The 2026 fantasy football season is already generating buzz as ESPN's panel of analysts has released its initial quarterback rankings, setting the stage for what many expect to be a statistically prolific year.
Expert consensus
Josh Allen emerged as the clear favorite, earning the top spot from seven of the eight experts, while Eric Moody placed him second behind Lamar Jackson, underscoring a broad agreement on his upside.
The projection model forecasts Allen to attempt 509 passes, a jump from 460 a year ago, and to amass 3,945 yards through the air with 26 touchdowns, plus 12 rushing scores that add a dual‑threat dimension.
In the overall rankings, Lamar Jackson secured the second spot, followed by Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and Jalen Hurts, creating a tier that analysts believe will be tightly contested throughout the season.
Analysts view Allen as a safe bet to outproduce his peers, projecting him to finish with a 49‑point margin over the next closest quarterback, Jalen Hurts, a gap that could prove decisive in fantasy leagues.
The implications extend beyond individual performance; teams may tailor playbooks to maximize Allen's projected volume, and fantasy owners are likely to prioritize him early in drafts, citing his combination of passing efficiency and rushing upside.