As the 2026 NFL season kicks off on September 8, fantasy football managers are finalizing their rosters and second-guessing every pick. The preseason was a whirlwind of ADP risers and fallers, with a handful of players generating outsized buzz. But will they deliver when the lights come on? The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk breaks down six of the most talked-about names and offers a reality check for Week 1 and beyond.
Dalton Schultz: A Safe Tight End Gamble
Dalton Schultz, now with the Houston Texans, saw a notable ADP surge late in the preseason, jumping 17 spots. Despite the rise, he remains an 11th-round pick and the 19th tight end off the board—a sneaky dart throw rather than a significant investment. Schultz's appeal lies in his high floor: he faces less target competition than other tight ends in his range, such as Oronde Gadsden II, Chigoziem Okonkwo, Terrance Ferguson, or Hunter Henry. However, as Vulius Sports notes, his ceiling is limited; he hasn't finished as a top-tier tight end since his TE3 campaign in Dallas five years ago. Even as the No. 2 target behind Nico Collins, the Texans' passing volume may not support a league-winning season. Still, for managers who punt the position, Schultz offers a reliable Week 1 starter.
MarShawn Lloyd: Opportunity Knocks in Green Bay
MarShawn Lloyd's stock skyrocketed after Josh Jacobs was placed on the commissioner's exempt list due to a legal investigation. Lloyd now leads a Packers backfield that also includes Chris Brooks and trade acquisition Kaleb Johnson. With Jacobs' absence potentially extending into a suspension, Lloyd is poised to see the bulk of the carries. The former USC third-round pick has only seven career touches, but he lands in a high-powered offense. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, Lloyd's ADP of RB32 in the eighth round assumes Jacobs misses about half the season. If the suspension is shorter, Lloyd becomes a bust; if longer, a steal. At his current price, he's a calculated risk worth taking.
Mike Washington Jr.: The Raiders' Backup with Upside
Mike Washington Jr. was the fastest-rising ADP player in late August, jumping over 40 spots on the heels of a stellar preseason (186 scrimmage yards) and uncertainty surrounding Ashton Jeanty's ankle injury. While Jeanty is expected to play Week 1, Washington has earned praise from new head coach Klint Kubiak, who reportedly "stood on the table" for the undrafted back. Kubiak's history of two-back committees in Seattle—with Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet—suggests Washington could carve out a meaningful role even if Jeanty is healthy. As the RB43 in the 11th round, Washington offers high upside as a handcuff with standalone value. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk sees him as a savvy late-round stash, though not a Week 1 starter in most leagues.
Stefon Diggs: A Veteran Value in Washington
Stefon Diggs signed with the Commanders in early August, and his ADP climbed from deep sleeper to eighth-round pick by September. At 33 years old, Diggs faces questions about age and off-field baggage, but his 2025 season in New England was quietly elite: an 83.3% catch rate, 11.9 yards per reception, and 2.4 yards per route run—ranking among the league's best. With Terry McLaurin drawing deep coverage, Diggs could become Jayden Daniels' reliable possession target. As highlighted on Vulius, Diggs is projected to lead the team in receptions, making him a steal at WR42. In PPR formats, he's a prime value pick.
Jonathon Brooks: The Panthers' Future RB1
Jonathon Brooks has been a consistent riser all preseason, moving from outside the top-100 to the early rounds. The Panthers' second-round pick in 2024 has battled injuries but is now healthy, with Chuba Hubbard's hamstring issue opening the door. Brooks' college tape drew comparisons to Jamaal Charles, and his draft capital suggests RB1 potential. While Hubbard is expected to play Week 1, the Vulius analysis desk believes Brooks will take over the lead role by October. At an ADP just behind Rico Dowdle and MarShawn Lloyd, Brooks offers a clear path to touches and a high ceiling. For fantasy managers, he's a low-risk, high-reward selection.
De'Zhaun Stribling: The 49ers' Rookie Sensation
The biggest riser of the preseason was rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling, the 49ers' surprising 33rd overall pick. Stribling dominated training camp and the preseason, catching 11 of 13 targets for 16.4 half-PPR points in limited action. With injuries to Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey, Stribling may be San Francisco's healthiest and most explosive pass-catcher. His ADP has climbed to the ninth round, ahead of veterans like Stefon Diggs. The Vulius NFL Analysis Desk believes Stribling has the potential to be a fantasy WR2 in his rookie season, making him a must-target pick at his current cost. As the season begins, these six names will be under the microscope. Will they justify the hype? Only time will tell, but the analysis above provides a roadmap for fantasy managers navigating Week 1.
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