As the 2026 NFL season approaches, starting on September 9, Fantasy football owners are preparing for their drafts. Among the top names expected to dominate the boards are Josh Allen, Jonathan Taylor, and Puka Nacua. However, the essence of a successful draft lies in identifying sleepers and avoiding potential busts.

One significant caution comes from the SportsLine model, which accurately predicted the struggles of Terry McLaurin last season. After a stellar 2024, McLaurin's performance plummeted to just 582 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns. This serves as a reminder of the importance of thorough research before making draft decisions.

Top 2026 Fantasy Football Busts:

• Malik Nabers (New York Giants): Predicted as a bust, Nabers is currently being drafted around pick No. 36. The model ranks him outside the top 15 receivers due to his recovery from an ACL tear and the Giants' run-heavy strategy under Matt Nagy.

• James Cook (Buffalo Bills): Despite being drafted as the fifth running back overall, the model ranks him as RB No. 10. Cook's fumbling issues and the presence of Josh Allen as a potential touchdown thief make him a risky early-round pick.

Additional Insights:

The model has a history of successful predictions, having identified A.J. Brown as a sleeper in 2020 and foreseeing C.J. Stroud's decline in 2024. It has simulated the entire season 10,000 times to refine its 2026 Fantasy football rankings, which include more insights on sleepers, breakouts, and busts.

For those serious about their Fantasy football strategies, checking out the SportsLine rankings and cheat sheets is essential to avoid the pitfalls that can lead to a disappointing season.