Your Fantasy Football Draft Is COOKED If You Make These 5 Mistakes (2026)

Baker Mayfield is highlighted as a successful waiver wire quarterback pickup who provided value after filling in for an injury.

Scott Barrett identifies Brock Bowers as a player he loves to draft in eight-team league formats. Additionally, the speaker considers Bowers a target at the 2/3 turn when drafting from the 1.01 position.

Christian McCaffrey is a league-winning asset due to the power law effect, having appeared on 60% of championship rosters in 2023 and providing a massive weekly advantage. Brett Whitefield prefers drafting him over Puka Nacua and Ja'Marr Chase in standard two-wide receiver leagues, citing running back scarcity, despite acknowledging this is a hot take.

Scott Barrett highlights Dak Prescott as a preferred target specifically in leagues that award six points per passing touchdown.

Brett Whitefield describes JK Dobbins as an aging and injury-prone player who is at risk of losing significant work to a year-two running back.

J.K. Dobbins is viewed as an aging and very injury-prone running back, creating a vulnerability in his depth chart standing that allows for younger players like RJ Harvey to potentially seize a larger share of the backfield work.

Brett Whitefield identifies Ja'Marr Chase as a top-tier wide receiver target at the 1.03-1.04 draft turn in three-wide receiver leagues, though he notes a preference for Christian McCaffrey in standard two-wide receiver formats.

Jahmyr Gibbs is identified as a viable target for managers drafting from the 1.01 position.

Joe Flacco is highlighted as a successful waiver wire quarterback pickup who provided value after filling in for an injury.

Ryan Heath suggests targeting players like Jordan Tyson specifically in leagues that include IR spots, as roster flexibility changes draft strategy.

Scott Barrett advises that Josh Allen's value is highly dependent on league size; he is a target in eight-team leagues but should be avoided in 12-team formats. Brett Whitefield uses Allen as the benchmark for elite quarterback scoring, noting he is the only quarterback who consistently outscores the late-round options he targets.

Josh Downs is a high-upside target who possesses legitimate high-end WR2 potential. While some analysts poke holes in his profile, his current ADP makes him a great pick because the market expectation is already very low, meaning the risk is already priced in.

Scott Barrett moved Lamar Jackson significantly up his draft board in a league format featuring 0.25 fantasy points per carry, noting the scoring boost for rushing quarterbacks.

Ryan Heath and Brett Whitefield identify Michael Pittman Jr. as a reliable, high-floor player who is valuable to target in deeper leagues where roster depth and lineup requirements necessitate consistent starters.

Brett Whitefield identifies Puka Nacua as a top-tier wide receiver target at the 1.03-1.04 draft turn in three-wide receiver leagues, though he notes a preference for Christian McCaffrey in standard two-wide receiver formats.

RJ Harvey is a preferred late-round target with a clear path to increased volume. While his median outcome may be limited to passing-down work, he has the potential to usurp J.K. Dobbins, who is described as an aging and injury-prone player, with only day-three rookie Jonah Coleman as additional competition.

Rondale Moore is a high-upside sleeper target; while the most likely outcome is a gross three-way committee, there is a 15% chance he smashes in the Jonnu Smith role. This specific upside scenario is valuable enough to justify drafting him despite the low probability, given his history as a productive college receiver.