Deadspin iconDeadspinSep 4, 2026 ~6 min source read

Five under-the-radar fantasy football targets to consider in 2026 drafts

A concise, player-by-player guide to five late-round or bench stash picks the author says are worth drafting this season and why each fits a specific roster strategy.

The 5 Fantasy Football Players You Absolutely Have To Draft in 2026

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Useful takeaways from this story.

Jared Goff is presented as an undervalued QB who finished top-10 in fantasy scoring last season yet is often available late.

Zach Charbonnet is a stash candidate who begins on injured reserve but could be a second-half starter on a high-scoring offense.

Brandon Aiyuk and Lucky Jackson are speculative late-round targets who could become starters after roster moves or injuries.

# Quick read: Who to target late in 2026 drafts

This piece identifies five players the author says are easy-to-acquire, high-upside additions for 2026 fantasy drafts. The picks follow a clear roster logic: grab an undervalued QB, stash injured or suspended players with upside, take a deep sleeper on a high-scoring team, and secure a reliable kicker earlier than typical drafters.

Why this approach matters

The five players and the rationale

  • Jared Goff, QB (Detroit Lions)

The author calls Goff underpriced in fantasy drafts despite finishing ninth among quarterbacks in fantasy points last season. He's framed as a reliable, game-manager style QB who frequently remains available late in drafts. Plan: wait on QBs and target Goff as a value pick.

  • Zach Charbonnet, RB (Seattle Seahawks)

Charbonnet is expected to begin the season on injured reserve. The author views that as an advantage: he can be drafted as a late bench RB with playoff upside when he returns to a presumed featured role in a Super Bowl-caliber offense. Use him as a handcuff-style roster spot that won't harm Week 1 depth.

  • Brandon Aiyuk, WR (San Francisco 49ers)
  • Lucky Jackson, WR (Detroit Lions)

Jackson is described as a practice-squad receiver with talent who could step into a larger role if either Amon-Ra St. Brown or Jameson Williams misses time. Because Detroit concentrates production among a few players, Jackson is a deep sleeper that could pay off if injuries create an opening.

  • Brandon Aubrey, K (Dallas Cowboys)

How to use these picks in your draft

  • Use Charbonnet and Aiyuk as stashes: roster them cheaply and monitor injury reports, reinstatement status, and depth-chart changes.
  • Take Aubrey one or two rounds earlier than your league usually drafts kickers if you value kicker stability and scoring consistency.

Practical checklist for in-season follow-up

  • If you draft a kicker early, accept the lost late-round upside picks in exchange for predictable scoring week-to-week.

This set of five is squarely oriented toward late-round upside and bench depth rather than immediate starters for Week 1. Use them as part of a roster plan that prioritizes early stability and late-season flexibility.

More context around this story.

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