Scott Engel, a veteran fantasy football analyst and former Seahawks writer, has released his 2026 rankings, zeroing in on tight ends, defenses and kickers. His projections place the Seattle Seahawks at the center of a strategic shift, emphasizing the team’s defensive resurgence and the reliability of veteran kicker Jason Myers.
The Seahawks’ defense, which finished first in fantasy points for the 2025 season, returns ten of eleven starters and is projected to repeat as a top‑five unit. With a schedule that opens against the Patriots, Cardinals and Commanders, the unit offers a rare combination of talent and favorable matchups that could make it a cornerstone of many drafts.
A Kicker Who Outscored the Competition
Jason Myers capped the 2025 campaign with 202 fantasy points, eclipsing rivals such as Brandon Aubrey and Cameron Dicker. His consistency, coupled with a strong leg and high‑percentage field‑goal rate, keeps him at the top of the 2026 kicker board.
Among tight ends, Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals leads the pack with an average draft position of 23.9, reflecting his heavy target share in a revamped passing attack. Brock Bowers, the first tight end off the board in many drafts, benefits from an upgraded Las Vegas offense under new coordinator Klint Kubiak, while Chicago’s Colston Loveland draws comparisons to George Kittle for his all‑around skill set.
Rookie kicker Trey Smack of the Green Bay Packers is highlighted as a potential breakout candidate for 2026, offering a high upside for teams seeking a low‑cost, high‑reward option at the position.
Fantasy strategists are advised to prioritize defenses with early‑season scheduling advantages, and the Seahawks’ slate provides exactly that. Drafting a defense that faces weak offenses in the first few weeks can pay dividends, and Seattle’s unit is positioned to capitalize on those opportunities.
The article also showcases draft results from a high‑profile league where analysts selected players such as Jahmyr Gibbs, Trey McBride and Travis Kelce, underscoring the depth of talent and the growing influence of data‑driven decision‑making in fantasy football.