tools including a draft strategy lab where you can test various approaches. If you're looking to up your game this season, consider Fantasy Ultra .
Draft targets by position
3 QBs
Justin Herbert, LAC - Everything that was broken last year has been fixed, starting with OC Mike McDaniel.
Dak Prescott, DAL - Likely a carnival team again (fun offense, leaky defense), and he's tied to a pair of star WRs.
Jared Goff, DET - Averaging 32 TD passes and 4,551 passing yards last fours years, late ADP a gift. Indoor-heavy schedule is one of NFL's easiest.
5 RBs
Bijan Robinson, ATL - Lucky you with an early pick; Robinson can repeat as a league-winner and just got a record-breaking deal.
Jonathan Taylor, IND - Was smashing before the Daniel Jones injury; if Jones is cleared, green light on Taylor.
Chase Brown, CIN - Set and forget for two straight years, plays in all packages, belongs in Round 2.
Chuba Hubbard, CAR - A boring value veteran, but follow the touches and remember the 2024 return he provided.
Blake Corum, LAR - Has a role no matter what, making him flex-worthy right away; one injury away from the moon.
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5 WRs
Justin Jefferson, MIN - Pounce if he slides to Round 2. Kyler Murray and Kevin O'Connell will fix the offense.
Ladd McConkey, LAC - Last season was an excused absence; OC Mike McDaniel should be good for him.
Emeka Egbuka, TB - Runway is clear for him to become the team's target hog; Mike Evans gone, Chris Godwin aging.
Mike Evans, SF - Injury concerns already, but put on Earth to score touchdowns, and Kyle Shanahan knows how to scheme them up.
Jalen Coker, CAR - Improved late last season and was paid accordingly, a screaming value late in drafts.
3 TEs
Tyler Warren, IND - Similar sophomore upside to Colston Loveland, and a little cheaper when it comes to ADP.
Kyle Pitts Sr., ATL - After a glorious TE2 breakout, he's reasonably priced at TE8; Falcons have a narrow target tree.
Juwan Johnson, NO - Breakout season followed the new contract, but oddly ignored by managers in the early market.
Draft fades by position
3 QBs
Drake Maye, NE - Regression likely, schedule far more difficult, depth of QB pool makes value game appealing.
Jalen Hurts, PHI - Rushing production took a significant hit last season, new receivers will need development time.
Patrick Mahomes II, KC - Off a major knee injury, rushing will likely regress, sports-car offense parked for two years.
5 RBs
Christian McCaffrey, SF - Usage overcame efficiency drop in 2025; running back is generally a young-man's game.
De'Von Achane, MIA - Talent leaps off screen but supporting cast is a problem; will Malik Willis throw to his backs?
Quinshon Judkins, CLE - Not special as a receiver and game script could be a weekly problem, tied to a mediocre team.
Bucky Irving, TB - Efficiency tanked last season, he has a shoulder issue and two talented backs are looming behind him.
RJ Harvey, DEN - Dreamy touchdown rate as a rookie is surely to regress and the backfield looks like a three-headed mess.
5 WRs
Malik Nabers, NYG - Market forces you to assume seamless return from ACL tear, hasn't run many reps with Jaxson Dart yet.
Tetairoa McMillan, CAR - Super talent, but Jalen Coker cuts into market share and QB Bryce Young caps upside of offense.
Rashee Rice, KC - Health and off-field concerns build a worrisome floor, might be miscast in the second or third round.
Jameson Williams, DET - Less consistent than most name receivers; late spike could be misleading with Sam LaPorta healthy again.
Carnell Tate, TEN - Sensible long-term play but Wan'Dale Robinson will likely onboard quicker, given history with OC Brian Daboll.
3 TEs
Harold Fannin Jr., CLE - Impact receivers could cut into his market share, and Cleveland's QB room remains a jumbled mess.
Tucker Kraft, GB - No denying the monster upside, but readiness is definitely a question with return from ACL tear.
Dallas Goedert, PHI - Touchdown regression is a lock off 11 last season and his YPC fell to a new low.
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