Fantasy Football Best Ball Rankings - March 2026
- Kev Wheeler
- Mar 28
- 10 min read
Best ball is a version of fantasy football where all you need to do is draft a team and then watch the season play out. Your optimal lineup will be selected automatically each week, at the end of the week, the highest-scoring players are automatically inserted into the starting lineup spots. There is no roster management, no start/sit questions, no waiver wire, no trades. There are many types of best-ball leagues out there so it is very difficult to come up with a standard set of rankings.
Fantasy Football Best Ball
For years all of the biggest fantasy sites harped on not drafting early, urging people not to draft until August because of the unpredictability of what could happen during training camps. What they should have been telling you is not to visit their site or listen to them until August because they are just throwing darts at a board anytime before then.
Scroll To Bottom for Downloadable Underdog Rankings!!!
The best players in the world start drafting in February and March, this year we started in January. By July we can draft blind-folded, we are the ones that have set ADP so they are merely drafting against we own previous biases. We have fine-tuned their rankings and/or projections to the point that they are as good as, if not better than the “Expert” consensus.
2025 Expert Draft
We are able to do this because we are constantly drafting in best-ball drafts. Not having to manage starting line-ups throughout the season is glorious! Best-ball allows us to participate in hundreds, or even thousands, of drafts.
Please follow on Bluesky for updates and discussion. You can let us know where you think we' are getting it wrong, it could help us improve our process.
Quarterback
Drake Maye was a 74% passer for 2474yds in the 1st half of games in 2025. This was the best rate for any QB for either half in both metrics. He also had the 7th most dropbacks of any QB in either half, the 2nd most TDs, the most scrambles, and 2nd most points per opportunity. There could be a higher ceiling with better opponents in the future.
Nate Taylor reports the Chiefs are optimistic that Patrick Mahomes (knee) “is on track to participate -- even in a limited capacity -- in the team’s voluntary offseason practices” in May.
Sam Darnold 2025 numbers (rank among QB) via @ftnfantasy.com StatsHub:
4,048 yds (5th)
8.4 yds per attempt (2nd)
99.1 passer rating (11th)
67.7% completion rate (7th)
11.9% explosive rate (5th)
Malik Willis
Dolphins Sign QB Malik Willis for $22.5M/Year. It's essentially a 2-year, $45M deal with a team option afterwards. That's a rightful step up from Justin Fields' contract last year, yet below Sam Darnold's Seahawks deal.
In an extremely small sample of 159 plays, Willis is the QB1 in EPA per play out of 75 qualifiers over the past 3 seasons. He's also 1st in completion percentage over expected and 11th in success rate. Willis has real physical tools to work with beyond being a small-sample legend, and the well-run Packers seemed to really like him.
NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe said Malik Willis is the Dolphins’ starting quarterback, but Miami does “plan” to add “long-term” competition via the 2026 NFL Draft.
It sounds like the Dolphins will draft a developmental quarterback prospect to potentially compete with Willis after the 2026 season. If Willis pans out, great. If not, the Dolphins will already have another option in the works.
Daniel Jones
The Colts made a poor choice re-signing Daniel Jones. Jones Achillies tear is on the "throwing push-off side." Jones has also ended seasons with ACL and neck injuries, so Jones is likely going to have to sign a prove-it deal with a middling franchise.
NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe said the Falcons think QB Michael Penix (knee) “will be healthy at some point in training camp.” Penix underwent surgery to reconstruct a partially torn ACL after suffering the injury in November 2025. Tua Tagovailoa will get to work with the first-team offense until Penix is ready to practice, which could give Tagovailoa an edge in the competition. It seems likely that both players will start at times during the regular season.
NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe believes that the Browns will “likely” draft a wide receiver and a left tackle with their two first-round picks this year. The Browns’ quarterback competition is between Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson, seemingly rendering Dillon Gabriel a locked-in backup. New HC Todd Monken certainly has his work cut-out for him.
Vikings signed QB Kyler Murray, formerly of the Cardinals, to a one-year contract.
Jets acquired QB Geno Smith and a 2026 seventh-round pick for a 2026 sixth-round pick.
Chiefs acquired QB Justin Fields from the Jets in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick.
Marcus Mariota
The 32-year-old quietly played decent ball with the Commanders in relief of Jayden Daniels, and since leaving the Falcons in 2022 as the starter, Mariota ranks a lot higher in the advanced metrics than you'd think; QB17 in EPA per play, QB5 in success rate, and QB2 in completion percentage over expected out of 51 qualifiers.
Running Back
The RB dead zone is back!!! You are going to want to get two running backs in the first three rounds in this current best ball meta.
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson was already our RB1, but his fantasy value is growing even larger following the team's offseason moves. The Falcons' allowed Tyler Allgeier to depart for Arizona in free agency, leaving Robinson as the only relevant name in Atlanta's backfield. That bodes well for the 24-year-old's chances to build upon an incredible 2025 in which he tallied 1,478 rushing yards, 820 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns even though Allgeier vultured eight touchdowns from him.
The Athletic’s Zach Rosenblatt believes there’s a “60-40" chance that Breece Hall signs an extension with the Jets after the NFL Draft. The other 40 percent here, of course, ends with Hall playing on the franchise tag. Hall is entering his age-25 season.
The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider reports the Broncos coaching staff believes RJ Harvey “is ready for a Year 2 jump.” Denver wound up bringing back JK Dobbins and most suspect that Dobbins will at least open as the lead back, as he did last year, but not paying a major premium for a back is probably an endorsement of the idea of Harvey breaking out in his second season.
Chiefs agreed to terms with RB Kenneth Walker, formerly of the Seahawks, on a three-year, $43.05 million contract.
Saints agreed to terms with RB Travis Etienne, formerly of the Jaguars, on a four-year, $52 million contract.
Rachaad White was effective as a receiver for his first 3 seasons (54% success rate on 185 targets), then that went away without OC Liam Coen in 2025. White's rushing success rate went from 45% in his first 3 seasons up to 57% in 2025, despite playing behind an injured OL. White should be a well-rounded RB2 who can be trusted in the pass game. White signed with The Commanders to play with Jayden Daniels and is on a very team friendly deal.
Tyler Allgeier started his career with a 1,000-yard rushing season, but he has taken a back seat to Bijan Robinson since then. Allgeier has been a very effective compliment to Robinson for the past 3 seasons. His 52% career rushing success rate stands out, even if he's more of a short-yardage hammer than a well-rounded back.
Kenneth Gainwell carved out an interesting pass-first role with the Steelers this season, earning the trust of Aaron Rodgers, who would audible at the line of scrimmage to get him quick receptions all the time. His 4.6 yards per carry were a career-high, and he had a huge fill-in start when Jaylen Warren missed games.
Rico Dowdle averaged 4.8 yards per carry and has a 50% success rate throughout his career. His size makes him a quality short-yardage option at the very least, but he can play all three downs.
Najee Harris visited with the Seahawks on Wednesday and now has a visit with the Raiders on tap. The 28-year-old running back is still recovering from a torn Achilles he suffered last season, but has been seen running at full speed in recent videos.
Falcons signed RB Brian Robinson, formerly of the 49ers, to a one-year, $2.5 million contract. It’s backup money, and Robinson will now be a breather back for Bijan Robinson after spending the 2025 season behind Christian McCaffrey. Brian Robinson enjoyed a career-high 4.6 yards per carry as Christian McCaffrey's low-volume backup, and he stayed healthy throughout. His 225-pound frame stands out as a low-volume hammer.
J.K. Dobbins will be forced into 1-year deals for the rest of his career due to his injury history. A lisfranc foot injury ended an efficient 2025 season (5.0 yards per carry), a new one after knee, ankle, and achilles injuries the seasons prior. Dobbins will be 28 years old in 2026.
Wide Receiver
Seahawks signed WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba to a four-year, $168.6 million contract extension.
The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec reports the Ravens would “like to reach a deal sooner rather than later” to extend Zay Flowers. Flowers posted a 86/1,211/5 receiving line in 2025 and again figures to be Baltimore’s No. 1 receiver in 2026 after an underwhelming offseason for Baltimore on the offensive side of the ball.
John Keim reports that the Commanders “still want to add someone who can be a strong complement” to No. 1 WR Terry McLaurin. 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk obviously comes to mind, and multiple team sources tell Keim that the Commanders are “well aware” of Aiyuk’s “desire” to be reunited with his former college quarterback, Jayden Daniels, but Keim believes the Commanders are unlikely to trade for him.
The Athletic’s Daniel Popper believes Ladd McConkey could “have a bounce-back season in [Mike] McDaniel’s offense.” Popper also believes Tre’ Harris is in line for a bigger role. Popper lists Harris as a starter and notes that with Keenan Allen unsigned, he should be expected to see more work. Harris’ involvement steadily picked up in the second half of the season and it’s possible he finds fantasy relevance in 2026.
California Post’s Vincent Bonsignore reports that the Raiders are “digging really deep” into the incoming rookie wide receiver class. The Raiders’ second draft pick is No. 36 overall, which could be used to draft a No. 1 wide receiver.
Ryan McFadden reports the Raiders completed a top-30 visit with Texas A&M WR KC Concepcion this week.
D.J. Moore had career-low receptions and yards with Bears in 2025
Trading Moore before June 1st:
2026 Dead Cap: $12M
2026 Savings: $16.5M
Trading Moore after June 1st:
2026 Dead Cap: $4M
2027 Dead Cap: $8M
2026 Savings: $24.5M
George Pickens
The franchise tag is $28M, which is around Tee Higgins, Terry McLaurin, Brandon Aiyuk, and Garrett Wilson per-year money. If the Cowboys can't re-sign him to a monster deal long term, which they absolutely should and are incentivized to do with Dak Prescott's huge cap hit, then Pickens isn't going anywhere with the tag available.
Alec Pierce averaged a career-high 70 yards per game before Daniel Jones' achilles injury. His primary strength is as a single-high downfield threat with his speed and ball skills, but Pierce has flashed breaking route ability in smaller samples, too. He was expected to disappear when weak-armed Phillip Rivers took over the offense, but Pierce continued to produce which is why he got paid.
Brandon Aiyuk gave up quite a bit of money by allowing the 49ers to void his contract guarantees. Finding a situation he is happy with will likely be more difficult than he imagines it will be given the mentality of NFL organizations.
Mike Evans
Romeo Doubs is a versatile WR that has played a lot of X receiver with some man coverage wins in the red zone in particular. His 40 yards per game is average, but Doubs' 58% success rate when targeted over the past two years is a confidence builder for QB’s and OC’s.
Rashid Shaheed has been one of the most explosive receivers on a per-target basis (9.3 yards per target). His speed and special teams value are obvious on tape, and he's flashed intermediate route running, too.
Wan'Dale Robinson set career highs in yards per game (63) and yards per reception (11.0) in a contract year. He was running more downfield routes, even if his long-term role is as a slot receiver. He followed OC Brian Dabol to Tennessee.
Tight End
Harold Fannin:
Todd Monken's last decade as an offensive coordinator, and where those teams ranked in touchdowns to tight ends per @pffnatejahnke.bsky.social :
Buccaneers 2016-2018: 2nd (Cameron Brate and O.J. Howard)
Browns 2019: 4th (Ricky Seal-Jones and Demetrius Harris)
Georgia 2020-2022: 7th (Bowers)
Ravens 2023-2025: 1st (Andrews and Likely)
The Athletic’s James Boyd believes that “regardless of whom the Colts add at wideout,” Tyler Warren will be the team’s No. 2 pass catcher in 2026.
The Athletic’s Daniel Popper believes Chargers TE Oronde Gadsden’s receiving skill set will be “maximized” in Mike McDaniel’s offense. Gadsden was a surprise in fantasy last season, totaling 664 yards and three touchdowns on 49 receptions. He ranked 14th among 50 qualifying tight ends in yards per route run, in line with Tyler Warren and Harold Fannin. If he runs 60 or 70 percent of the Chargers’ routes in 2026, Gadsden could be a tight end target in drafts.
The Athletic’s Dan Duggan reports TE Isaiah Likely is “expected to be a featured piece” of the Giants offense in 2026. Likely followed former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh to New York in free agency, as expected, and signed a three year deal worth up to $47.5 million — a hefty deal considering Likely’s 2025 struggles in Baltimore. With the signing, the Giants “essentially swapped Likely in for Wan’Dale Robinson, signaling the shift in their offensive approach,” Duggan said (Robinson signed with the Titans). Likely will be “paired often” with TE Theo Johnson in a New York offense that should be among the league leaders in two tight end usage, just like Harbaugh’s Ravens, Duggan added. Likely, who should operate as a big slot receiver for Jaxson Dart, could have volume-based upside in 2026.
The Athletic’s Nate Atkins believes Rams TE Terrance Ferguson should see “a significant uptick” in snaps and targets in 2026. Ferguson dealt with a late-season hamstring injury that masked how his snaps and targets were growing late in the year. The Rams have enough weaponry that it’s hard to believe Ferguson would be a consistent TE1 this year without injuries ahead of him.
TE David Njoku was released by the Browns as the new league year began, designated as a post-June 1st cut. The 29-year-old spent the first nine seasons of his career in Cleveland, making a Pro Bowl in 2023 when he caught 81-of-123 targets for 882 yards and six touchdowns. Njoku played in 12 games last season as Harold Fannin Jr. slowly took over, catching 33-of-48 targets for 293 yards and four touchdowns.
Drafting this early actually levels the playing field, although, admittedly, January drafting is pretty nuts. The unpredictability of where players will land, their role in new offensive systems, health/injury recovery, and overall schedule match-up strength are relative unknowns compared to later in the summer. Every bit of information I have can serve as an advantage over high-volume players that may be hedging their bets, and overloading on certain players.
