Fantasy football owners can't afford to ignore the risks associated with certain high-profile players heading into the 2026 season.
The 10 riskiest picks in fantasy football include WR Luther Burden III, Bears, who showed flashes of greatness in his rookie season but still hasn't produced elite numbers. The departure of DJ Moore means targets are open, but the Chicago offense has a lot of mouths to feed, and Burden might have to compete with Rome Odunze for attention.
WR Emeka Egbuka, Buccaneers, is another player with significant risk. His sophomore season could be massive, but last year, he recorded just one game with more than 10 PPR fantasy points when Mike Evans was out. The talent is there, but the variance in success across games has raised questions about Egbuka's readiness to be Baker Mayfield's No. 1 guy.
WR Christian Watson, Packers, has disappointed fans year after year despite his pedigree. This season, analysts have pointed to his yards per route run and lack of total route shares as signs that he might break out. However, history tells us to expect otherwise, and Watson's constant letdowns have fantasy owners on edge.
RB Cam Skattebo, Giants, is another player with significant risk. New head coach John Harbaugh has a history of creating great fantasy running backs, and Skattebo showed outstanding flashes as a rookie. However, Skattebo's concussion issues have owners worried about his availability, and missing at least five or six games per year is a likely scenario.
RB Jeremiyah Love, Cardinals, is a high-end running back prospect who historically doesn't pan out in his first year. Love being drafted third overall is a great indicator that the Cardinals have plans for him long-term, but at least for the start of this season, there's reason to be concerned.
TE George Kittle, 49ers, is a phenomenal talent when he's on the field, but he won't be on the field for a lengthy amount of time to start the year. The addition of Mike Evans raises concerns about Kittle's usage in San Francisco, and his touchdown upside might decrease.
WR Malik Nabers, Giants, entered his sophomore season with high PPR hopes before a gruesome injury ended his season after just four games. His talent is undeniable, and owners are eager to see him return to form.
WR Ashton Jeanty, Cardinals, was a letdown last year, and Bijan Robinson was a letdown a few years ago. Now, it's Love's turn to follow in their footsteps, at least for the start of this season.
The 10 riskiest picks in fantasy football are a reminder that no player is immune to injury, poor coaching, or off-field issues. While these players have significant upside, owners must be cautious when considering adding them to their roster at their current ADP.
Source: Yahoo Sports