SportsLine model projects NFL hierarchy for 2026 fantasy season
CBS Sports property identifies key sleepers and top-ranked assets for the upcoming draft cycle
SportsLine, a CBS Sports property, has published its 2026 fantasy football sleeper rankings, utilising a predictive model that simulates the NFL season 10,000 times. The release identifies Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta and Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith as primary value picks for the 2026 draft season, while establishing a clear hierarchy among the league’s top performers.
The model’s top three ranked players are running back Jahmyr Gibbs, running back Bijan Robinson, and wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. The full top 12 list also includes Puka Nacua, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jonathan Taylor, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Christian McCaffrey, De'Von Achane, James Cook, CeeDee Lamb, and Chase Brown.
LaPorta is highlighted as a sleeper with an Average Draft Position of 69. The tight end was cleared for training camp following a recovery from a herniated disc. The model notes his increased red-zone opportunities following the departure of David Montgomery, citing data that LaPorta averaged 0.7 touchdowns in games without Montgomery compared to 0.4 with him.
Smith is projected as a top-15 wide receiver despite an Average Draft Position outside the top 25. The model cites his 1,000-yard season in 2025, the Eagles' replacement of their offensive coordinator, and the trade of A.J. Brown to New England as factors for his expected ascension to the WR1 role.
The release also highlights the model's historical accuracy in predicting performances for players such as De'Von Achane and Christian McCaffrey. SportsLine memberships, which include Paramount+ Premium, are available to access the full rankings and cheat sheets.
