As the fantasy football season approaches, enthusiasts are gearing up for their drafts, and nothing quite compares to the anticipation of selecting players for your fantasy team. The excitement of in-person drafts, filled with friendly banter and strategy discussions, is a cherished tradition among fans. To assist in this preparation, we present a set of printable cheat sheets that include auction values tailored for various league formats, including PPR, Half-PPR, Standard/Non-PPR, Superflex, and IDP.
Each summer, fantasy managers must navigate the complexities of building their rosters, balancing established players with emerging talents. The 2026 season is no exception, showcasing a few notable trends. Running backs are being selected earlier in drafts compared to previous years, while the wide receiver pool appears deeper than usual. Additionally, the quarterback landscape is robust enough that managers in single-quarterback leagues can afford to wait several rounds before making their selections. Tight end positions reveal a distinct divide between top-tier players and a wealth of usable options in the later rounds.
Starting with quarterbacks, the 2026 rankings indicate a strong group at the top, featuring notable names such as Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, and Jalen Hurts, all of whom are expected to be off the board by the end of the second round in most drafts. While the rankings align closely with expert consensus for the elite quarterbacks, there are some deviations for players like Justin Herbert, Matthew Stafford, and Daniel Jones, who are positioned higher based on their offensive environments rather than just their names. Conversely, prospects like Bo Nix and Drake Maye are ranked lower, as their rushing abilities alone may not compensate for the advantages of established pocket passers.
Moving to running backs, the value of this position has surged compared to last year. Top talents like Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Christian McCaffrey are expected to be drafted early, with their workload and receiving capabilities being critical factors for fantasy success. However, the rankings show a divergence from consensus towards the end of the rankings, with players like Dylan Sampson and Zach Charbonnet rated higher due to their potential receiving roles, while others like Quinshon Judkins and J.K. Dobbins are ranked lower due to concerns about their competition for touches.
In the wide receiver category, the 2026 draft landscape presents an opportunity for managers, as running backs have dominated early selections, allowing WR1-caliber players to fall further down the draft board. Ja'Marr Chase, Puka Nacua, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba lead the way, with reliable options available well into the middle rounds. Players such as Michael Wilson and Jaylen Waddle are ranked higher than expected, reflecting their favorable quarterback situations, while established stars like Stefon Diggs and Carnell Tate are positioned lower due to concerns about their target competition.
The tight end position is particularly deep this year, with Brock Bowers and Trey McBride leading the rankings. The gap between the top-tier tight ends and the middle tier has narrowed, making it feasible for managers to adopt a streaming strategy if they miss out on the elite options. Players like Oronde Gadsden II and T.J. Hockenson are ranked higher, while Dalton Schultz and Brenton Strange are viewed with skepticism due to concerns about their respective offenses.
Finally, the kicker and defense/special teams (DST) rankings reflect the unpredictable nature of these positions. Kickers are best drafted in the final round and streamed based on matchups, while DSTs are often influenced more by weekly matchups than by overall talent. The cheat sheets provide a comprehensive overview, ensuring fantasy managers are well-equipped for their drafts.
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