The 2026 fantasy football season is still months away, but early drafts are already buzzing with names that could reshape rosters. Analysts are watching a handful of undervalued players whose real‑world performance could translate into massive fantasy point upside.
Kyler Murray Looks to Reclaim His Elite Form in Minnesota
Quarterback Kyler Murray, who signed with the Minnesota Vikings, brings a proven track record of top‑10 fantasy performances and a recent surge in rushing production. In the final five games of last season, Murray posted his highest rushing yards per game since 2022, suggesting a renewed dual‑threat capability that could boost both his passing and rushing totals in 2026.
Jalen Coker’s Underdog Story Gains Momentum in Carolina
Wide receiver Jalen Coker, an undrafted free agent, has turned heads with a rapid improvement after Week 11, outperforming veteran Xavier Legette and carving out a larger role in the Carolina Panthers’ offense. His ascent illustrates how a player once overlooked can quickly become a pivotal fantasy asset.
Jonah Coleman Eyes a Bell‑Cow Role in Denver
Running back Jonah Coleman, selected in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, possesses the size and skill set to handle a bell‑cow workload if he earns the starting position. The competition includes RJ Harvey, whose recent rushing yards over expected ranked near the bottom of qualified backs, and the injury‑prone but efficient J.K. Dobbins, creating a clear path for Coleman to emerge as a primary ball‑carrier.
The early buzz surrounding these three athletes is echoed by other emerging talents such as Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, T.J. Hockenson, DeAndre Hopkins, Tetairoa McMillan, Sean Payton, and Jaylen Waddle, all of whom could influence fantasy decisions throughout the upcoming season.