As the NFL regular season approaches, with the Patriots facing the Seahawks on Wednesday, Fantasy football enthusiasts are gearing up for their drafts. The spotlight is on potential breakouts for the 2026 season, particularly rookies like Jeremiyah Love, KC Concepcion, and Makai Lemon, who are expected to deliver impressive performances. Veterans such as Johnathon Brooks, Rome Odunze, and AJ Barner might also surprise by exceeding their average draft positions (ADP).

Last year, Tetairoa McMillan of the Panthers was a standout, finishing with 70 receptions for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns, earning him the title of Offensive Rookie of the Year. The model that predicted his success has a strong history, accurately forecasting the rise of players like A.J. Brown and Jonathan Taylor in previous seasons.

Top Breakout Predictions

• Omarion Hampton, Chargers Running Back
  After a challenging rookie season, where he finished as RB35, Hampton is set to thrive with a healthy offensive line, including Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater. His ADP stands at 18, and the model predicts he will outperform players like Kyren Williams and Javonte Williams.

• Malik Willis, Dolphins Quarterback
  Now starting for Miami after a lucrative offseason deal, Willis offers significant upside. His ADP is relatively low at 154, yet the model ranks him higher than several quarterbacks being drafted earlier, making him a valuable late-round option.

SportsLine's comprehensive simulations predict numerous breakouts, including a young tight end poised to outperform established stars like Travis Kelce and George Kittle. For a complete breakdown of the 2026 Fantasy football rankings and insights on potential sleepers and busts, SportsLine provides detailed cheat sheets to enhance your draft strategy.