Adam Schefter’s Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top Sleepers and Value Picks
As the 2026 NFL season approaches, ESPN insider Adam Schefter released his annual fantasy football cheat sheet, pinpointing high-value targets, breakout candidates, and deep sleepers across every major position. The curated list highlights mid-to-late round draft options designed to give fantasy managers roster flexibility without sacrificing upside, spanning emerging rookies and established contributors poised for expanded roles.
Quarterback Sleepers and Second-Year Leaps
At quarterback, Schefter highlights Chicago Bears signal-caller Caleb Williams and New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough as prime targets for fantasy managers utilizing a late-round strategy.
Meanwhile, Shough exceeded expectations during his rookie season under head coach Kellen Moore. The Saints front office bolstered their offensive personnel by acquiring running back Travis Etienne and drafting first-round wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, pairing them with established number-one wideout Chris Olave. These roster additions provide Shough with the supporting cast necessary to emerge as a viable weekly fantasy starter.
Backfield Values and Direct Path to Touches
In the running back market, positional scarcity drives managers to target volume and scheme fit over pure draft capital. Schefter points to Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten as a high-value middle-round selection. Following Etienne’s departure, Tuten’s primary competition for early-down work stems from veteran free-agent signing Chris Rodriguez, creating a clear path to significant offensive snaps.
Further down draft boards, Los Angeles Rams running back Blake Corum emerges as a compelling late-round steal. While Kyren Williams remains head coach Sean McVay’s preferred focal point in the backfield, Corum efficiency metrics tell a compelling story. Corum rushed for 746 yards and six touchdowns last year, maintaining a stellar 5.1 yards per carry average that could force a more balanced timeshare in the Rams’ offensive periodization.
Wide Receiver Targets and Tight End Discrepancies
Wide receiver depth charts often shift rapidly due to injury attrition and target-share consolidation. Parker Washington stepped up as the standout weapon for Jacksonville last season, pacing the team with 58 receptions and 847 receiving yards amidst a dynamic room featuring Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, and Travis Hunter. Schefter projects continued growth for Washington in 2026. For managers seeking a deep sleeper who can be acquired at zero cost, Dallas Cowboys wideout Ryan Flournoy represents an insurance policy worth monitoring behind CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.
At tight end, Schefter identifies Cleveland Browns pass-catcher Harold Fannin Jr. as a top mid-round target. Despite turbulent quarterback play last season, Fannin hauled in 72 catches for 731 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie. Rounding out the tight end rankings, New York Giants newcomer Isaiah Likely offers intriguing upside. While maintaining schematic continuity under head coach John Harbaugh, Likely departs Baltimore’s shared tight end room, eliminating the snap-count restrictions previously imposed by competing with Mark Andrews.
Roster Construction and Support Infrastructure
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.
