Late‑Round Gems Worth Watching
The 2026 fantasy football landscape is already buzzing with speculation about which late‑round running backs could surprise and outproduce their average draft position. With training camps opening and preseason games on the horizon, analysts are turning their attention to players whose talent may be undervalued but whose circumstances could unlock a breakout year.
One name that consistently rises to the top of sleeper discussions is Jonathon Brooks of the Carolina Panthers. Drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Brooks has already shown flashes of explosiveness that suggest he could become a reliable RB3 or even a flex option by season’s end, especially if the Panthers’ ground game continues to develop around him.
Another back who could make a similar leap is Jacory Croskey‑Merritt of the Washington Commanders. After a strong rookie campaign that saw him finish as the RB10 in fantasy points per game during the playoffs, he is now battling for the lead‑back role and could emerge as a difference‑maker if he secures the starting job.
Kenneth Gainwell of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers also enters the conversation as a high‑upside sleeper. He posted a career‑year with 73 receptions for 486 yards and three touchdowns, and if Bucky Irving encounters any setbacks, Gainwell is positioned to step into a more prominent role, potentially cracking the top‑15 fantasy backs.
Why Late‑Round Targets Matter
The appeal of these sleepers lies in their ability to provide disproportionate value relative to where they are selected. In a draft strategy that increasingly prizes upside in the later rounds, identifying a player like Brooks, Croskey‑Merritt or Gainwell can shift a team’s ceiling dramatically.
Platforms such as Yahoo Fantasy Football have already begun to highlight these candidates, and the buzz is not limited to just the three backs mentioned. Other names on the radar include Chuba Hubbard, Austin Ekeler, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jeremy McNichols, Rachaad White, Kaytron Allen, Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker, each bringing a unique skill set that could translate into fantasy points.
The National Football League’s evolving offensive schemes, combined with injuries and roster reshuffles, create a fertile environment for late‑round breakout candidates. As the season progresses, monitoring training camp reports and preseason performance will be crucial for fantasy managers looking to lock in these potential gems before their value climbs.