Fantasy football player valuations often suffer from recency bias, skewing perceptions based on the most recent seasons. Despite limited playing time in 2025 due to injuries, Anthony Richardson’s dynasty value remains noteworthy as he approaches the 2026 season. With Daniel Jones and Richardson both expected to see playing time, Richardson’s skill set, age, and potential second chances position him as a player to watch.
During the offseason before 2025, it seemed nearly certain that both Jones and Richardson would start games, and Richardson was expected to take over as the Colts’ starter after Jones tore his Achilles. Unfortunately, an eye injury sidelined Richardson for most of the year, limiting his game action to brief appearances during inconsequential moments.
Before the 2024 season, Richardson was considered nearly a top-five dynasty quarterback, with physical tools to justify that belief still intact. While his passing accuracy has been a concern, with a 50.6% career completion rate, Richardson is still young at 23, turning 24 in May 2026. Given the scarcity of proven quarterbacks in the NFL, the prospect of him getting an extended opportunity remains realistic.
His status entering 2026 is uncertain, especially with Jones’s readiness for Week 1 unclear and Richardson’s rookie contract nearing its end. Whether with the Colts or through a trade, he is poised to be one injury or poor performance away from reclaiming a starting role.
The Overlooked Potential of Jonathon Brooks for Next Season
Jonathon Brooks faded significantly from fantasy radar after a devastating 2025 season complicated by a second ACL tear. Initially, expectations were moderately optimistic for Brooks to return midseason and challenge for the Panthers’ lead running back role. Instead, he managed only three games before reinjuring his knee and missing the entire 2026 season.
Brooks’s recovery timeline means he will be almost two years removed from his second ACL injury at the start of 2026, entering training camp fully recovered. His draft profile was strong, ranking second on PFSN’s 2024 running back Big Board, and praised by Ian Cummings for his instinctive running, ability to navigate gaps, and sharp vertical burst:
“Brooks’ primary function is one that he carries out very well. He’s an instinctive runner across multiple schematic looks, and once he reaches the second level after flowing through gaps, he excels at slashing upfield with his bend, build-up speed, and flexibility, using his angle awareness to set up blocks. With his sharp vertical running ability, Brooks can carve his way upfield and generate solid gains at a high clip, and he also has the patience and foot speed to wait for optimal lanes to open up behind the line.”
– Ian Cummings, Analyst
The Panthers’ backfield has undergone shifts with Chuba Hubbard giving way to Rico Dowdle, who led the team in rushing yards in 2025 but is now a free agent. This uncertainty potentially opens a door for Brooks to reclaim a role and upside as a value dynasty asset trading at a discount.
Antonio Gibson’s Role and Dynasty Relevance Heading into 2026
Antonio Gibson remains a low-ceiling dynasty option as he enters the final year of his contract with the Patriots. In 2025, he shared backup duties behind starter Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson, even briefly stepping in after Stevenson’s fumbling troubles. However, at 27 years old and coming off an ACL tear, Gibson’s window for fantasy relevance is closing.
Although once seen as a rising fantasy RB1 prospect, Gibson’s lack of a defined lead back role and limited recent production reduce his outlook for dynasty managers. Injuries and depth chart competition suggest he could produce only if unforeseen circumstances elevate his role during the 2026 season.
Najee Harris’s Uncertain Future After Injury in 2026
Najee Harris enters 2026 navigating an uncertain path following an Achilles injury that curtailed his 2025 season. Meanwhile, the emergence of Omarion Hampton after the Chargers’ hiring of offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has shifted expectations, with Hampton now viewed as a top-five dynasty running back. Harris, once trending as the 1a back in his offense, lost ground before his injury.
He is projected to be ready by Week 1 in 2026 but faces the usual challenges of returning from a serious Achilles tear at nearly 28 years old. His prior work as a lead back shows he can handle heavy workloads, and his place as a 1b in a committee could still position him one injury or opportunity away from increased fantasy value.
As a free agent, Harris may seek a new team willing to offer him significant carries, keeping alive the possibility that he regains enough form to impact dynasty leagues once again.
Joe Mixon’s Prospects Look Grim for Continuation in Fantasy Football
Joe Mixon‘s status remains highly questionable heading into his age-30 season in 2026, with little clarity surrounding the nature and extent of his foot injury that kept him off the field during 2025. Reports out of Houston suggest a bleak outlook regarding his ability to continue playing at a professional level.
Despite these concerns, Mixon’s name carries weight, and if medically cleared, he might attract interest from an NFL roster. However, any fantasy value he might hold during the 2026 season is speculative at best and likely short-lived. Dynasty managers should be cautious, as his relevance in fantasy football appears dwindling.
Brandon Aiyuk Expected to Return to the NFL but the Destination Is Unknown
Brandon Aiyuk did not play at all in 2025 due to knee issues, but his situation worsened after he ceased rehab activities and severed communication with his former team. While it is confirmed he will join a new team for the 2026 season, the specifics of that move remain unclear.
At 27, Aiyuk potentially has three or more productive seasons remaining. Despite negative sentiment surrounding him, reports indicate he is fully healthy. His demonstrated ability suggests he could return as a decent fantasy contributor, capable at minimum of ranking within the top 36 wide receivers, depending on his new team’s situation.
Tank Dell’s Road to Recovery and Potential Role in 2026
Tank Dell suffered a season-ending knee injury early in 2025 after a collision with Jared Wayne. Thankfully, he appears on track to return in 2026, though the offensive landscape for the Houston Texans will be different. With Nico Collins established as the WR1, Dell’s previous WR2 role has been reshaped through the signing of Christian Kirk and the drafting of Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel.
While no other receiver besides Collins holds a guaranteed roster spot, Dell is unlikely to regain his former role immediately after a year away from football. There is a chance his ability could be diminished, restricted to a depth or rotational role behind the other receivers.
However, if Dell can recapture his rookie form—when he averaged 15.8 fantasy points per game and showed WR2 potential—he could represent significant upside at a low acquisition cost in dynasty formats.
Implications and What to Expect Moving Forward in Dynasty Football
As the 2026 fantasy football season approaches, managing risk and opportunity among these sleepers remains a challenge given their injuries, uncertainties, and team situations. Anthony Richardson stands out as a high-upside quarterback whose future playing time could dramatically shift his dynasty value. Jonathon Brooks and Tank Dell offer intriguing buy-low options if they recover fully from serious injuries.
Meanwhile, Antonio Gibson, Najee Harris, Joe Mixon, and Brandon Aiyuk each face doubts that could limit their fantasy relevance, though unexpected circumstances or role changes might revive their statuses. For dynasty managers navigating anxious and unpredictable player landscapes, monitoring health updates and team decisions will be vital to unlocking hidden value or avoiding sunk costs.
