Mike FanelliAug 12, 2026
Fanelli ranks all 32 NFL teams for 2026 fantasy purposes, with the Bengals first and the Dolphins last, and makes assorted calls including Joe Burrow winning Comeback Player of the Year, Drake Maye leading the league in passing touchdowns, various starting-role and depth-chart projections, plus sleepers (Godwin, Travis Hunter, Jonathon Brooks) and a bust call on De'Von Achane.
Published in writing · FantasyProsRead the original
What Mike Fanelli said
Maye is a dark horse candidate to lead the NFL in passing touchdowns this season.
- Where it was published
- FantasyPros
- The piece
- Fantasy Football Power Rankings (2026)
- The original
- Read the original
- Read it wrong?
- Tell us and we will look
- SaidAug 12
- PlayedSep 13
- GradedSep 17–18
Box score, by kind
HitCloseMissWaiting| Group | Hits | Close | Misses | Waiting | Calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Depth Chart Calls | 2 | 0 | 1 | 19 | |
| Power Rankings | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Positional Finishes | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| Fantasy Rankings | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| Sleeper Calls | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
| Award Picks | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Fantasy Bust Calls | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| All | 2 | 0 | 1 | 30 |
How each call scored
33 checkable claims — 22 depth chart calls, 3 fantasy rankings, 3 positional finishes, 2 sleeper calls, 1 award pick, 1 fantasy bust call and 1 power ranking — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing call.
It names 48 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
3 of 33 have settled so far, averaging 66.7 out of 100, against 0 for a naive guess at the same calls.
Of the 20 unsettled calls enough other pundits have weighed in on, this one lands above the room on 2 and below it on 18.
Each call is scored 0 to 100 against what happened, on its own, by the published methodology. The naive guess is what knowing nothing would have scored on the same calls; the gap, weighted by how hard the call was, is the skill.
Where this call stands in the room
Carson Beck · 2026 season14 calls from 11 pundits between 1 and 1. Mike Fanelli said 1. the room's median is 1. not settled yet
Every dot is a call somebody published on the same question. Where the dots land says where this take sits, not whether it is right — nothing here is settled yet. Hover a dot for the name and number; click it to read that take.
Depth Chart Calls2 hits · 1 miss · 19 waitingShow ▸Hide ▾
Kirk Cousins to be 1st on the depth chart
“Kirk Cousins is expected to start in Week 1 and keep the job until the Raiders feel that Mendoza is ready”
100Hit100 − 0 naive = 100 × 2 difficulty = +200 skill
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- club:
- LV
- week:
- 1
- skill:
- 200
- player:
- Kirk Cousins
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he starts
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- position:
- QB
- reported:
- named the starter
- naive slot:
- 2
- settled by:
- a confirmed report from the crawl (reported outcomes)
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he keeps the job he had last season
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 18
Kyler Murray to be 1st on the depth chart
“everyone believes the veteran is in the driver's seat and all but guaranteed to be the Week 1 starter”
100Hit100 − 0 naive = 100 × 2 difficulty = +200 skill
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- club:
- MIN
- week:
- 1
- skill:
- 200
- player:
- Kyler Murray
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he starts
- accuracy:
- 100
- baseline:
- 0
- position:
- QB
- reported:
- named the starter
- naive slot:
- 2
- settled by:
- a confirmed report from the crawl (reported outcomes)
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he keeps the job he had last season
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 18
Tua Tagovailoa to be 1st on the depth chart
“it sounds like Tua Tagovailoa will start in Week 1 with Michael Penix Jr. still recovering from a torn ACL”
0Miss0 − 0 naive = 0 × 2 difficulty = 0 skill
Think this is wrong?How this was scored
- club:
- ATL
- week:
- 1
- skill:
- 0
- player:
- Tua Tagovailoa
- season:
- 2026
- claimed:
- he starts
- accuracy:
- 0
- baseline:
- 0
- reported:
- he did not play that week
- naive slot:
- 1
- settled by:
- weekly snap counts (he took no snap in the game)
- difficulty:
- 2
- the naive guess:
- he keeps the job he had last season
- weeks in the season:
- 18
- weeks left when called:
- 18
Jalen Nailor to be 1st on the depth chart
“making him the favorite to be the team's No. 1 wide receiver”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Troy Franklin to be 2nd on the depth chart
“Don't be shocked if he ends up replacing Sutton as the No. 2 guy at some point this season.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Rico Dowdle to be 1st on the depth chart
“I expect Dowdle to be the lead running back and play on early downs while Warren takes over Gainwell's role in passing situations.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Carson Beck to be 1st on the depth chart
“it's only a matter of time until Arizona gives Carson Beck the starting role”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Christian Watson to be 1st on the depth chart
“Christian Watson leads the Green Bay wide receiver corps”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Bhayshul Tuten to be 1st on the depth chart
“opening the door for Bhayshul Tuten to take over as the starting running back”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
DeVonta Smith to be 1st on the depth chart
“He should have a breakout season as the team's No. 1 wide receiver.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Malik Washington to be 1st on the depth chart
“leaving Malik Washington as the favorite to be the team's No. 1 wide receiver”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Xavier Legette to be 3rd on the depth chart
“leaving Xavier Legette as the likely No. 3 wide receiver for Carolina”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Jordan Mason to be 1st on the depth chart
“I prefer Mason to Jones, even in PPR scoring leagues, because he should get more of the rushing workload and the goal-line touches.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Jaylen Warren to be 2nd on the depth chart
“I expect Dowdle to be the lead running back and play on early downs while Warren takes over Gainwell's role in passing situations.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Zachariah Branch to be 2nd on the depth chart
“Atlanta has no better option than the rookie as their No. 2 wide receiver”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Travis Etienne to be 1st on the depth chart
“he will be New Orleans' lead running back after signing a massive contract in free agency”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Kenneth Walker III to be 1st on the depth chart
“Reportedly, the Chiefs will make Kenneth Walker III their featured running back, including in the passing game.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Jaylen Waddle to be 1st on the depth chart
“However, Jaylen Waddle is the new No. 1 wide receiver”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Isaiah Davis to be 2nd on the depth chart
“Isaiah Davis could see some passing game work as the No. 2 running back”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Aaron Jones to be 2nd on the depth chart
“I prefer Mason to Jones... because he should get more of the rushing workload and the goal-line touches.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Jeremiyah Love to be 1st on the depth chart
“While Love should be the lead running back, the veterans will cut into his workload”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Tony Pollard to be 1st on the depth chart
“Don't be shocked if the Titans lean on Pollard on early downs and make Spears their passing-downs running backs”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Power Rankings1 waitingShow ▸Hide ▾
“I've put together fantasy football rankings for all 32 NFL teams, along with my thoughts on each squad for the 2026 season.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Positional Finishes3 waitingShow ▸Hide ▾
Nico Collins to finish top 10 at his position, by fantasy points
“Collins is a top-10 wide receiver in my rankings.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Drake Maye to finish top 1 at his position, by passing tds
“Maye is a dark horse candidate to lead the NFL in passing touchdowns this season.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Emeka Egbuka to finish top 5 at his position, by fantasy points
“he is one of my dark horse candidates to end the year as a top-five wide receiver with Mike Evans gone”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Fantasy Rankings3 waitingShow ▸Hide ▾
“He is my TE1 for this season... The only tight end I would draft over Trey McBride is Brock Bowers”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
“Jackson is the QB2 in my four points per passing touchdown scoring rankings behind Josh Allen.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
“Bijan Robinson is the top overall player on my board”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Sleeper Calls2 waitingShow ▸Hide ▾
Travis Hunter to outplay his draft cost (WR70 ADP)
“Travis Hunter could be the best bang for your buck with a WR70 ADP”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Chris Godwin Jr. to outplay his draft cost (WR42)
“he could be a massive steal at his ADP (WR42) if he can return to his 2024 form”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Award Picks1 waitingShow ▸Hide ▾
Joe Burrow to win NFL Comeback Player of the Year
“It's an even year, which means Joe Burrow is going to be a fantasy superstar and win the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Fantasy Bust Calls1 waitingShow ▸Hide ▾
De'Von Achane to fall short of his draft cost (RB5 and first-round ADP)
“Yet, I am out on him at his RB5 and first-round ADP... I won't draft him in the first round and would like to avoid picking him altogether.”
—WaitingNot settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
The games in this take
every pundit’s pick on eachWho this take is about
Kirk Cousins, Las Vegas Raiders, Kyler Murray, Minnesota Vikings, Tua Tagovailoa, Atlanta Falcons, Jalen Nailor, Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos, Rico Dowdle, Pittsburgh Steelers, Carson Beck, Arizona Cardinals, Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers, Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars, Nico Collins, Houston Texans, DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles, Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins, Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers, Jordan Mason, Travis Hunter, Jaylen Warren, Zachariah Branch, Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals, Chris Godwin Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Drake Maye, New England Patriots, Emeka Egbuka, Travis Etienne, New Orleans Saints, Kenneth Walker III, Kansas City Chiefs, Jaylen Waddle, Isaiah Davis, New York Jets, Aaron Jones, Jeremiyah Love, De'Von Achane, Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans
Others on the same people
Zack Kelberman · Roster Spot Calls · Sean Fresch Jr. · Miss 0
Kelberman expects Sean Fresch Jr. to clear waivers and return to the Broncos' practice squad, sees Riley Moss back from concussion for the Week 11 game at Las Vegas, and projects newly acquired Daiyan Henley to begin as the third inside linebacker behind Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad before likely moving into a starting role.Zack Kelberman · Roster Spot Calls · Sean Fresch Jr. · Miss 0
Kelberman writes that Riley Moss may sit out the preseason finale against Minnesota but should be available for the Week 1 opener at Kansas City; they also suggest undrafted corners Sean Fresch Jr. and Brent Austin are being evaluated for practice squad spots.Chris Clark · Trade and Signing Calls · Nikko Remigio · Miss 0
Clark expects the Chiefs to bring back exclusive-rights receiver Nico (Remigio) and long snapper James Winchester, to re-sign JuJu Smith-Schuster as a cheap veteran fifth receiver, and not to bring back Hollywood Brown, Josh Dobbs-type depth, Gardner Minshew, Janarius Robinson or Mike Caliendo; they also say the Chiefs will not use a franchise tag and believes Bryan Cook won't return.Logan Lazarczyk · Trade and Signing Calls · Kirk Cousins · Hit 100
Ahead of the trade deadline, they float three Raiders moves: shipping Kirk Cousins to Minnesota if the Vikings offer a second-round pick, selling Maxx Crosby to Dallas for a first-rounder plus, and acquiring Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. for a second- or third-round pick.
More depth chart calls
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
Michael Moore · Depth Chart Calls · Shedeur Sanders · Hit 100
In a Week 9 injury roundup, Moore forecast which banged-up fantasy contributors would play or sit: Deshaun Watson, Garrett Wilson, David Montgomery, Mike Evans, Deebo Samuel, TreVeyon Henderson and Terrance Ferguson are expected out, while Travis Kelce, Saquon Barkley, Michael Wilson, Christian Watson and Emeka Egbuka should play. They also expect Shedeur Sanders and Drew Lock to start at quarterback.Nic Bodiford · Depth Chart Calls · Joe Fagnano · Hit 100
Previewing Week 9 running game matchups, Bodiford expects Jacksonville to win lopsidedly over a depleted Baltimore team, with Bhayshul Tuten sitting out and Chris Rodriguez taking over as lead back, while Joe Fagnano starts at quarterback for the Ravens. They also view Broncos rookie Jonah Coleman as an RB2 going forward.Jacob Herlin · Depth Chart Calls · J.J. McCarthy · Hit 100
Herlin published Week 7 fantasy D/ST rankings with projections for 28 team defenses, led by Houston, Minnesota and Cleveland. They also expect Cleveland to post a fourth straight top-10 fantasy defense result, and predicts Jalon Daniels starts another week for Tampa Bay while J.J. McCarthy takes over as the Giants' starter.