As the NFL season draws to a close, speculation about the future intensifies, particularly concerning standout players who are poised for breakthrough performances in 2026. Among these, Brock Purdy, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, is expected to lead the league in passing touchdowns, while Luther Burden III, a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, is anticipated to emerge as a significant fantasy asset.
Each NFL season presents its unique narrative, filled with both triumphs and challenges. Fantasy football managers are now turning their attention to the upcoming season, assessing player performances and identifying potential breakout stars. Notably, quarterbacks continue to dominate conversations, with Eric Karabell offering insights on Joe Burrow‘s prospects for the 2026 season.
Quarterback Landscape for 2026
The 2025 season showcased impressive performances from several quarterbacks. Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills led in fantasy points while also achieving a remarkable third consecutive year with at least 12 rushing touchdowns. Surprising finishes came from Drake Maye, who secured the No. 2 spot, and the often-overlooked Matthew Stafford, who led in passing yards and touchdowns despite being undrafted in many leagues.
Despite injuries sidelining top-tier quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels, and Joe Burrow, others like Patrick Mahomes and Trevor Lawrence maintained strong averages. As the focus shifts to 2026, Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears is projected to break franchise records with anticipated statistics of 4,500 passing yards and 32 touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Mahomes is expected to return earlier than anticipated following a knee injury, aiming to surpass 4,000 passing yards for the seventh consecutive season. Additionally, Jaxson Dart of the New York Giants is expected to modify his approach, focusing on safer passing strategies while benefiting from key returning players.
Running Back and Wide Receiver Projections
The running back position remains a focal point for fantasy managers. Christian McCaffrey had a standout season, amassing 416.6 fantasy points, marking one of the most prolific performances in history. However, speculation arises regarding his durability as he enters his age-30 season. Despite concerns, many anticipate he will still be a top pick in upcoming drafts.
Emerging talents like Jeremiyah Love from Notre Dame are drawing attention, with expectations of a strong performance in the NFL draft and potential success with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs. Additionally, running backs such as James Cook III and Derrick Henry are projected to maintain their status as top performers, with Henry expected to rush for over 1,300 yards in 2026.
In the receiving corps, Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams has already made headlines with a late-season surge that placed him among the top wide receivers. Luther Burden III is set to capitalize on his potential, with forecasts suggesting he could record 1,100 receiving yards and eight touchdowns next season.
Other notable receivers include George Pickens, who is expected to thrive with a new opportunity, while veterans like Mike Evans aim to extend their careers with continued success. Meanwhile, the tight end position is also evolving, with Trey McBride emerging as a crucial player, expected to demonstrate his scoring ability and solidify his standing in the league.
As the NFL heads toward the 2026 season, the landscape is filled with excitement and anticipation. Players like Brock Purdy and Luther Burden III are just a few of the names to watch as they look to lead their teams and make a significant impact in fantasy football leagues worldwide. The upcoming draft will be critical for managers aiming to build competitive rosters, particularly as new talents emerge and established stars continue to evolve in their careers.
