The 2026 fantasy football rankings have been released, showcasing the top 150 players following the NFL Draft. Key rookies like Francisco Mendoza and Jeremiyah Love are under scrutiny for their potential impact this season.
Key points
2026 fantasy football rankings feature top 150 players
Francisco Mendoza is the No. 1 overall pick
Jeremiyah Love was drafted third overall
Mendoza likely starting as quarterback for the Raiders
Debate on draft strategy: running backs vs. wide receivers
Francisco MendozaJeremiyah LoveLas Vegas RaidersArizona
With the 2026 NFL Draft in the books and a little bit of downtime before OTAs and minicamps get rolling, it's a great time for an early overview of this season's fantasy football landscape.
Perhaps the most intriguing and uncertain aspect of any fantasy analysis at this point is where some of the top rookies will be slotted. No. 1 overall pick Francisco Mendoza is likely to start at quarterback for the Raiders, but can he produce from Day 1? And will RB Jeremiyah Love, drafted third overall, have as difficult an adjustment period in Arizona as Mendoza's new teammate Ashton Jeanty did last season?
Of course, there's also the annual debate of how the first round of fantasy drafts will shake out. Go heavy on running backs? Or grab a stud wide receiver?
Here is an early look at this season's projected top 150 overall fantasy players, courtesy of USA TODAY Sports' Elisha Twerski, followed by an analysis of some emerging trends.
The NFL Draft regularly produces its most memorable moments off the stage, when selections end with a handshake or embrace from the commissioner.
See the moments when draft night emotions peak as Roger Goodell greets players hearing their names called.
Above, Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
Q&A
Who are the top rookies in the 2026 fantasy football rankings?
The top rookies include Francisco Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, and Jeremiyah Love, drafted third overall.
What position will Francisco Mendoza play for the Raiders in 2026?
Francisco Mendoza is likely to start at quarterback for the Raiders in the 2026 season.
How will Jeremiyah Love's transition to the NFL impact his fantasy value?
Jeremiyah Love's adjustment period in Arizona is a key factor in assessing his fantasy value for the upcoming season.
What trends are emerging in the 2026 fantasy football draft strategy?
There is ongoing debate about whether to prioritize running backs or wide receivers in the first round of fantasy drafts.
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Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected third overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Carnell Tate of Ohio State shakes hands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell celebrates after being selected fourth overall pick by the Tennessee Titans during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Mansoor Delane of LSU hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected sixth overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Sonny Styles of Ohio State hugs with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected seventh overall pick by the Washington Commanders during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State hugs with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected eighth overall pick by the New Orleans Saints during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
1 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
The NFL Draft regularly produces its most memorable moments off the stage, when selections end with a handshake or embrace from the commissioner.
See the moments when draft night emotions peak as Roger Goodell greets players hearing their names called.
Above, Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
1 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
The NFL Draft regularly produces its most memorable moments off the stage, when selections end with a handshake or embrace from the commissioner.
See the moments when draft night emotions peak as Roger Goodell greets players hearing their names called.
Above, Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey embraces NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after he is selected by the New York Jets as the number two pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
2 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected third overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
3 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
Carnell Tate of Ohio State shakes hands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell celebrates after being selected fourth overall pick by the Tennessee Titans during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
4 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
Mansoor Delane of LSU hugs NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected sixth overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
5 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
Sonny Styles of Ohio State hugs with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected seventh overall pick by the Washington Commanders during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
6 / 6
Roger Goodell shares hugs with players on the NFL draft stage
Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State hugs with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected eighth overall pick by the New Orleans Saints during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
2026 fantasy football Top 150 overall rankings
Rankings reflect a scoring format that awards 0.5 fantasy points per reception.
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs gets the nod as the No. 1 overall player in USA TODAY Sports' initial 2026 fantasy football rankings.
Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs gets the nod as the No. 1 overall player in USA TODAY Sports' initial 2026 fantasy football rankings.
Here are some key points from our first set of 2026 fantasy football rankings:
The pendulum keeps swinging back and forth at the front of the first round. Last season, WR Ja'Marr Chase was the consensus No. 1 ... but this time around, running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson lead the way. Receivers still dominate the first round though, with Chase third and eight of them among the overall top 13.
With questions at quarterback, Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson (a former consensus No. 1 overall pick himself) drops to 12th overall. If that holds up once we get into draft season, pairing Jefferson with Ashton Jeanty, DeVon Achane or TE1 Trey McBride (maybe even RB Christian McCaffrey) could be a phenomenal foundation for fantasy teams.
After a dismal offensive showing in 2025, several Philadelphia Eagles stars are ranked much lower than they were a year ago. Notably: RB Saquon Barkley (No. 23 overall/RB 10), WR A.J. Brown (No. 26 overall/WR 12), WR DeVonta Smith (No. 27 overall/WR 13) and especially QB Jalen Hurts (No. 69 overall/QB 7).