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Fantasy football avoid list 2026
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Fantasy experts list 2026 avoid picks like McCaffrey, Jefferson, and Stafford. Drafters should weigh injury, age, and regression risks before selecting.
Background
As the 2026 fantasy football draft season approaches, analysts publish lists of players to avoid based on factors like injury history, age, and expected regression. These lists help managers make informed decisions during drafts.
How it unfolded
- Aug 30, 2026FantasyPros published a do-not-draft list highlighting five busts, including Brian Thomas and Matthew Stafford.
- Aug 31, 2026Yahoo Sports identified the worst pick in each of the first four rounds, starting with Christian McCaffrey in Round 1.
- Sep 1, 2026ESPN released its draft guide with 'Do Not Draft' lists and analysis from experts like Eric Karabell.
- Sep 2, 2026CBS Sports' Heath Cummings provided his final players to avoid, including Mike Evans and Justin Jefferson.
- Sep 3, 2026RotoBaller's Adam Koffler published a cheat sheet with targets and avoids, listing McCaffrey, Jefferson, and Stafford as avoids.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- Experts caution against drafting players with injury histories or expected regression, such as McCaffrey and Stafford.
Still unverified
Potential NFL suspensions for off-field incidents involving Josh Jacobs and Puka Nacua are unconfirmed and could affect their availability.