As fantasy football managers begin preparing for the 2026 season, ESPN's Eric Karabell has released his annual bold predictions that could reshape draft strategies across the league. From a Saints quarterback emerging as a QB1 option to a Dolphins running back potentially leading all fantasy scorers, Karabell's insights offer fantasy managers a glimpse into potential breakouts and surprises for the upcoming season.
Tyler Shough Emerges as a QB1 Fantasy Option
New Orleans Saints sophomore Tyler Shough is projected to become a QB1 option after showing promise over the second half of the 2025 season. The prediction carries significant weight given Shough's strong finish to his rookie campaign.
While Shough was a rookie in 2025, he's not a young one—the quarterback is actually a week older than five-year veteran Trevor Lawrence. This maturity could be a factor in his rapid development. Karabell poses the question of Shough over Lawrence in 2026, suggesting one will be the bargain, and it won't be Lawrence.
According to additional analysis, Shough has posted 17 or more fantasy points in four of his six pro starts while completing almost 70% of his throws in Kellen Moore's offense. His dual-threat capabilities add another dimension to his fantasy value, as Shough has had at least six carries in four straight games.
De'Von Achane Could Top Fantasy Scorers
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane is positioned for a massive 2026 season according to Karabell's projections. Achane was one of four running backs to average 20 points per game during the 2025 season, alongside Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Jonathan Taylor.
The prediction that Achane could lead all fantasy scorers in 2026 represents a significant leap, but it's grounded in his 2025 performance. In early 2026 mock drafts, Achane is being selected as the RB5, suggesting fantasy experts are already buying into his upside for the upcoming season.
Puka Nacua's Quest for 2,000 Receiving Yards
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is coming off a spectacular 2025 campaign and could make history in 2026. A late surge over the final five weeks pushed Nacua into the top fantasy spot with 375 points, the 13th-most in a single season at the position.
Karabell's bold prediction suggests Nacua makes another run at 2,000 receiving yards after averaging 107 yards per game while missing one game in 2025—he would need to average 117 yards over 17 games to reach the milestone. Nacua and Seattle Seahawks breakout Jaxon Smith-Njigba were the lone wide receivers to average 20 points per game in 2025.
Additional Bold Predictions for 2026
Karabell's predictions extend beyond these three headline players. All four NFC East quarterbacks—Jalen Hurts, Jayden Daniels, Dak Prescott, and Jaxson Dart—are projected to finish among the top 12 at the position in fantasy points.
At wide receiver, Bears sophomore Luther Burden III is expected to break out with 77 catches, 1,100 receiving yards, and 8 touchdowns. Meanwhile, a healthy Mike Evans, in his age-33 season, is projected to play in 15 games and surpass 1,000 receiving yards for the 12th time in his 13 seasons.
San Francisco 49ers star Brock Purdy, who averaged 19.7 fantasy points in 2025, is predicted to tie Joe Burrow with a league-leading 38 touchdown passes.
What This Means for Fantasy Managers
These bold predictions from one of fantasy football's most respected analysts should inform draft strategies heading into 2026. Identifying potential breakout candidates like Tyler Shough before the fantasy community catches on can provide significant value in the middle-to-late rounds of drafts.
For De'Von Achane, fantasy managers will need to weigh the cost of drafting him in the first round against the upside of potentially landing the overall RB1. Puka Nacua's quest for 2,000 yards makes him a premium target, though his current draft position already reflects his elite status.
As the offseason progresses and more information becomes available through training camps and preseason action, these predictions will be tested. However, Karabell's track record of identifying fantasy trends makes these projections worth serious consideration for anyone preparing for their 2026 fantasy football drafts.
Sources & Original Reporting