As the 2026 draft season approaches, fantasy analysts have begun ranking the NFL’s top quarterbacks, weighing health, recent performance and the influence of new coaching staffs to gauge their fantasy upside.
The quarterback hierarchy
Joe Burrow remains a perennial MVP candidate when fully healthy, and many expect him to be in the conversation for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year after a injury‑marred campaign.
Lamar Jackson is aiming to re‑establish his elite level under a fresh coaching staff, while Matthew Stafford, fresh off an MVP season, is viewed as a prime contender for another Super Bowl run in what would be his 18th year.
Josh Allen continues to provide value across every category, shouldering a large share of his team’s touchdowns and red‑zone opportunities, and Dak Prescott’s consistency keeps him firmly in the Tier 1 conversation.
Patrick Mahomes, despite a rare dip in production last season, is projected to rebound with a revitalized rushing attack, positioning him to reclaim his status as the league’s top quarterback.
The outlook also extends to playmakers such as Davante Adams, Puka Nacua, Kenneth Walker III and Brian Schottenheimer, whose contributions could further shape the fantasy landscape.