The 2026 fantasy football season is finally upon us, and while many leagues have completed their drafts, there's still time to refine your roster before kickoff. The final weeks of preseason and training camps have brought significant changes, affecting many fantasy rosters as players were traded, cut, claimed off waivers, or returned from injuries. With this flurry of activity, depth charts across the league have shifted dramatically, impacting fantasy projections.
Some players you initially drafted, particularly those in later rounds, may no longer hold value, while previously undrafted players are now critical additions to your lineup. Here, we highlight several unheralded players—available in 40% or more of Yahoo! fantasy leagues—who possess enough upside to warrant a roster spot and could even start for your team in Week 1.
Daniel Jones: A QB Resurgence?
Daniel Jones has become a source of concern for fantasy managers heading into the new season. The Indianapolis Colts' quarterback had a rocky end to the 2025 campaign as he battled injuries before being placed on the IR due to an Achilles tear. Despite this unfortunate finish, Jones started last season with promise, scoring over 22 points in five of his first eight games and ranking as the QB5 through the first ten weeks.
Jones had a solid floor during his initial season with the Colts, consistently scoring 15.8 points or more in all but one game before his injury. If he can rebound from the Achilles issue and regain some mobility, he will remain a viable fantasy option. The Colts will face the Baltimore Ravens in their season opener, a matchup where opposing quarterbacks averaged just 17.7 points per game last season.
With key weapons like Alec Pierce returning from an offseason absence, Jones enters the game with everything he needs for a strong performance. If you're eyeing streaming quarterbacks or looking for depth, Jones is worth considering now, as he could become a hot waiver wire target after the opening week.
Mike Washington Jr.: The Rising Star
Entering the league, Mike Washington Jr. was relatively overlooked, initially projected to sit behind lead back Ashton Jeanty for the Las Vegas Raiders. However, an ankle sprain suffered by Jeanty has changed the landscape for Washington. Although early reports indicated the injury was serious, updates suggest Jeanty's prognosis is more promising but still uncertain for Week 1.
Regardless, Washington's stock is rising rapidly. If Jeanty is ruled out, Washington could step into the RB1 role, commanding the workload left behind by Jeanty, who had 321 touches as an impactful rookie. Washington rushed for 119 yards on just 15 carries during the preseason, showcasing his exceptional abilities. Standing at 6'2” and weighing 228 pounds, he also ran a blistering 4.33-second 40-yard dash, indicating he can handle a heavy workload.
Even if Jeanty plays but has limited snaps, Washington has flex appeal with RB3 potential. As a second-string back with high upside, Washington is a must-add for fantasy managers looking for depth.
Jonah Coleman: The Backup with Potential
The Denver Broncos begin the 2026 season with a crowded backfield, but if history proves correct, this might soon become a two-man situation due to starting running back J.K. Dobbins' notorious injury history. Fantasy managers should consider stashing Jonah Coleman, the team's backup, as the odds of Dobbins facing another injury are high.
Dobbins has shown great promise when healthy but has rarely completed a full season without being sidelined. Coleman, a fourth-round pick, has begun to attract attention for his remarkable potential, and after striking observers during training camp, he may soon find himself leading the backfield.
In a limited preseason appearance against the Atlanta Falcons, Coleman rushed for 24 yards on four carries. If Dobbins goes down, Coleman will likely become the RB1, showcasing similar skill sets as the starter. Although his touches may be minimal in the opening game against the Kansas City Chiefs, he's a strategic addition that could pay dividends later in the season.
Kayshon Boutte: A New Opportunity
Kayshon Boutte becomes a focal point for managers looking to add wide receiver help after being traded to the Houston Texans. His move comes as the Texans search for receiving depth following the ACL tear of projected number two wideout Jayden Higgins. Though he has little time to assimilate into his new environment, Boutte is expected to play a significant role against the Buffalo Bills in Week 1.
With Nico Collins as the top receiver, Boutte will compete for targets alongside Jaylin Noel and tight end Dalton Schultz. Boutte's past performance has shown flashes of brilliance, highlighting his potential as a big-play threat. Last season, he seemed to have the makings of a breakout player with dynamic capabilities demonstrated during Weeks 6-8, when he amassed 223 yards and four touchdowns.
Fantasy managers seeking upside from a free-agent wideout should consider adding Boutte, who can fill the WR3 role effectively.
Brenton Strange: The Tight End to Watch
After a mixed bag of performance in 2025, Brenton Strange of the Jacksonville Jaguars stands on the edge of potentially breaking out this season. Despite missing five games due to injury, he managed to record 46 catches for 540 yards and three touchdowns, ranking among the top-15 tight ends in terms of points per game.
As Strange heads into his fourth season, his size and athleticism make him a prime candidate to rise in snaps and targets. Though he'll face competition for passes from several teammates, his notable performance as a key target in the red zone could make him a valuable asset for fantasy managers, especially as tight end options dwindle.
Whether utilized primarily as a safety valve for quarterback Trevor Lawrence or a red zone target, Strange offers considerable value and the potential for more should injuries create opportunities within the Jacksonville roster.
