The 2026 NFL season is set to kick off on Wednesday, September 9, prompting Fantasy football enthusiasts to gear up for their drafts. With stars like Josh Allen, Bijan Robinson, and Ja'Marr Chase leading the 2026 Fantasy football rankings, identifying potential busts becomes crucial for success.

Last year, the renowned SportsLine model successfully predicted that Terry McLaurin would underperform based on his ADP. After a stellar previous season with nearly 1,100 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, McLaurin fell to career lows, finishing with just 582 yards and 3 touchdowns. Injuries contributed, but his overall performance decline highlighted the importance of cautious drafting.

The model has a history of accuracy, having identified notable players like A.J. Brown and Jonathan Taylor as sleepers in past seasons. Now, it has simulated the entire 2026 NFL season 10,000 times, providing fresh rankings, sleepers, and busts.

Top 2026 Fantasy Football Busts:

• Malik Nabers (New York Giants):

  • Drafted around pick No. 33, but ranked outside the top 15 receivers by SportsLine.
  • Coming off an ACL tear and surgery, with a run-heavy offense expected under Matt Nagy.

• James Cook (Buffalo Bills):

  • Currently going off the board with an ADP of No. 10, but ranked as RB No. 10 by the model.
  • Concerns include a higher fumble rate and competition for touchdowns with Josh Allen.

SportsLine warns against targeting certain high-profile players early in the draft, suggesting that Fantasy managers should carefully consider their options to avoid repeating the mistakes of the past. For comprehensive rankings and cheat sheets, Fantasy owners are encouraged to visit SportsLine for expert insights.