SportsLine experts rank Gibbs, Robinson, Chase as top 2026 NFL fantasy picks
With the Hall of Fame Game concluded and the first full week of the NFL preseason imminent, SportsLine has released its comprehensive 2026 fantasy football draft bible, prepared by analysts R.J. White and Josh Nagel.
The 2026 NFL season is rapidly approaching, marked by the conclusion of the Hall of Fame Game and the upcoming first full week of the NFL preseason. This timeline signals the official start of fantasy football draft season, prompting SportsLine, a CBS Sports property, to release its comprehensive draft guide. Prepared by fantasy experts R.J. White and Josh Nagel, the publication provides rankings for the top 150 players across non-PPR, half-PPR, and full-PPR league formats, alongside strategic advice for snake and salary cap drafts.
According to the latest fantasy football average draft position (ADP) data cited in the guide, Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, and Ja'Marr Chase are currently the first players selected. In contrast, the analysis identifies players such as Dalton Schultz, with an ADP of 169, Jauan Jennings at 156, and Braelon Allen at 157, as picks that tend to go off the board late in the draft process.
The draft bible specifically highlights potential breakout candidates, including Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson. Egbuka, who averaged 89 yards and a touchdown over his first five games, is positioned as a top target-getter following the departure of Mike Evans. Henderson, who recorded 1,132 total yards and 10 touchdowns as a rookie despite a timeshare with Rhamondre Stevenson, is expected to see a larger workload.
White, who has served as SportsLine's No. 1 NFL expert since 2017 and previously worked at AOL Fanhouse and Fantasy Café, provides the analysis for these breakout players. Nagel, the assistant managing editor at SportsLine and a fantasy football veteran, contributes to the guide's strategic depth. Their combined experience is intended to offer league managers an edge in navigating the complexities of the upcoming draft.
The publication also warns of potential busts, noting players with inflated ADPs who may underperform and jeopardise playoff hopes. The guide offers position-specific rankings and draft slot strategies, aiming to help managers make informed decisions. The full 2026 fantasy football draft bible is available via SportsLine, covering all major league formats and providing detailed analysis from the expert team.
