Predicting the NFL is a fool’s errand, but I’ll be the sucker for 2026. It’s a tricky exercise finding the middle ground between irrationally wild calls and not bold enough; the following predictions are unquestionably underdogs yet scenarios within reasonable range of outcomes. Here are 20 fantasy predictions for 2026.Predictions that could actually happen …Jahmyr Gibbs has a top-10 all-time PPR seasonGibbs has produced the most running back fantasy points over the past two seasons despite David Montgomery seeing the fourth-most carries (31) inside the 5-yard line. Detroit now has arguably the thinnest backup RB group in the NFL. Gibbs will benefit from the league’s easiest schedule — the Lions are favored in 14 games. Gibbs has averaged 27.4 fantasy points during games without Montgomery, which would be a top-10 running back season of all time.Lamar Jackson is the QB1Jackson was easily fantasy’s QB1 last season before suffering a hamstring injury that prevented him from running over the rest of 2025. Offensive line is a concern in Baltimore, but the move from John Harbaugh to Declan Doyle’s new play-action system could bring dramatic improvements (albeit a slower start could ensue). This isn’t extremely bold, but Jackson is available rounds after Josh Allen. Jackson also wins another MVP, and the Ravens win the Super Bowl.Colston Loveland is the TE1Loveland averaged 12 targets and 20 fantasy points over the final four games (including the playoffs) as a rookie. He owned a team-high 33% target share when he was on the field with DJ Moore, Luther Burden and Rome Odunze (94 routes). Loveland averaged more expected fantasy points (19.1) over his final five games than Arizona TE Trey McBride (18.6) during his historical season. Moore is gone, and head coach Ben Johnson is a true cheat code. Brock Bowers still has PCL and QB concerns, while McBride regresses; Loveland has the path to a top TE finish.KC Concepcion is fantasy’s highest-scoring rookie WRSaints’ WR Jordyn Tyson could be sidelined for at least half the season, and Eagles rookie Makai Lemon missed a lot of time with a recurring hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Carnell Tate could get out-targeted by Wan’Dale Robinson in Tennessee, where there are major questions at quarterback. De’Zhaun Stribling is another candidate, but he’ll likely require injuries in San Francisco to see enough targets.The Browns’ QB situation undoubtedly isn’t ideal, but Concepcion is set for a valuable role in fantasy as Cleveland’s underneath and intermediate WR. He was highly productive in college and has a first-round pedigree. Concepcion (WR47) is available rounds after Tate (WR31).Nico Collins is a top-three WR Collins saw a 29% target share (WR4) last season when he didn’t share the field with Jayden Higgins, who’s out for 2026. Tank Dell may not contribute at all this year, and elite defenses often regress. It’s wheels up even more if we get starts from QB Davis Mills. Collins has legit competition and is drafted as the WR9, but he’ll finish top three.D’Andre Swift is a top-10 RB Swift enters the season as Chicago’s clear lead back, and he’ll see increased touches with Kyle Monangai sidelined indefinitely with a bone bruise in his knee. Swift has been an underrated fantasy back perennially, and he’s in a Ben Johnson system that churns out fantasy points. Swift is drafted as the RB20, but he was fantasy’s RB1 after Chicago’s Week 5 bye last year.Bonus: Luther Burden is a top-15 WR, as the Bears’ offense feeds families for fantasy managers.Brock Purdy is a top-five QB Purdy has finished as a top-10 fantasy QB for three straight seasons and was the QB1 in expected fantasy points per game last year. He has underrated rushing equity that could increase should injuries strike RB Christian McCaffrey coming off 450 touches. Purdy now gets WRs Mike Evans and emerging rookie Stribling in a Kyle Shanahan offense. Purdy undeniably benefits from his system, but he’s also underrated — both can be true. Purdy isn’t even drafted as a fantasy starter (QB13).