Fantasy football busts to avoid in 2026: 1 name from all 32 NFL teams

Of course everyone in fantasy football wants to know the names of sleepers, the picks that will be taken late who will be superstars this season. But the other end of it is necessary for your draft prep too: The busts you should avoid in drafts who could sink your season.

That’s what this annual list is for: A look at the busts from around the NFL, with 32 of them to mark on your cheat sheet as you start your draft prep soon or later this month.

So here’s a look at the busts you should be thinking about avoiding this year:

I think he’s ranked way too high. Rookie running backs can be hyped but could struggle in pass protection or on bad teams, and with Tyler Allgeier lurking, I have my concerns that Love will bust given where he’s going.

He was REALLY good last year, and the same concerns about his quarterback situation remain. But I do wonder about the change in offensive coordinator and if it’ll change his volume.

: RB Derrick Henry

I have been on this train for like three years. How could a 32-year-old RB who has a bajillion carries in the past few seasons continue this run? The answer for me is: I don’t want this to be the year where I find out and he finally slows down.

QB Josh Allen

It’s not that he’s going to be a COMPLETE bust. This is just my reminder that taking a quarterback high up in 1QB drafts isn’t recommended. The position is deep as heck this year.

WR Tetairoa McMillan

Year 1 was a success. But the Panthers don’t throw a ton and Jalen Coker might be a bigger part of the offense.

WR Luther Burden

We are allowed to change our minds as we do more research. I was all in on him as a big-time sleeper earlier this year, but the more I’ve seen and read this preseason, the more I think Rome Odunze will get the ball more than we think and Colston Loveland will be featured.

QB Joe Burrow

To repeat: Don’t take QBs too high. Especially those with injury history and a lack of rushing numbers.

RB Quinshon Judkins

Between the quarterback situation and the defense, I worry about a crowded box and game script for the runner who doesn’t factor enough into the passing game.

It’s simple: George Pickens is awesome. I know that this Cowboys team will chuck the football a bunch, but will Lamb take a hit because of Pickens’ presence? Or do we get a WR1A/WR1B situation? Are you willing to risk a late first-round pick to find out?

RB J.K. Dobbins

I’m concerned about health and how many snaps R.J. Harvey will take. Plus, the Jonah Coleman hype train is picking up steam…

He was only good last year when Sam LaPorta was out. Otherwise? You get an explosive week mixed in with some misses.

RB Josh Jacobs

Another year older and maybe facing a suspension. Nope.

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Defense/Special Teams

The Texans might have an elite defense, but do you really want to spend a late-round (and not next-to-last-round) pick on the top D and then have to hold on to them in the bye week? Streaming is the way.

He’s not healthy and Tyler Warren might get a lot more work this year.

The Parker Washington hype is too much to ignore.

The ankle injury isn’t good, but how much is Mike Washington Jr. going to factor in? Will the quarterback position have an effect?

Another player who won’t be a complete bust. He’ll end up as a mid-RB2… but you’re drafting him as something higher than that. Keaton Mitchell and Kimani Vidal might play a bunch.

He’s 33 and touchdown regression is real.

There’s no doubt he’s an incredible talent. And there are those who think he could continue to produce with a revamped offense. But I’m not willing to take the risk given where he’s ranked.

Kyler Murray may be fine, but Addison doesn’t have a ton of value unless Justin Jefferson gets hurt.

A tough schedule and possible regression? I have other QBs I’d rather have.

He’s probably appropriately ranked, but in case you’re reaching for the name, don’t.

RB Cam Skattebo

How healthy is he? And is the Giants’ RB room getting a little crowded?

Someone has to catch the ball in this offense, but I like other names ranked around him more.

Not sure he’ll score 11 touchdowns again.

His fantasy numbers were decent, but now Michael Pittman Jr. is here.

He’s coming back from a torn Achilles, which could be a problem.

Defense/Special Teams

Their players are appropriately ranked, so I’ll throw in a vote against their defense with a Super Bowl hangover possible.

WR Emeka Egbuka

I was high on him, and then came a toe injury. That’s not great.

: WR Carnell Tate

He might be really good… in Years 2 and 3. But in his rookie year with a QB who might be inconsistent and with Wan’Dale Robinson on the roster? I’m passing.

Rachaad White might play a lot of passing downs and Bill wasn’t the best week to week last season.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: Fantasy football busts to avoid in 2026: 1 name from all 32 NFL teams