Football

2026 Fantasy Football: Quarterbacks and Tight Ends Poised for Breakout Seasons

Analyzing ADP trends and performance metrics for the top candidates at key positions

The 2026 fantasy football season is already shaping up to be a showcase for dual‑threat quarterbacks and versatile tight ends, with early ADP data hinting at a shift in value toward players who can contribute both through the air and on the ground.

The Dual‑Threat Quarterback Landscape

Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears has taken a noticeable step forward in his sophomore campaign, boosting his fantasy points per game by 3.8 and cutting his sack total in half, while throwing for 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns; those numbers have pushed his draft position into the mid‑first round for many analysts.

Justin Herbert, despite a broken hand and a season riddled with injuries, still managed to finish as the tenth‑best quarterback in points per game and set a personal best with 498 rushing yards, a performance that keeps him firmly in the late‑first‑round conversation.

Kyler Murray continues to prove why he is a perennial QB1, having posted a top‑tier points per game average in every full season he has started, including a 572‑yard rushing effort with five touchdowns that underscores his dual‑threat profile and makes him a safe early‑round pick.

Tight Ends Poised for Explosive Growth

Harold Fannin Jr. emerged as a breakout rookie, drawing 107 targets and turning them into 72 receptions for 731 yards and six scores, a production that places him among the most targeted players at his position and fuels a rising ADP.

Isaiah Likely, even while nursing a foot injury, posted elite yards‑per‑target and yards‑per‑reception figures, ranking ninth in fantasy points per route run and eighth in points per target, suggesting a continued upward trajectory for the Baltimore tight end.

Chig Okonkwo has been a consistent yard‑producer for the Tennessee Titans, surpassing 450 receiving yards in each of his first four seasons and delivering a career‑high 560 yards last year, while his 6.2 yards after catch rank sixth league‑wide among tight ends.

Terrance Ferguson brings a rare blend of speed and deep‑target ability, highlighted by a 4.63‑second 40‑yard dash and the most deep targets among his peers, a skill set that could see him become a key weapon in Sean McVay’s offense and push his draft stock upward.

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