NFL Fantasy Football Risers and Fallers: Players Gaining Momentum Before Training Camp
The NFL calendar may still say June, but fantasy football season has already started.
Organized team activities are wrapping up, coaches are beginning to reveal their plans, and several players have already seen their fantasy values shift before training camp even opens. For fantasy managers drafting early, these offseason developments can create opportunities before average draft positions begin to move.
If you’re preparing for 2026 drafts, be sure to monitor our latest updates on the NFL Player News page and keep an eye on the NFL Depth Charts as training camps approach.
Lamar Jackson Could Be One of the Biggest Values at Quarterback
The Ravens spent much of the offseason discussing changes to their offense, and Lamar Jackson appears enthusiastic about the direction the team is taking.
Jackson praised new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, describing the system as more creative and aggressive. That is encouraging news after a 2025 season that never quite reached expectations due to injuries and inconsistent offensive play.
Fantasy managers sometimes overreact to a down year, especially when it comes to elite quarterbacks. Jackson still provides one of the safest rushing floors in fantasy football, and any improvement through the air could immediately push him back into the overall QB1 conversation.
Fantasy Takeaway:
Jackson looks more like a bounce-back candidate than a player in decline.
Chris Olave Appears Ready to Return to WR1 Status
Health concerns surrounded Chris Olave after blood clot issues ended his 2025 season early, but recent reports suggest he is progressing well and should be ready for training camp.
The Saints continue to build around their passing game, and Olave remains the clear top option in the offense. If he enters camp without restrictions, fantasy managers may quickly regain confidence.
The biggest concern surrounding Olave has never been talent. Availability was the question.
At this point, that concern appears to be fading.
Fantasy Takeaway:
Olave offers one of the safest floors among second-tier fantasy receivers.
Tucker Kraft May Be This Year’s Tight End Sleeper
Every fantasy season produces a tight end who dramatically outperforms his draft position.
Tucker Kraft may be that player in 2026.
Prior to his injury, Kraft was producing at an elite level. Reports continue to suggest his recovery is progressing well, and Green Bay’s offense could create additional opportunities following offseason changes at wide receiver.
The tight end position becomes extremely thin after the early rounds, making players like Kraft particularly valuable.
Fantasy Takeaway:
Drafting Kraft several rounds after the elite tight ends could provide similar production at a much lower cost.
Brian Thomas Jr. Is Trending Up
Trevor Lawrence recently discussed the improved chemistry he has developed with Brian Thomas Jr. during offseason workouts.
That should capture the attention of fantasy managers.
Thomas flashed game-breaking ability during his rookie season and enters Year 2 with the opportunity to become Jacksonville’s primary offensive weapon. His combination of size, speed, and downfield ability gives him one of the highest ceilings among young wide receivers.
If Jacksonville’s offense improves even slightly, Thomas could become one of the biggest draft-day values.
Fantasy Takeaway:
Thomas carries legitimate WR1 upside in 2026 fantasy leagues.
Kyle Pitts Continues to Divide Fantasy Managers
The Falcons committed significant money to Kyle Pitts this offseason, reinforcing their belief in his talent.
Fantasy managers, however, have heard similar optimism before.
Pitts remains one of the most talented tight ends in football, yet consistent fantasy production has remained elusive. The quarterback situation in Atlanta creates some uncertainty, but his athletic ability still gives him considerable upside.
Fantasy Takeaway:
Pitts remains a high-risk, high-reward option at a difficult position.
Dynasty Players to Target Before Their Value Rises
Several younger players may become considerably more expensive once training camp begins.
Ricky Pearsall
Injuries have delayed his development, but the talent remains. A healthy summer could quickly increase his value.
Jalen McMillan
Additional opportunities in Tampa Bay could lead to a much larger role in his third season.
Oronde Gadsden II
The Chargers have added competition, but Gadsden still possesses long-term upside as a receiving tight end.
Sean Tucker
The path to touches remains difficult, but his explosiveness makes him worth holding in deeper dynasty formats.
Veteran Players Carrying More Risk
Not every player enters the season with positive momentum.
Christian McCaffrey
The upside remains obvious, but age, workload, and injury history create more risk than fantasy managers may be willing to admit.
Cooper Kupp
Production has declined, and his role in Seattle may not provide enough weekly volume.
Geno Smith
Off-field concerns introduce additional uncertainty heading into training camp.
Early Fantasy Football Outlook for 2026
Several themes are beginning to emerge:
- Lamar Jackson could rebound into elite territory.
- Chris Olave’s health outlook is improving.
- Tucker Kraft offers substantial upside at tight end.
- Brian Thomas Jr. continues to build momentum.
- Several young dynasty players remain undervalued.
Player values will continue to change throughout the summer, but identifying these trends before training camp often provides the biggest advantage on draft day.
Stay updated with the latest NFL player news, injury updates, depth charts, rankings, and fantasy analysis throughout the offseason at FantasyLineups.com.
