SportsLine’s 2026 Fantasy football rankings model, which has already proven its mettle by forecasting De’Von Achane’s breakout campaign, has run 10,000 simulated NFL seasons to surface hidden sleepers, surprise breakouts and inevitable busts.
The simulation not only replicated Achane’s 2025 performance — where he finished sixth among running backs with 1,838 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns — but also identified a host of other players poised to exceed expectations in the upcoming draft cycle.
Sleepers to Watch in 2026
Among the most intriguing names is Lions tight end Sam LaPorta, who enters the 2026 conversation with an average draft position of 69 despite a modest TE26 finish last year. Analysts note that his red‑zone role expands when Detroit’s backfield partner David Montgomery is off the field, a factor that could boost his touchdown tally.
Eagles wideout DeVonta Smith is another sleeper, slated to be drafted around pick 37 and projected to crack the top‑15 at his position after the team’s offensive coordinator reshuffle. Smith’s 1,000‑yard 2025 campaign came in a bottom‑10 passing offense, and his increased target share suggests a continued upward trajectory.
The model also points to a veteran wide receiver who is expected to outshine established stars such as CeeDee Lamb and A.J. Brown, potentially delivering a top‑10 Fantasy finish.
Beyond individual sleepers, the rankings reveal a deep pool of early‑round talent, with names like Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, Ja’Marr Chase and Puka Nacua occupying the upper echelon of the 2026 PPR ADP list.
Subscribers to SportsLine’s premium offering gain more than just rankings; they also receive a Paramount+ Premium bundle that unlocks NFL on CBS, UFC, the Champions League and a library of over 40,000 episodes and movies.
The model’s pedigree is underscored by past successes — calling Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara and Davante Adams as sleepers before they became household names — giving drafters confidence as they fine‑tune their 2026 strategies.
Injury‑marred seasons have left several marquee names — such as Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow and Malik Nabers — primed for a comeback, according to the simulation.
Since its inception, the algorithm has consistently flagged breakout performers three years in a row, cementing its reputation among both casual and hardcore fantasy enthusiasts.