Best Late-Round Fantasy Football Targets [2026]

Who Are the Best Late-Round Fantasy Football Targets?

The best late-round fantasy football targets are players who are being overlooked in drafts despite having a clear path to meaningful volume, efficiency, or a breakout role. In 2026, fantasy owners can find particularly appealing late-round value at quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end.

Late-round picks can make a major difference in fantasy football drafts. While early-round selections provide the foundation of a roster, finding players with legitimate starting or breakout potential in the later rounds gives fantasy owners the depth and upside needed to win a championship.

The key is to look beyond name value and focus on opportunity, offensive environment, projected usage, and potential paths to a larger role.

Here are some of the best late-round fantasy football targets to consider in 2026.

Best Late-Round Quarterback Targets

Quarterback is one of the easiest positions for fantasy owners to wait on in a traditional one-QB league. With plenty of viable starters available, there is little reason to spend an early pick on a quarterback if a comparable option can be found several rounds later.

These three quarterbacks are especially intriguing because they should operate high-powered offenses while being largely overlooked in one-QB formats.

Jared Goff (Lions)

• Goff continues to benefit from playing in an offense capable of producing plenty of points and passing touchdowns.
• Detroit’s offensive environment gives him a strong weekly floor when the Lions are moving the ball efficiently.
• He doesn’t need elite rushing production to be a useful fantasy quarterback when his passing opportunities are strong.
• His lack of rushing upside can cause fantasy owners to overlook him compared with more mobile quarterbacks.
• In a one-QB league, Goff can be a valuable late-round target who allows fantasy owners to build up other positions first.

Fantasy Recommendation: Goff is an excellent late-round fantasy football target for owners who want a dependable quarterback without spending a premium pick.

Bo Nix (Broncos)

• Nix brings more rushing potential than many traditional pocket passers available in the later rounds.
• Denver has built an offense capable of giving him plenty of opportunities to make plays.
• His ability to contribute as a runner gives him multiple paths to fantasy production.
• A late-round quarterback with both passing and rushing ability can provide significant value if his development continues.
• Fantasy owners can pair Nix with another inexpensive quarterback and potentially get strong production from the position.

Fantasy Recommendation: Nix is a high-upside late-round quarterback target who could outperform his draft position if his passing efficiency takes another step forward.

Jordan Love (Packers)

• Love has already demonstrated the ability to produce fantasy points through an aggressive passing attack.
• Green Bay’s offense provides him with multiple ways to generate production rather than relying on one dominant receiver.
• His touchdown upside makes him particularly interesting when drafted outside the early quarterback range.
• Fantasy owners may overlook Love because he doesn’t have the rushing profile of some of the league’s elite fantasy quarterbacks.
• If Green Bay’s offense takes a step forward, Love has the potential to become a weekly fantasy starter.

Fantasy Recommendation: Love is a strong late-round fantasy football target for owners looking to capitalize on quarterback upside without using an early pick.

Best Late-Round Running Back Targets

Running backs can be especially valuable late in drafts because injuries, depth-chart changes, and evolving workloads can quickly create opportunities.

The following backs each have a realistic path to becoming significantly more valuable than their draft position suggests.

Kyle Monangai (Bears)

• Ben Johnson has historically shown a willingness to build an offense around the running game.
• Monangai should have an opportunity to handle a substantial workload in Chicago.
• He may receive slightly less work than D’Andre Swift, but the difference in draft cost makes Monangai particularly appealing.
• A cheaper running back in a potentially run-heavy offense doesn’t need an enormous workload to become a useful fantasy asset.
• If Swift misses time, Monangai’s role could become even more valuable.

Fantasy Recommendation: Monangai is one of the more appealing late-round fantasy football targets because his expected workload could be much larger than his draft cost suggests.

Blake Corum (Rams)

• Corum has the potential to receive a meaningful workload in Los Angeles.
• His efficiency gives him a chance to make the most of his touches even without dominating the backfield.
• The Rams’ offensive system can create valuable opportunities for running backs.
• His affordable draft cost lowers the risk for fantasy owners while leaving room for significant upside.
• A larger-than-expected role could quickly turn Corum into a weekly fantasy option.

Fantasy Recommendation: Corum is an appealing late-round target for fantasy owners looking for an inexpensive running back with a path to consistent touches.

Jonah Coleman (Broncos)

• Coleman has the talent to become extremely valuable if the Broncos lose Dobbins to injury.
• His biggest fantasy value could come later in the season if his role expands.
• Fantasy owners shouldn’t necessarily expect a huge workload immediately.
• A gradual increase in playing time could make him increasingly valuable as the season progresses.
• His potential workload in the event of an injury gives him legitimate league-winning upside at a late-round cost.

Fantasy Recommendation: Coleman is a high-upside stash who could become one of the most valuable late-round fantasy football targets if the Broncos’ backfield opens up.

Best Late-Round Wide Receiver Targets

Wide receiver depth is one of the best ways to build a fantasy roster in the later rounds. Fantasy owners should prioritize receivers who can earn targets consistently or have a realistic path to a larger role.

Wan’Dale Robinson (Titans)

• Robinson profiles as an especially appealing option in PPR formats.
• His role should give him plenty of opportunities to accumulate receptions.
• High target volume can provide a dependable fantasy floor even when a receiver isn’t consistently scoring touchdowns.
• His smaller role in the offense doesn’t necessarily prevent him from producing fantasy points if the targets are there.
• Occasional spike weeks could give him significant value beyond his normal weekly floor.

Fantasy Recommendation: Robinson is a strong late-round PPR target for fantasy owners looking for reliable reception volume with the potential for occasional big performances.

De’Zhaun Stribling (49ers)

• Stribling’s average draft position has been rising, but he remains available in the later rounds.
• His potential playing time should increase as the season progresses.
• Early positive reviews suggest there could be more opportunity coming than his current draft cost indicates.
• A growing role during the season could make him increasingly valuable for fantasy owners.
• His late-round price provides an inexpensive way to bet on a young receiver’s development.

Fantasy Recommendation: Stribling is a worthwhile late-round fantasy football target whose value could increase significantly if his playing time continues to climb.

KC Concepcion (Browns)

• Fantasy owners shouldn’t automatically dismiss Concepcion simply because he plays for Cleveland.
• As a first-round pick, he should have plenty of opportunities to become a focal point of the offense.
• The Browns can use him in multiple ways rather than relying exclusively on traditional downfield targets.
• Designed touches and the quick passing game could create a steady stream of opportunities.
• His versatility gives him several paths to fantasy production.

Fantasy Recommendation: Concepcion is a compelling late-round target because his expected versatility and volume could give him a much higher ceiling than his draft position suggests.

Best Late-Round Tight End Targets

Waiting on tight end can be a profitable strategy when fantasy owners identify players with legitimate target volume and touchdown upside.

Isaiah Likely (Giants)

• Likely is an easy target for fantasy owners who wait until the late rounds to address tight end.
• His potential volume gives him a path to consistent fantasy production.
• Tight end is a position where target opportunity can quickly translate into a major fantasy advantage.
• His athleticism gives him the ability to turn increased usage into explosive plays.
• If he receives the expected volume, he has enough upside to finish among the best fantasy tight ends.

Fantasy Recommendation: Likely is an ideal late-round fantasy football target for owners who wait on tight end because his projected volume gives him legitimate Top 5 upside.

Jake Ferguson (Cowboys)

• Ferguson has established himself as a dependable target in the middle of the field.
• Dak Prescott’s presence provides confidence in the passing-game environment.
• Dallas should have plenty of opportunities to move the ball through the air.
• The lack of a clear third receiver could create additional opportunities for Ferguson.
• His combination of target potential and offensive environment makes him an attractive late-round option.

Fantasy Recommendation: Ferguson is a dependable late-round fantasy football target who could benefit from a heavy role in a high-powered passing attack.

Mark Andrews (Ravens)

• Andrews is an obvious bounce-back candidate after a disappointing stretch.
• His history with Lamar Jackson gives him a strong foundation for renewed fantasy production.
• Jackson has consistently shown a willingness to target Andrews in scoring situations.
• Andrews doesn’t need to return completely to his peak form to provide excellent value at a discounted draft cost.
• His touchdown upside remains particularly appealing at a position where scoring opportunities can be difficult to find.

Fantasy Recommendation: Andrews is one of the most intriguing late-round fantasy football targets because his proven ceiling and connection with Lamar Jackson give him substantial rebound potential.

How to Find the Best Late-Round Fantasy Football Targets

Finding late-round value isn’t simply about selecting the player with the lowest average draft position. Fantasy owners should look for players whose potential opportunity is greater than their current draft cost suggests.

Here are a few factors to consider when searching for late-round fantasy football targets:

Look for Volume

Opportunity is one of the most important factors in fantasy football. A player who is expected to receive consistent targets or touches has a much better chance of producing than a player who relies entirely on big plays.

Target High-Powered Offenses

Players on productive offenses tend to have more opportunities to score touchdowns and accumulate yardage. A late-round player attached to a strong offense can have considerably more upside than his draft position indicates.

Identify Uncertain Depth Charts

Unclear roles can create some of the best late-round opportunities. If a player could move into a significantly larger role because of an injury, competition, or changing usage, he can be worth a late-round investment.

Prioritize Upside

The later rounds are the time for fantasy owners to take chances. You already have your core players, so late picks should focus on finding players who could become considerably more valuable than their draft position.

Don’t Ignore Floor

Upside is important, but late-round players with reliable weekly usage can also provide valuable roster depth. Receivers who consistently catch passes or running backs with defined roles can be useful throughout the season.

Final Thoughts: Late-Round Fantasy Football Targets

The best late-round fantasy football targets are not necessarily the biggest names. They are players whose expected opportunity, offensive environment, or upside is being overlooked by the draft market.

Quarterbacks such as Jared Goff, Bo Nix, and Jordan Love give fantasy owners options for waiting on the position. Kyle Monangai, Blake Corum, and Jonah Coleman offer intriguing paths to running back value, while Wan’Dale Robinson, De’Zhaun Stribling, and KC Concepcion provide different combinations of volume and upside at wide receiver.

At tight end, Isaiah Likely, Jake Ferguson, and Mark Andrews could all provide significant value if their projected roles materialize.

The goal with late-round picks is simple: find players who can outperform their draft position. Fantasy owners who consistently identify those players can turn the final rounds of a draft into a major competitive advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Late-Round Fantasy Football Targets