Fantasy football: Sleepers, busts and breakouts for 2026

Fantasy football draft season is driving ESPN contributors’ 2026 projections, focusing on sleepers, busts, and breakout candidates across major offensive positions. The article frames each category, describing a sleeper as a player who exceeds ADP, a bust as one who underperforms relative to ranking, and a breakout as a player expected to post career-best numbers. Among the named sleepers, Stephania Bell points to quarterback Tyler Shough, arguing that he closed his rookie season with six straight games of at least 17 fantasy points. Bell also expects improved production with rookie WR Jordyn Tyson, veteran Chris Olave, and running back Travis Etienne Jr., plus value from Shough’s legs, citing that in 2025 he ranked second among QBs with 10+ carries for the share of carries inside the 10-yard line at 22.2%. Matt Bowen’s sleeper/bust analysis centers on C.J. Stroud, while other contributors highlight additional late-round values and concerns, including ACL-related risk discussed for Jonathon Brooks around an ADP of 125.4.