Big Board Explained (Players 121-150)
· Yahoo Sports
.oembed-frame {width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;border:0;}
Visit esporist.com for more information.
Even after 25-plus years in the fantasy industry and much success in high-stakes leagues, there inevitably comes a day early in each season in which I wish I had taken the time to write out the bull and bear case for each player likely to get drafted. Such a thing takes a lot of time, which is part of the reason why it is so hard to find such a thing on any fantasy website.
With my Big Board rankings being released as we speak, now feels like the perfect time to conduct such an exercise. Along with several members of my talented writing team here at The Huddle (Steve Hungarter, Harley Schultz, HC Green, Kevin Tompkins), we present the first edition of what I hope becomes a yearly tradition: detailed analysis as to why a player will live up to his Big Board ranking and why he may not.
Note: Rankings are based on the release of the 8/21 version of the Big Board. Because of the amount of time it will take to update each of the five articles in this series each time there is a change in the rankings, there are no plans to update the rankings next to each player in this story. If new players are added to the Big Board over the final few weeks of the preseason, I will add a sixth installment at the end of the series.
The links to all five stories (and the 150 players we discuss) are below:
1-30 | 31-60| 61-90 | 91-120 | 121-150
.oembed-frame {width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;border:0;}
121. WR Denzel Boston, Cleveland Browns
Why Boston will justify this ranking: He offers Deshaun Watson (and eventually Shedeur Sanders again) the widest catch radius of any Cleveland pass-catcher. Neither Watson nor Sanders is the most accurate passer, so there is something to be said about a 6-foot-4, 215-pound receiver with a 37.5-inch vertical jump and 77 3/8-inch wingspan. There is unlikely to be many red zone opportunities on an offense projected to be among the worst in the league, but Boston and Harold Fannin figure to see more of them than anyone else on the Browns. Furthermore, Boston's size and blocking ability make him the favorite to lead his position room in offensive snaps.
What could keep Boston from justifying this ranking: The aforementioned offense that Boston is connected to this season. Not only are the Browns very likely to be among the lowest scoring teams in the league, but they also figure to lean on the run as long as possible most weeks. The quarterback situation in Cleveland is not a good thing for any of the Browns, so it is difficult to paint Boston's catch radius as the great positive it should be because Watson and Sanders will not be able to take advantage of it as often as most other quarterbacks would.
-- Orth
122. TE Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints
Why Johnson will justify this ranking: The hope is that Johnson keeps his trajectory moving upwards entering his age-30 season, the Saints maintain their momentum in Year 2 of Tyler Shough and head coach Kellen Moore to keep this offense humming. Johnson had a career season as the second target for Shough, with 100 targets, 77 receptions, and 889 yards en route to a TE8 season. While Johnson only scored three touchdowns, we will hopefully get a bit of a bump this season with further improvement of the Saints' offensive environment, after New Orleans added Jordyn Tyson in the NFL Draft and RB Travis Etienne Jr. in free agency.
What could keep Johnson from justifying this ranking: There is a real possibility that if Tyson hits the ground running in this Saints offense (once he returns from his hamstring injury), Johnson is relegated to the third target behind Chris Olave and Tyson. That would severely cap his upside, although it is not like he would go to zero in this offense. His fantasy upside would just be more volatile and prone to large valleys to go with the peaks we have grown accustomed to. It is certainly possible that Shough does not progress as much in his second season as people are predicting, which can also have a trickle-down effect to where the offense cannot support more than Olave and maybe not even Tyson. Johnson would just go into the pile of streamable tight ends that you are hoping can get into the end zone in a given week.
-- Tompkins
123. TE Terrance Ferguson, Los Angeles Rams
Why Ferguson will justify this ranking: No NFL team embraced the 13 personnel (three tight ends on the field) like the Los Angeles Rams, with a league-high 30.5% utilization rate in 2025. Ferguson was one of the tight ends the Rams wanted to get on the field, as he got on the field for 49% or more of snaps in Weeks 14 through 17. While Ferguson's counting stats (11 receptions on 25 targets) don't exactly jump off the page, his 9.2 yards per target and awesome athleticism could mean greater things down the road. McVay has been quoted as saying that Ferguson can play all positions, including wide receiver, so just getting on the field regularly may get him to fantasy relevancy. Sticking and being a useful receiver will help him exceed his ranking.
What could keep Ferguson from justifying this ranking:Holding back Ferguson is just the amount of tight ends the Rams have on their roster. They still have Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee and Davis Allen on the roster, and then the Rams added second-round tight end Max Klare from Ohio State in the draft. That is a lot of players to wade through, so it is not entirely certain that Ferguson's athleticism can separate him from that group to be a difference-maker, not just for his own team, but for fantasy managers. Routes and snaps will be the key issues for Ferguson in 2026.
-- Tompkins
124. TE Oronde Gadsden II, Los Angeles Chargers
Why Gadsden will justify this ranking: During a four-week span last October, Gadsden racked up 22 receptions, 377 yards and two TDs. There were times the offense flowed through Gadsden even when most of the pass-catchers were healthy. The departure of Keenan Allen and his 122 targets should create more opportunities for Gadsden in the underneath and intermediate zones. New offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel was the architect of a monstrous season for Jonnu Smith in 2023.
What could keep Gadsden from justifying this ranking: Los Angeles played nine games after that four-week stretch. Gadsden topped 50 yards just once. He still needs to prove he can consistently impact games. The Bolts also inked veterans Charlie Kolar and David Njoku during the offseason, giving Justin Herbert two viable pass-catching alternatives at the position. Considering Kolar is a far superior blocker, there is a small chance he becomes the next Jonnu Smith in McDaniel's offense.
-- Green
125. WR Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers
Why Coker will justify this ranking: This ranking assumes Bryce Young takes a step forward in his development and boosts his per-game production. Coker trailed only Tetairoa McMillan in receiving yards per game, and he was more reliable than McMillan, posting a catch percentage nearly 20 points higher. The Panthers noticed Coker's powerful play as they gifted him a three-year extension. Plus, the Panthers have already lost rookie WR Chris Brazzell II to a season-ending injury.
What could keep Coker from justifying this ranking: The team cannot improve on its' league-sixth-worst 19 points per game because Young shows little to no growth. Young could even grow and it still might not happen for Coker if the defense plays up to its talent level. The Panthers did an exceptional job of improving their defense in the offseason. The most likely scenario involves McMillan taking enough of Coker's snaps out of the slot that he slides into the background.
-- Schultz
.oembed-frame {width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;border:0;}
126. WR Rashid Shaheed, Seattle Seahawks
Why Shaheed will justify this ranking: Mostly because he is a vertical deep threat. Shaheed does not require a huge target share because his speed creates fantasy value differently from possession receivers. When utilized properly, he is able to stretch defenses vertically while generating occasional manufactured touches underneath.
What could keep Shaheed from justifying this ranking: Deep threats can be maddening because their production is naturally inconsistent. The most maddening thing for Shaheed's biggest supporters is how uninvolved he was in the offense after his trade from New Orleans despite having experience in Klint Kubiak's offense. Speaking of offensive coordinators, Brian Fleury will be calling plays for the first time in his NFL career. It may be wishful thinking to believe he is on Kubiak's level as an offensive strategist.
-- Hungarter
127. TE Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans
Why Schultz will justify this ranking: Tight end discounts are almost too good to ignore. His perceived value sunk well below where it should have, whether that is because managers are just tired of his usual low-end TE1 production or have yet to adjust to what his value is now following Jayden Higgins' season-ending knee injury. Houston's offensive line may be improved from last year, but C.J. Stroud is still going to need a player he can rely on in the short passing game. That player will more than likely continue to be Schultz.
What could keep Schultz from justifying this ranking: As noted earlier, Schultz's ceiling matters with red-zone involvement. He has scored 10 times in three years as a Texan despite playing 49 games. Stroud could also regress and is erratic at times. With Schultz, fantasy managers should expect a tight end who is a good floor play but one with a limited ceiling given his lack of touchdown upside.
-- Hungarter
128. QB Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings
Why Murray will justify this ranking: Murray has already won the starting job over J.J. McCarthy, and we have seen what Kevin O'Connell has done with veteran retreads over the years, most recently Sam Darnold. The former No. 1 pick still possesses dual-threat ability, and he has the added motivation of knowing this could be his last chance to earn a big payday.
What could keep Murray from justifying this ranking: Murray's career has been largely uninspiring, and there are major durability concerns for a quarterback that has missed significant time in three of the last four years. Given that, we will see just how much the undersized signal-caller is willing to run the ball in 2026 ‐ he has not topped 80 rush attempts since 2021 ‐ which could undercut his value. Plus, the specter of McCarthy looms if the Vikings fall out of playoff contention.
-- Green
129. TE A.J. Barner, Seattle Seahawks
Why Barner will justify this ranking: Barner's size makes him a dangerous red-zone threat for an offense depending on quick throws. Not only is that the case in the passing game, but Barner is one of a handful of tight ends who is seeing some usage as a short-yardage/goal-line option in the run game. The latter is not the kind of thing managers can count on very often, but it adds to his potential upside. It is also worth noting he became one of the team's top red-zone weapons late last season, scoring three times in the last sis contests.
What could keep Barner from justifying this ranking: Barner is undoubtedly on the rise and finished as the overall TE14 last year, but there is always going to be some question with this player profile. The Seahawks paid Rashid Shaheed a lot of money in the offseason to be the No. 2 option in this passing game and the threat of Elijah Arroyo realizing his massive potential is a real thing. There is also the fear of the unknown with new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, who has never called plays in the NFL.
-- Hungarter
130. TE Hunter Henry, New England Patriots
Why Henry will justify this ranking: It is almost disrespectful for a player who finished as the overall TE9 last year to be going this low. While it is true that New England added two good/great receivers in A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs in the offseason, the case can be made that Henry could score more touchdowns (than last year's seven) as one of Drake Maye's favorite options in the red zone.
What could keep Henry from justifying this ranking: With Brown and Doubs around, the ceiling is probably the biggest concern. At this stage, Henry is not likely to suddenly become a 120-target tight end; his heyday with the Chargers is over. Even though New England extended his contract this summer, the team also drafted his likely successor (Eli Raridon) this spring. Raridon may not steal a lot of snaps from him right away, but he figures to be a drain on Henry's fantasy value at some point in 2026.
-- Hungarter
.oembed-frame {width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;border:0;}
131. WR Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts
Why Pierce will justify this ranking: Around midseason of last year, the Colts began to toy around with the notion that their best deep threat was something more than just a burner. While Indy did not commit to that plan every week, the 2022 second-round pick proved he was a strong complementary receiver capable of doing more than occasionally outrunning his defender downfield. Indy's vision for him alone would be enough for him to be considered a high-end WR3. The possibility exists he is a bit of a late-bloomer or his coaches - up to this point of his NFL career - simply never allowed themselves to see anything more than a vertical threat until the midpoint of last season.
What could keep Pierce from justifying this ranking: If Pierce's ankle hampers him throughout September, this ranking will be about 50 spots too high. Even if he does return before the end of the preseason, he will have had no time to build the trust and/or grow into the alpha role that the Colts likely envisioned for him when they handed him a four-year contract worth $114 million and traded Michael Pittman Jr. in the offseason. Even if he had been able to enjoy an issue-free training camp, there is also the question of whether Pierce was alpha material (which is what the Colts are telling fantasy managers with the size of his contract). Yes, it is true that Pierce began to run a more diversified route tree in 2025, but that is a far cry from being good enough to occasionally defeat bracket coverage.
-- Orth
132. TE Pat Freiermuth, Pittsburgh Steelers
Why Freiermuth will justify this ranking: All Freiermuth needs to do is repeat what he did in three of his first four years in the league (before the disaster of whatever Arthur Smith was trying to do last season). Freiermuth is not a complete tight end in the sense that he should be on the field on 80-90% of snaps, but he is a big target who is more than capable of exploiting the voids in zone coverage and making contested catches near the goal line. The former is an important thing to keep in mind since Aaron Rodgers is looking to get rid of the ball as quickly as any quarterback in the league.
What could keep Freiermuth from justifying this ranking: Freiermuth is going to be more involved than he was last year because he will not be part of a three-man committee anymore, but the big change that could keep his production modest in 2026 is the arrival of Michael Pittman Jr. Both players work in the same area of the field and win in similar ways. It should go without saying that Pittman will almost always have a smaller defender on him than Freiermuth will, so Rodgers will likely target the matchup that gives him more margin for error. Rodgers also gushed about Darnell Washington at times last year. It should not come as a shock if Freiermuth's production suffers as a result.
-- Orth
133. RB Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears
Why Monangai will justify this ranking: A lightly regarded seventh-round pick, Monangai was used sparingly during the first two months of the season before breaking out with a 176-yard effort in Cincinnati. From that point on, his role increased, posting double-digit touches in all but three of the remaining 11 games (including playoffs). He has displayed good power and is a threat near the end zone.
What could keep Monangai from justifying this ranking: By all accounts, D'Andre Swift is having an excellent camp, and if Ben Johnson decides to feature the veteran more in 2026, that would come at Monangai's expense. It is something we saw in Detroit with David Montgomery, who played less as Jahmyr Gibbs ascended. Monangai has not done much as a receiver, either, which could limit him to early downs. Last but not least, Monangai is recovering from a hyperextended knee injury, which could lead him to another slow start to a season.
-- Green
134. RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders
Why Croskey-Merritt will justify this ranking: If the reported improvement in the passing game sticks into the regular season. There is little question Croskey-Merritt is the most explosive running back likely to be on the Week 1 roster, so it is not unreasonable to expect him to average 4.6 yards per carry (or more) again in 2026. Even if JCM can push for 20 or 25 catches this year while coming close to maintaining last year's rushing workload (175 carries) and touchdown luck (one about every 22 carries), he will shatter his current rank on the Big Board. One other reason Croskey-Merritt will outperform this ranking is if he does just enough to keep Rachaad White in more of a third-down role only and/or Kaytron Allen does not steal work at the goal line.
What could keep Croskey-Merritt from justifying this ranking: If Croskey-Merritt's improvement in the passing game does not carry over and the touchdown luck fades, both of which are very possible. Coaches can talk all they want about running backs showing a lot of improvement as receivers and/or pass-blockers from one season to another, but the improvement has to be significant enough to a point where the team does not suffer as a result of said player being in the game. Ideally, they become the best in their position room at that skill. That will be a tall order for JCM. White may be a flawed back, but he is a very good pass-catcher. Allen is quite powerful. As a result, there is a real chance Croskey-Merritt does not get many of the money touches (passing-game or goal-line work).
-- Orth
135. WR Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens
Why Bateman will justify this ranking: Lamar Jackson needs somebody to step up and support Zay Flowers. A year ago, the Ravens had Isaiah Likely and DeAndre Hopkins. Now, both are gone. Mark Andrews turns 31 in September and did little in 2025. Bateman struggled, too, but the former first-rounder is just one season removed from a 45-756-9 effort. He will be given every chance to make an impact in 2026. By his own admission, Bateman recently told reporters that he is being given a chance to move around the formation more than he ever has under new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.
What could keep Bateman from justifying this ranking: In five NFL seasons, Bateman has averaged 31 catches, 429 yards and three TDs. That is not even WR5 production. He has battled some injuries since joining the league, including last year. Rookie Ja'Kobi Lane has also been turning heads at camp, so perhaps he will push for a larger-than-expected role.
-- Green
.oembed-frame {width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;border:0;}
136. WR Jordyn Tyson, New Orleans Saints
Why Tyson will justify this ranking: Tyson was my favorite receiver prospect in April's draft, primarily due to his smooth route-running, ability to create separation and tracking ability on downfield throws. The eighth overall selection this spring joins an offense led by head coach Kellen Moore, who had the Saints playing with more tempo than any other team in 2025. It helps Tyson's cause that Chris Olave will draw the bulk of defensive attention as well. Moore's play-calling history suggests New Orleans will rely heavily on throws between the numbers. That is important to Tyson because he is probably already the Saints' best option over the middle and the team seems to be leaning toward using him in the slot more often than Olave.
What could keep Tyson from justifying this ranking: The same thing that derailed three of his four college seasons: injuries. As luck would have it, he is already expected to miss the first month of the season with a hamstring issue. Given his history, there is a very real possibility that Tyson has another setback shortly after he returns sometime in October and only plays a handful of games. If/when healthy, he stands a very good chance of serving as a high-end fantasy WR3 if he enjoys better injury luck once he returns, but his other major shortcoming is an inability to create yards after the catch.
-- Orth
137. QB Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
Why Stafford will justify this ranking: Stafford is the reigning league MVP, and he has a one-two punch of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams to catch his passes again in 2026. Sean McVay remains among the best and most creative offensive minds in the game, and his pairing with Stafford has already produced two 40-plus-touchdown seasons in five years. Stafford is smart and rarely exposes himself to big hits.
What could keep Stafford from justifying this ranking: In between those seasons with more than 40 TDs, the veteran averaged 3,271 yards and 18 TDs while missing a combined 11 games. At 38 years old, Stafford is entering a time when only a select few have remained at the top of their game. LA does not have much depth at receiver behind Nacua and Adams.
-- Green
138. QB Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Why Mahomes will justify this ranking: Because he is Patrick Mahomes. Despite entering just his ninth season, Mahomes ranks ninth in career total offense. He also brings an immeasurable magic with his ability to improvise and escapability when under duress. If he plays Week 1, this draft slot will be a steal ‐ regardless of how much more Kansas City wants to commit to running the ball.
What could keep Mahomes from justifying this ranking: He is coming off an ACL injury suffered in Week 14 last season. Even with his magical aura (and advanced medical rehab), will he be the same MVP-level quarterback he was pre-injury? Plus, is there any air left in the tires of his long-time running mate, Travis Kelce? How many games will the Chiefs get out of Rashee Rice? The team does not lack for talent at receiver, but they have to stay on the field for more games than they have in recent years.
-- Schultz
139. WR Matthew Golden, Green Bay Packers
Why Golden will justify this ranking: Patience. Patience from the Packers and fantasy managers, because it is what Green Bay does. They preach drafting and developing talent, and it is something they have done going back to Davante Adams and Jordy Nelson. Last season's first-round pick was just a few completed deep passes from a whole different discussion about him for fantasy football this season. With just 40 targets and 29 receptions in 2025, along with sporadic time on the field, Golden's rookie season was a dud. But he has speed, shiftiness and the backing of the team. Slated to start opposite Christian Watson, Golden's route rate and time on the field need to spike to give him a chance to pay off his ranking this season.
What could keep Golden from justifying this ranking: If we see more of the same from Golden. His snaps and route participation will increase from his rookie season to this season as a projected starter. However, if Golden cannot earn targets, then he will be wildly inconsistent from week to week for fantasy football. It should be said that Golden has not been the most reliable target-earning receiver dating back to college, so that same path manifested itself in his 2025 rookie season. If Golden cannot earn targets this season, then the bust label will probably be fixed to him in short order.
-- Tompkins
140. WR Ja'Kobi Lane, Baltimore Ravens
Why Lane will justify this ranking: There is not a day that goes by that Lane fails to do something that amazes Baltimore's beat writers. Lane and Elijah Sarratt were drafted with an eye on opening up the passing attack and giving Lamar Jackson as many big weapons as possible. Lane is a big target (6-foot-4) who possesses large hands (10 1/2 inches) and an eye-opening vertical jump (40 inches). The USC product should be one of Jackson's favorite targets in the red zone almost immediately and comes with contingent upside should Rashod Bateman miss time. (Bateman has not been the most durable receiver and now may have a legal matter hanging over his head.)
What could keep Lane from justifying this ranking: There are a few assumptions fantasy managers must make when considering the likelihood of Lane being a meaningful contributor in redraft leagues this season. He will be no better than third in the passing game pecking order (behind Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews, if not also Bateman). Baltimore has annually been among the teams with the least amount of volume in the passing game during the Jackson era (although we should expect that to change under new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle). Last but not least, Lane did not separate particularly well in college, and that kind of thing tends to carry over to the NFL.
-- Orth
.oembed-frame {width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;border:0;}
141. QB Tyler Shough, New Orleans Saints
Why Shough will justify this ranking: New Orleans threw the ball at the fifth-highest rate in the league last season (59.5%), and now they improved with the additions of Travis Etienne and Jordyn Tyson. Shough also stayed healthy in 11 games (nine starts), which is noteworthy in that he struggled with injuries throughout his seven (!!!) years in college. It also helps Shough that he gets to play six games against his own division, as none of the NFC South teams can claim to own a dominant defense.
What could keep Shough from justifying this ranking: A sophomore slump from Shough is a definite possibility as teams have had a full offseason to dissect his strengths and weaknesses. He will also disappoint if he doesn’t show a marked improvement in his touchdown production (3.1% TD rate), considering the offensive upgrades. It is at least notable that many of his passing metrics were nearly identical to the man he replaced, Spencer Rattler. That will need to improve in 2026.
-- Schultz
142. QB Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
Why Love will justify this ranking: Love has a big arm, and the Packers have streamlined their receiver room to create what should be the best group of pass catchers he has had since taking over for Aaron Rodgers in 2023. Head coach Matt LaFleur has also signaled a willingness to put more on Love this season after some mediocre production from the rushing attack in 2025.
What could keep Love from justifying this ranking: LaFleur can talk about airing it out, but Love has averaged just 29 passing attempts per game over the last two seasons. Talk needs to be action this year. Three of the team's top four receiving threats (Tucker Kraft, Christian Watson and Jayden Reed) all missed significant time due to injury last year. Love has also been hampered by injuries each of the last two years.
-- Green
143. TE Gunnar Helm, Tennessee Titans
Why Helm will justify this ranking: Helm is one of my favorite inexpensive tight-end bets because his rookie year provided something tangible rather than pure projection. He caught 44 passes for 357 yards while starting 10 games, and Tennessee now enters 2026 with him positioned atop the tight-end room after Chig Okonkwo left. That is exactly the profile I want late: a young player whose opportunity is growing. If Cam Ward takes another step, Helm could become a sneaky weekly streaming option with breakout potential.
What could keep Helm from justifying this ranking: The Titans' passing game still has plenty to prove, and Ward has not done a lot to quiet the concerns about it this preseason. Being the starting tight end does not automatically mean Helm will be relevant in fantasy. Helm's rookie numbers were encouraging but hardly dominant. So let's not get carried away.
-- Hungarter
144. TE T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings
Why Hockenson will justify this ranking: He does not need to do much outside of staying healthy for the first time in about three years. Before suffering a significant knee injury in 2024 and a shoulder injury in 2025, Hockenson posted consecutive seasons with at least 86 catches and 900 receiving yards. Maybe it is too late for him (at age 29) to rediscover his pre-injury form, but it is also difficult to write off a tight end that has attracted at least 100 targets three times in his career. Perhaps most notably, new starting quarterback Kyler Murray figures to be a huge upgrade over J.J. McCarthy and has plenty of experience leaning on a tight end in critical situations from his time playing with Trey McBride in Arizona.
What could keep Hockenson from justifying this ranking: Even a completely healthy Hockenson could have trouble breaking into the top three options in the Minnesota passing game some weeks. Justin Jefferson is a near-lock for 150 targets if he plays all 17 games, while Jordan Addison could easily exceed 100 if he stays on the field. The additional variable Hockenson has to overcome this year is Jauan Jennings, a player who the coaching staff could deem too important to take off the field due to his blocking prowess. Hockenson has yet to exceed six touchdowns in any season and Murray is not a quarterback who has shown a propensity to throw to his tight ends very much in the red zone.
-- Orth
145. WR Jalen Nailor, Las Vegas Raiders
Why Nailor will justify this ranking: It might be a bit strong to suggest Nailor was handpicked to serve as the No. 1 receiver in Las Vegas, but it is fair to say that the Raiders thought enough of him to sign him to a three-year deal worth over $35 million in free agency. Someone other than Brock Bowers has to catch passes in this offense, and Nailor has the speed to do a lot with the ball in his hands ‐ even if he does not end up seeing a lot of volume. Nailor also has familiarity with Kirk Cousins from their time together in Minnesota.
What could keep Nailor from justifying this ranking: The offense remains last in points per game, and what little offense there is, it goes to Bowers. Plus, there is also the real possibility that the coaching staff concludes that Nailor was a great third receiver (as he was in Minnesota) and not so much a great WR1.
-- Schultz
.oembed-frame {width:100%;height:100%;margin:0;border:0;}
146. QB Malik Willis, Miami Dolphins
Why Willis will justify this ranking: With Lamar Jackson getting a bit older, Willis may now be the most athletic quarterback in the NFL. Regardless of his current supporting cast, fantasy managers have witnessed countless examples of an athletic quarterback finishing as a fantasy QB1 because his rushing production is a cheat code. Beyond his rushing ability, Willis showed improved accuracy and growth as a passer during his time in Green Bay. Even if he is merely a league-average passer (with regard to his accuracy) and runs as much as most expect, Willis could absolutely flirt with low-end QB1 production.
What could keep Willis from justifying this ranking: The paragraph above is looking at Willis through rose-colored lenses. There are plenty of things working against him as well. Who will be the pass-catcher he leans on the most? Greg Dulcich? Caleb Douglas? Chris Bell? Willis may fail to top 3,000 yards passing with that group, even if he plays all 17 games. What if Willis' improved accuracy with the Packers was a result of Green Bay understanding he was at his best when he is not asked to win the game each week? And what happens if De'Von Achane goes down at some point? Miami is effectively tanking this season, but this house of cards could fall apart even faster than some expect if Achane misses time.
-- Orth
147. WR Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Why McMillan will justify this ranking: If he stays healthy. It really is that simple. McMillan has flashed twice in as many seasons in the league, emerging as a red-zone fiend as a rookie (eight TDs on 37 catches). He did not see his first game action in 2025 until mid-December (as a result of suffering a serious neck injury) but still managed to erupt for a 7-114-0 line against the Dolphins in Week 17. Mike Evans' departure created a void that McMillan could easily fill, and it should be noted that new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson has generally used 11 personnel at one of the highest rates in the league in recent years. In other words, McMillan's worst-case scenario if he stays healthy (and holds off rookie Ted Hurst) should be a player who enjoys a snap share of over 60%.
What could keep McMillan from justifying this ranking: Another injury issue may be all it takes for Hurst to take over as the "X" in this offense and not look back. Hurst has a long way to go before he makes the Bucs forget about Evans, but it is clear they saw a player who reminded them of Evans in Hurst. McMillan has missed significant time in each of his first two seasons due to injuries, only playing 17 of a possible 34 regular-season games over that time. A healthy McMillan can probably hold off Hurst for a year, but all bets are off if McMillan gets hurt again.
-- Orth
148. WR Keenan Allen, Indianapolis Colts
Why Allen will justify this ranking: Allen may be 34 years old, but there is no question he still has the craftiness and guile necessary to command targets after leading the Chargers in that category with 122 in 2025. He does not project to be one of the Colts' primary weapons all season long, but his ramp-up period figures to be shorter than most late free-agent adds considering he played for head coach Shane Steichen in 2019 and 2020 when the latter was the play-caller for the Chargers. Allen also figures to have an immediate role as the team's primary slot receiver in 11 personnel - one that should last all season. He could even begin the season as a starter opposite Josh Downs if Alec Pierce (ankle) experiences another setback.
What could keep Allen from justifying this ranking: Players like Allen could probably play until they turn 40 because they have turned route-running into an art form. With that said, the end is near for Allen. Few receivers play for as long as he has, and it is clear why Indianapolis signed him - as insurance for Pierce. If Pierce is back to his former self by Week 3 or Week 4, Allen's only role could be when the Colts go three-wide. In that scenario, he would likely be no higher than fourth in the pecking order for Daniel Jones.
-- Orth
149. WR Ryan Flournoy, Dallas Cowboys
Why Flournoy will justify this ranking: The most obvious path to production for Flournoy is that one of Dallas' top two receivers suffers a significant injury, allowing Flournoy to step in immediately as one of the few true handcuff receivers capable of providing similar output. That would represent a ceiling outcome for him. However, he might not even need an injury to live up to this ranking. The evolution of the Cowboys' offense could involve having Flournoy eating into Jake Ferguson's targets because he can do more after the catch.
What could keep Flournoy from justifying this ranking: Neither CeeDee Lamb nor George Pickens misses any significant time, limiting Flournoy's time on the field. Even in the most pass-happy offenses, it is difficult for the fourth-best option to be a regular fantasy contributor. That is the issue with Flournoy, at least for now. If that carries over into 2026, then his value is almost entirely dependent on the health of Lamb and/or Pickens.
-- Schultz
150. QB Jaxson Dart, New York Giants
Why Dart will justify this ranking: If he can continue to play as recklessly as he did last year and somehow stay healthy. Even if all we do is take his per-game averages as a rusher once he became the starter in Week 4 and use that over the course of a 17-game season, Dart would finish with 119 carries for 690 yards and 13 touchdowns. In most leagues, that is 147 fantasy points just as a runner. At that point (assuming even modest passing numbers), the question is not whether or not he is a weekly starter, but how close to the overall QB1 he can get. The other thing to consider with Dart is that he should have much better weapons this season. Cam Skattebo played with Dart for about a month before he was out for the season, while Malik Nabers was lost for the year in Dart's starting debut. The team also added Isaiah Likely.
What could keep Dart from justifying this ranking: Dart needs to be viewed as a QB2 (with obvious QB1 upside) for fantasy purposes in drafts, if only because most managers have no tolerance for the kind of injury risk his game entails. Even if managers wrap their minds around that, there is another problem: Matt Nagy is not Brian Daboll. To this point in his play-calling career, Nagy is a conservative play-caller who has also not shown an aptitude to use the easy button for offensive players (heavy use of motions, shifts, etc.). We probably cannot expect him to know when or where to run Dart either. Worse yet, passing accuracy is not a strong point of Dart's game either. We cannot expect Nagy to work around that as well as Daboll did.
-- Orth
This article originally appeared on The Huddle: Big Board Explained (Players 121-150)