ESPN releases printable guide to streamline fantasy football draft preparation
The broadcaster has aggregated key player rankings and strategic insights from its analyst team into a single document for the 2026 season.
ESPN has published a printable cheat sheet designed to assist fantasy football managers in preparing for the 2026 draft. The document serves as a consolidated reference for players, rankings, and strategic tips, aiming to simplify the complex decision-making process inherent in fantasy sports leagues.
The release addresses the challenge of tracking numerous sleepers, breakout candidates, rookies, and late-round fliers during the preseason. According to the broadcaster, the guide is intended to help users stay sharp during drafts or succeed without extensive individual research.
The cheat sheet aggregates specific lists and analyses from several ESPN contributors. It includes Eric Karabell’s “Do Draft” and “Do Not Draft” lists, which provide clear recommendations on player selection. Additionally, the document features Mike Clay’s projections regarding players who are expected to score more or fewer touchdowns.
Further contributions include analysis from Matt Bowen and Cockcroft, who identify skilled players who require specific opportunities to succeed. This compilation allows managers to quickly access data on backups, value picks, and other high-upside candidates.
While the headline references the 2026 fantasy football season, the body of the source material notes that Mike Clay’s touchdown projections are specifically for 2025. This discrepancy highlights the ongoing nature of preseason analysis, where data from recent seasons informs future draft strategies.
The guide is available as a PDF, enabling users to print the material for use during draft day. ESPN positions the sheet as a curated rundown of names discussed throughout the preseason, offering a practical tool for both casual and dedicated fantasy football participants.
