Fantasy Football Roundtable: Our analysts share their preferred draft strategy for the 2026 NFL season

Each season, we get a new set of rankings for fantasy football. We have, generally, the same player pool but the way we view and approach those players changes. While our approach to players may change, our approach to draft strategy may stay the same. For some, Zero RB is always the way to go. For others, loading up at the position is key. Below, Yahoo analysts Hayden Winks, Joel Smyth, Scott Pianowski, Josh Norris, Matt Harmon and Justin Boone give you their preferred draft strategy for the 2026 fantasy season.

This is very particular, but the data from 2020 to 2025 has suggested this is the most important strategy out there, and it’s very achievable. The reasons for it are that running back scoring exceeds wide receiver scoring in the flex for most league formats (particularly the half-PPR and 2-WR starter format on Yahoo) and that running back scoring falls off a cliff after Round 8. We should often view the flex spot as another running back spot, and its last call for real projectable points is in the Tony Pollard to Commanders’ RB range. Ideally, we’ve taken one or two RBs in the first two rounds, another swing on the Travis Etienne Jr. to Quinshon Judkins tier in Round 4-5 and then one or two RBs in the Jaylen Warren to Jacory Croskey-Merritt tier. That’s enough space to have one real back on our benches for bye weeks, and then another shot on target in the pure backup tier way after this cut off.

An ideal example of my RB room would be Jonathan Taylor, Kenneth Walker III, Etienne, Warren and then Tank Bigsby or MarShawn Lloyd. — Hayden Winks

If I have pick 1, 2, 5, or 7-12, I find myself shooting for RB in back-to-back picks. The fall off in RB value both this season and historically is extreme versus wide receiver and other positions. The Round 2 running backs in particular this season are beautiful, and can separate your team from the rest. Since 2015, 33 RBs have scored 20+ PPR PPG from Rounds 1-4, with 31 being in Rounds 1-2, and two being in Rounds 3-4.

Whether it’s Chase Brown, Omarion Hampton or Kenneth Walker III, I’d rather take the last big swing at RB. If it’s a 12-team league and RB is gone by the end of the second, I don’t mind taking the shot of Jeremiyah Love as your fantasy RB2. Receiver then comes with heaps of talent from Rounds 3-5 and can be paired perfectly with a late-round QB. — Joel Smyth

I don’t typically enter drafts this rigid, but I find myself taking this approach in the vast majority of leagues this summer. Why? The board seems to fall perfectly, especially in the back half of Round 1. Let’s say you land pick 11. Draft some combination of Saquon Barkley, Chase Brown and Kenneth Walker III at the turn. After that, the Round 3 and 4 WRs are so much more enticing than the RBs. At pick 35, one of Chris Olave, Tee Higgins, Malik Nabers or Zay Flowers should be available — and follow that up with your pick of Jaylen Waddle, Tetairoa McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, Ladd McConkey or Garrett Wilson. In fact, that cluster of Round 4 receivers is my favorite section of drafts this year. Allow the draft to fall to you from there.

Do you want to take a Round 5 shot on Bhayshul Tuten as a spectacular FLEX if he pans out? Go for it. How about Christian Watson as your WR3 in Round 6? Perfect. Or in that range, do you want to fill your onesies with Jalen Hurts and a TE like Tucker Kraft, Sam LaPorta or Kyle Pitts. It’s all up to you now. — Josh Norris

The most impactful thing you can do for your fantasy roster is to land a needle-moving running back. And although we’ll keep trying to add to that depth (with late-round picks and waiver work), those true impact players are probably going to be found in the early rounds. As you roll through the draft and assemble your team, hold the assumption that you’ve drafted the right guys (eschew low-ceiling insurance later, though it’s fine to take speculative backs who aren’t behind your own players). And stop panicking about these running backs staying healthy. That hasn’t been a major problem the last couple of years. 

It’s also critical to get a wide receiver room that essentially starts itself. The odds of finding an inexpensive WR starter are fairly low. You can do well at any quarterback price point, so that’s your lowest priority. I’m also fine to take TE as it comes. My first five picks will almost certainly be 3RB/2WR or 2RB/3WR. — Scott Pianowski

The strategy never truly left us but I’m someone who has broken ties in favor of the elite quarterbacks the last few years. This year, the strength of other positions, as well as flat Tier 3 of quarterbacks that goes from around QB7 to QB16 or QB17 depending on your preferences, has me waiting until Round 9 or later to grab a passer. The biggest variable here is that I believe falling behind at running back is something you simply can’t afford in 2026. I prefer to leave my drafts with two in the first five, and preferably first four rounds.

At the same time, I also want to make sure my receiver spots are taken care of with a pair of high-end target-getters after WR2 scoring took a nosedive in 2025. As such, it’s nearly impossible to afford shopping in the elite aisle at both of the onesie positions in fantasy. A quick look at the quality depth between both tight end and quarterback makes the decision easier. All of my least favorite drafts have come when I make exceptions for a high-end passer who fell a little bit beyond ADP. I suspect I’ll continue to drop those players down my overall rankings. — Matt Harmon

Staying balanced in drafts helps you capitalize on the value that comes your way in every round. This year, it’s important to find at least two (maybe three) running backs in the first five rounds, since the quality starters dry up quickly after that. The depth at the other positions makes this much easier to accomplish in 2026. Receiver and tight end talent is plentiful through the first eight rounds, while the late-round quarterback options will make you regret spending up for a passer. So, I’ve tended to grab multiple RBs in those opening five frames, mixed with a couple WRs. Then over the next few rounds you can continue to scoop up running back and receiver values, while grabbing one of the injury discount tight ends in Tucker Kraft or George Kittle.

The key here is waiting on quarterback until Round 8 at the earliest. Even if you feel the need to draft two late QBs in an effort to minimize your rise, you’ll be much happier with how your starting roster turns out. — Justin Boone