Fantasy Football is a game of balance. Drafting great players in the early rounds is important, but finding late-round gems can be a game-changer. Look past the heavy hitters, and start planning some robberies. Here are some of the best sleeper picks in 2026.
All stats are PPR courtesy of FantasyPros.
Average Draft Position: 62nd Overall
The Seahawks selected Jadarian Price 32nd overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. The running back out of Notre Dame was part of a pairing with third overall pick Jeremiyah Love.
Seattle is coming off a Super Bowl win, but lost Zach Charbonnet to a torn ACL in the divisional round. Kenneth Walker departed in free agency, and the team is now leaning on Price to take over the backfield.
The duo of Charbonnet and Walker led the Seahawks to the 10th-best rushing offense in the NFL. Price lost plenty of carries to Love at Notre Dame, but still had over 100 in each of his last two years. Through that span, he rushed for 1,420 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Price is more than capable of being a starting-caliber running back. He’ll get the chance to shine, but he’s flying under the radar. If he’s available in later rounds, snag him and reap the benefits.
Average Draft Position: 100th Overall
Jaxson Dart started 12 games for the Giants in his rookie year, completing 216 passes for 2,272 yards, 15 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also rushed 86 times for 487 yards and nine more scores.
Dart now has John Harbaugh as his head coach, along with Greg Roman as a senior offensive assistant. Both of those coaches helped Lamar Jackson become the QB he is today, and will now be developing the Giants’ QB.
Dart finished 2025 with 246.6 fantasy points, ranking 14th among quarterbacks. His rushing ability led to plenty of scores, and he evidently doesn’t commit many turnovers.
If you miss out on the heavy-hitting QBs, don’t worry. Dart has no shortage of wide receivers, and an underrated running back duo in Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Cam Skattebo. It’s not crazy to think he can end the year as a top five fantasy QB.
Average Draft Position: 108th Overall
Kenneth Gainwell has never been a name that fantasy managers have high expectations for. The former Pittsburgh Steeler has never exceeded 600 rushing yards or five touchdowns in a season. He’s also been splitting carries with Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris.
Gainwell is now with the Buccaneers, where his role will almost certainly increase. Bucky Irving had a great 2024 rookie season, but injuries slowed him down in 2025. Rachaad White departed the team in free agency.
Gainwell led the 2025 Steelers in receptions, catching 73 passes for 486 yards and three touchdowns. He’s a dual-threat player who can take over the backfield if Irving isn’t at full strength.
Currently ranking 103rd overall in 2026, Gainwell is an extreme value pick. He’ll be a late-round flyer and worth the pick. At worst, he’ll be a solid bench player; at best, he could be as good as RB2 on some rosters.
Average Draft Position: 14th Overall
It might be a stretch to call Omarion Hampton a sleeper pick. The Chargers’ second-year rusher currently ranks 14th on the board, but his rookie year left much to be desired.
Hampton suffered from a left ankle fracture in Week 5 and didn’t return until Week 14. His best game came in Week 4, rushing for 128 yards and one touchdown. Through nine appearances, he rushed for 1,029 yards and four scores.
A good reason to be excited for Hampton is the addition of Mike McDaniel as the Chargers’ new offensive coordinator. The former Miami Dolphins’ head coach found success with De’Von Achane, and now brings that creativity to LA.
Hampton might go higher than expected, but there’s a chance he slides down draft boards as well. If he does slide, and you’ve already got your RB1, take him and thank yourself later.
Average Draft Position: 101st Overall
Michael Pittman Jr. has never finished a season higher than WR13 in fantasy rankings. He’s gone above 1,000 yards twice in his career, and above 100 receptions once. So what makes him a sleeper pick?
Pittman has spent his entire six-year career with the Indianapolis Colts. He’s played with 10 different starting QBs in that span. Indy finally struck gold with Daniel Jones, but the emergence of Alec Pierce and Tyler Warren hindered Pittman’s production.
The Steelers traded for Pittman this offseason, and his status is already elevated. He’ll be the number two option opposite DK Metcalf. He’s also catching passes from four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers.
Pittman has never been a flashy receiver, but he’s extremely efficient. He’s now in an offense that will cater to him and Metcalf. At his best, he’s a 1000-yard receiver, and he’s coming off a career-high seven touchdowns in 2025. At his draft position, the value is too good to pass up.
Fantasy Football is an unpredictable, luck-filled experience. A lineup can look great on paper, but underperform. Sometimes, taking a risk on a player’s upside is worth it. Don’t miss out on these potential gems.
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