As the 2026 NFL season draws near, fantasy football enthusiasts are already hunting for hidden gems who could deliver outsized returns on draft day. Two names dominate the conversation: Tyler Shough of the New Orleans Saints and Kyler Murray of the Minnesota Vikings.
Shough’s Emerging Profile
Tyler Shough has begun to attract attention after a six‑game stretch in which he averaged 20.1 fantasy points per game. His dual‑threat skill set surfaced in the final five outings of the 2025 campaign, where he recorded 135 rushing yards and three touchdowns. The Saints have bolstered his arsenal by drafting Jordyn Tyson and pairing him with veteran Chris Olave, while the backfield now features the dynamic duo of Travis Etienne and Alvin Kamara, giving Shough multiple avenues to score.
Murray’s Proven Production
Kyler Murray arrives with a track record that includes a 2024 season in which he finished as fantasy’s QB10. He threw for 3,851 yards and 21 touchdowns while adding 572 rushing yards and five scores on the ground. The Vikings’ offense, featuring star receiver Justin Jefferson and playmakers Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson, offers a potent mix of weapons. Under offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell, Murray is expected to refine his development and achieve greater consistency.
Why Murray Takes the Edge
While Shough presents an exciting upside, Murray’s blend of experience, a proven receiving corps and a coaching staff that has already helped him reach top‑10 fantasy status makes him the more reliable bet for a breakout 2026. His rushing ability combined with the depth of Minnesota’s weapons positions him to reclaim a top‑10 quarterback ranking and potentially exceed it.