The offseason leading into the 2026 NFL season is set to be pivotal, with intriguing narratives forming amidst the backdrop of the previous year’s fantasy football landscape. Analyst Joel Smyth highlights five major storylines to keep an eye on that could shape the upcoming fantasy season.
One of the most pressing issues is the shortage of quality quarterbacks available to teams currently in need. This problem is exemplified by talented players like Justin Jefferson, who, despite being a fantasy powerhouse, struggled last season due to inadequate quarterback performance. Jefferson, who has consistently finished as a top-10 wide receiver, dropped to WR31 in points per game when faced with inconsistent QB play. As teams like the Colts, Falcons, Dolphins, and others search for enduring solutions, options appear limited heading into the draft. The most significant name projected for Day 1 is Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, while potential free agent quarterbacks like Sam Howell, Malik Willis, and Zach Wilson don’t instill confidence as franchise pivots.
In Miami, the future of running back De’Von Achane is uncertain, particularly if changes occur in the Dolphins’ offensive setup. Achane thrived under quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, finishing as the RB1 with an impressive average of 22.6 PPR points per game with him. However, he struggled when Tagovailoa was absent, raising questions about how he would fare in a new or altered offensive system.
The 2025 rookie running backs Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton hold promise as they head into their sophomore seasons. Historically, running backs drafted in the top 25 have shown significant improvement in their second year, with many becoming top performers. Both Jeanty and Hampton faced challenges in their rookie seasons largely due to struggling offensive lines. Should their teams bolster their blocking schemes, these young backs could see their fortunes change dramatically.
As the trend of rookie tight ends flourishing continues, Kenyon Sadiq, the star tight end from Oregon, is poised to be a major contributor in the upcoming draft. Following a successful 2025 season where he had substantial impacts in scoring with quarterback Dante Moore, Sadiq is viewed as a first-round pick. Teams increasingly recognize rookie tight ends as viable fantasy options, moving away from the traditional struggles typically associated with the position.
Finally, wide receivers poised for a breakout include Luther Burden III, who showed promising metrics during his rookie year, such as a high rate of first downs per route. Burden’s performance was impressive, especially during the final month of the season, giving reason to believe he could take a significant step forward in 2026. Other receivers to watch include Christian Watson, Ricky Pearsall, and Zay Flowers, all of whom are capable of elevating their game with increased volume and solid health.
As these narratives unfold this offseason, players and teams alike will be watching closely, hoping for favorable developments ahead of the 2026 fantasy season.