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Nick's later-round fantasy football draft sleepers, ADP values for 2026. His top fantasy football lotto tickets with upside include Jalen Coker, Terrance Ferguson, Keaton Mitchell, more.
It's wonderful to smash your early fantasy football picks, but little else compares to finding a league-winner in the rubble of those final rounds. The following 25 players tend to be available later on, with more included to cater to both shallow and deeper formats alike. While reliable depth and a steady floor can come in handy, we are swinging for upside rather than hoping for a trickle of steady points per game.
Our goal is to find cheap players who have given us a reason to believe that they'll move the needle in 2026, whether that's through their own development or a marked change in the team environment around them. We want players with early information, such as earning more volume or seeing more diversified usage, which allows us to swiftly determine if we're interested or flipping them on the waiver wire. Rookies who get decent run out of the gate could be storming to glory by midseason, and perhaps that "pure handcuff" running back proves to earn 8-12 touches per game instead.
Look around the shelf and identify names that you're intrigued by rather than letting the draft room's ADP or default rank column sway you. You still must be mindful of the market, so we're using a blend of ESPN and Yahoo ADP as of August 20 to orient these players, taken from our immensely helpful consensus ADP page. And now, here are 25 of my favorite late-round lotto tickets for the 2026 fantasy football season.
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Late-Round Lotto Quarterbacks
Jared Goff (DET), QB16 - ADP: 127
Detroit is a team built for shootouts, and their dome-heavy schedule puts Goff in the league-winner conversation. Admittedly, this felt better before C Cade Mays suffered a broken wrist that’ll keep him out until October, but the script remains strong. And Mays will be back for the stretch run/fantasy playoffs, so I’m comfortable here.
Baker Mayfield (TB), QB18 - ADP: 138
Mayfield played through an extensive list of injuries that began in Week 2 and continued to pile on as the season progressed. The slinger who finished as a top-five fantasy QB in 2024 saw a solid start to ‘25 wilt under the weight of his own injuries and those of his starting running back, three wide receivers, several linemen, and more. He and the team are healthy, so let’s rock.
Tyler Shough (NO), QB20 - ADP: 143
Shough was the QB8 in traditional formats between Weeks 13-17 last year, making him a fantasy playoff hero to streamers. He now had a full offseason to prepare as the starter for Kellen Moore’s creative game plan, and the team made some fun offensive additions in Travis Etienne Jr. and Jordyn Tyson.
Like Goff, the enthusiasm waned a bit after Dillon Radunz suffered a torn ACL in an early-August practice, and then we took on more water with Tyson’s hamstring woes, pushing his debut into October. Now Alvin Kamara will miss a month with an MCL injury as well.
Shough and Chris Olave/Juwan Johnson can keep the offense moving until health returns, but the early-year wet blankets are heavy. That said, he seems to be navigating things just fine with a sneaky riser at WR making waves:
I've got #Saints QB Tyler Shough at 15/20 with two touchdowns on the day in the joint practice with the Rams. My yardage estimations are around 158 or so. He had two touchdown passes to Bryce Lance, who caught all four of his targets from Shough.
— Ross Jackson (@RossJacksonNOLA) August 20, 2026
Malik Willis (MIA), QB26 - ADP: 146
Willis rushing for 104 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries over two games with significant playing time in 2025 automatically makes him a lotto ticket. He and De'Von Achane will be asked for a lot amidst an extremely inexperienced receiving group, and drafters must put some degree of trust in OC Bobby Slowik. Can Willis outrun a suboptimal environment?
Late-Round Lotto Running Backs
Chris Rodriguez Jr. (JAC), RB54 - ADP: 150
The ADP gap between Rodriguez and Bhayshul Tuten does not reflect the majority of offseason/camp reports suggesting the split will be close, and that precious short-yardage/goal-line work could be C-Rod’s. Jacksonville’s scoring hit another level in the second half of ‘25, and Rodriguez could punch in double-digit TDs if they continue that.
On August 18, SI's Jags beat writer, John Shipley, wrote, "Tuesday felt like most volume Chris Rodriguez Jr. has gotten all training camp, at least in comparison to Bhayshul Tuten. That is not to say it is a sign of things to come since the Jaguars do seem set to be on a crash course with a running back by committee."
Rodriguez's ability to gain yards after contact and push short-yardage piles is undeniable. These RBs should be closer together.
Tank Bigsby (PHI), RB53 - ADP: 151
Bigsby looked incredible once given a chance in Philly, following a midseason trade in which the primary motivation appeared to be a role on special teams. Philly’s line and overall output lagged behind 2024, leading to Saquon Barkley’s “pedestrian” 4.1 YPC after a 5.8 YPC in ‘24.
Perhaps this reflected the 400-touch volume Barkley saw during the Super Bowl run, which could combine with Bigsby’s 5.9 YPC on 58 totes to create a more even split. We are monitoring a toe issue for Bigsby, who didn’t practice on August 17. If he snags 125-150 touches with more overall team volume due to better results, then we could be quite happy, let alone the massive handcuff value.
And it seems the toe blip is just fine:
Tank Bigsby Returns to Practice on Wednesday https://t.co/EolbdPkl4L
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) August 19, 2026
MarShawn Lloyd (GB), RB57 - ADP: 152
Finally, Lloyd appears healthy heading into an NFL season. A third-round pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, Lloyd only saw six carries in one game before suffering a severe ankle sprain that nixed his rookie campaign before hamstring, calf, and appendix issues kept him entirely out of ‘25.
But hope springs eternal after an offseason regimen that addressed an imbalance resulting from a 2020 torn ACL could have solved some soft-tissue woes. Josh Jacobs has missed about two weeks now with a groin injury (and has off-field concerns), which makes Lloyd a rising handcuff option.
Keaton Mitchell (LAC), RB58 - ADP: 153
New OC Mike McDaniel waltzed into LA with a “Wanted” poster for the speedy Mitchell, who should see more reps behind Omarion Hampton compared to Derrick Henry. If there’s one offensive mind we trust to maximize limited looks for Mitchell, it’s McDaniel. It wouldn’t be shocking to see John Harbaugh happy to lean on the ground game with his stellar offensive line healthy.
Many have also pointed out that McDaniel did the same poster bit for fullback Alec Ingold, who was a bulldozer on many of Achane's big runs for McDaniel in Miami. The ceiling may be higher than most realize for someone with Mitchell's speed, both as a standalone play and as a potent handcuff.
Ray Davis (BUF), RB59 - ADP: 171
Even before Ty Johnson suffered a lower-body injury during an August 8 practice rep, Davis was the handcuff to James Cook III on the roster. Davis is the one who has stepped into over 20 touches to carve up the Jets in back-to-back seasons when Cook has been out or resting. Johnson’s current injury only further cements his status as a fantastic stash just in case.
Emmett Johnson (KC), RB60 - ADP: 176
Excitement over a KC rookie rusher is a fun tradition around here, but after some tepid words from Andy Reid this offseason, a strong opening preseason performance has put him back on the map. Ian Hartitz went viral for pointing out Johnson’s 10 missed tackles forced, which echoes the 68 at Nebraska last year. And then it comes out he followed Kenneth Walker III at drills, so we’re back in.
Late-Round Lotto Wide Receivers
Jalen Coker (CAR), WR63 - ADP: 147
This ADP is downright disrespectful. I'd assume that several of your draft rooms will have managers who are eyeing to pull Coker up, but the data is what the data is. This must be what it's like to find a mispriced lotto ticket in the wild, like a $20 scratcher that you got for $5.
It’s rare to see an undrafted free agent shine so brightly alongside a pair of first-round picks, but that’s what we’ve got in Coker alongside Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette. Bryce Young is the only obstacle to greatness (a large hurdle, no doubt) after Coker got more involved in the final month after a preseason quad strain saw him start the season on the injured reserve.
And when the lights shone brightest, he pulled in nine of his 12 targets for 134 yards and a score in the exciting 34-31 Wild Card Round loss to the Rams. McMillan notched 5-81-0 on seven looks. So between Week 13 and the WC loss, Coker had a 28-378-4 line (TMac 19-312-2) with 35 targets (32), four red-zone looks (1), five missed tackles (1), and 26 first-read looks (24). Let’s see if the trend is real.
Oh my 🥶 pic.twitter.com/wuOTjIREuw
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) August 17, 2026
Jalen Nailor (LV), WR54 - ADP: 151
The Raiders gave him a generous contract after being buried as Minnesota’s No. 3 receiver for a couple of years, which gives him the inside track to be Klint Kubiak’s best WR option to scheme up. Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty are great, but they’ll need perimeter threats. Let’s see if Nailor, who has 858 yards and 10 touchdowns on just 57 catches between 2024-25, can break out.
(Adding a brief update: I don't love the preseason marching orders where Nailor played while Tre Tucker rested, but my take is built on Nailor outperforming Tucker in the long run, and that isn't changing based on this.)
Pat Bryant (DEN), WR72 - ADP: 177
“Patty Ice” overtook Troy Franklin after the Week 12 bye last year, but a handful of injuries muted the momentum. The offseason drumbeat has picked up around him for the No. 3 WR role behind Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton, with Franklin and Marvin Mims Jr. vying for reps on the periphery.
If the Broncos throw enough to support pass-catchers beyond the big two and don’t simply pound the rock behind a top-tier offensive line next to their elite defense, then we’re happy. But Denver’s WR3 is likely limited unless something happens to Waddle and/or Sutton.
Tre' Harris (LAC), WR74 - ADP: 185
Like Mitchell, we’re just looking for cheaper avenues to this potent offense. With Keenan Allen still a free agent, last year’s second-round pick has a chance to be a fixture in 11 personnel. And Quentin Johnston’s inconsistency gives Harris another avenue to relevance beyond an injury to QJ or Ladd McConkey.
Cyrus Allen (KC), WR75 - ADP: 189
The Chiefs may have found a gem in the fifth round of this year’s draft, as Allen has done nothing but climb the depth chart ladder, prove capable of earning releases against NFL-caliber DBs, and make contested catches. Patrick Mahomes almost surely won’t scramble as much after his major knee injury, which should yield more passing volume.
Rashee Rice has his own knee issues to overcome, with Xavier Worthy bouncing back from his shoulder woes (and Travis Kelce turns 37 in October). Tyquan Thornton can be the field-stretcher, but Allen could earn valuable looks across the entire field. And if he doesn’t get used enough early on, then we move on for next waiver splash. That’s the whole point of this!
Ja'Kobi Lane (BAL), WR76 - ADP: 201
Rashod Bateman (BAL), WR86 - ADP: 224
Lane is near the top of the leaderboard for preseason highlight videos, but we’ll soon learn whether he can consistently get it done when it counts. Camp showouts are great, but typically come via 1-on-1 reps where a DB doesn’t have safety help, maybe it isn’t the starter, and so on. I’m excited, but also keeping both feet on the ground.
And there’s the small matter of Bateman looking sharp as well, with new OC Declan Doyle moving him all around and giving him a chance to shine beyond deep speedups. A lost year to injuries, for Bateman and the team at large, overshadowed his 45-756-9 campaign in ‘24.
Rashod Bateman says Declan Doyle is using him much differently than his previous years with the Ravens:
"I'm moving around all over the place. In the past, I've been a one-dimensional receiver. I feel like he sees my talent. ... As a receiver, you want somebody to believe in… pic.twitter.com/xRvEENnODS
— Bobby Trosset (@bobbytrosset) August 6, 2026
The team runs through Derrick Henry, but a healthy line and Lamar Jackson will open up the passing game, especially with Doyle’s creativity churning. And if you buy into Mark Andrews losing a step alongside Isaiah Likely moving on, then there’s more room to step up behind Zay Flowers.
(Another brief update: Bateman's legal issues obviously curb some enthusiasm here, and will also likely lead to more helium in Lane's ADP. I'd be okay chasing Lane up the board more, while still taking Bateman as a last-round flier. Elijah Sarratt's stock has to go up a touch as well.)
Tank Dell (HOU), WR79 - ADP: 201
Jaylin Noel (HOU), WR84 - ADP: 216
The ADPs will rise with Jayden Higgins done for the season due to a torn ACL, but fear of a trade/signing (Kayshon Boutte? Brandin Cooks?) could keep this modest. Folks are already not excited about C.J. Stroud’s offense, so the surge may be narrowed to more Nico Collins hype.
Noel never topped a 43% snap share as a rookie, yet he turned 35 targets into 26 catches for 292 yards and two TDs. He’s battled through some preseason injuries (hamstring, pinkie), though he’s already back at practice. While Dell has shown a ceiling worthy of much fantasy attention, he may not be ready for Week 1 and must prove he’s still that guy.
Caleb Douglas (MIA), WR81 - ADP: 205
Chris Bell (MIA), WR99 - ADP: 264
Shoot, someone has to catch the ball downfield for Miami. While the Dolphins are hopeful that some cheaper veterans can make noise (Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Reagor, Tutu Atwell), their hope lies with a trio of rookies and Malik Washington.
Douglas and Bell were both taken in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, with Douglas taking advantage of preseason reps to produce several highlights and buzz with Malik Willis. Bell may boast a higher long-term ceiling, but was only just activated off the non-football injury list in mid-August. He’s working back from a torn ACL suffered in November 2025, which dropped him from being a potential first-round pick. Either are worth a shot!
Late-Round Lotto Tight Ends
Terrance Ferguson (LAR), TE20 - ADP: 147
The apple of every fantasy sleeper article’s eye, Ferguson is being talked up as the effective No. 3 WR in a TE costume. At 6-foot-5, he was selected 46th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft and eventually grew into Sean McVay’s vision as a downfield threat. Despite the TE label, Ferguson saw an 18.6 average depth of target on 25 looks, sneaking in an 11-231-3 line.
Both Puka Nacua and Davante Adams have their durability concerns, but the team was comfortable entering the year with Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, and Xavier Smith as the depth. They weren’t compelled to make additions there, instead spending a second-round pick on Max Klare. McVay loves his playmaking TEs, and Ferguson is on the rise.
Terrance Ferguson Set for TE1 Role in Los Angeles? https://t.co/ocylBTfXa1
— RotoBaller NFL (@RotoBallerNFL) August 19, 2026
If the above title read "WR3 Role" instead, would he go two rounds earlier than this? Even after the recent steam has pushed him up into some spotlights? On Yahoo, you see WR3s in potent offenses like Isaac TeSlaa, Jalen McMillan, or either De'Zhaun Stribling/Deebo Samuel Sr. with ADPs around pick 127. So, my answer is yes, he deserves to go around there. Enjoy it.
Pat Freiermuth (PIT), TE21 - ADP: 148
Freiermuth and Darnell Washington should each see an elevated role compared to 2025 with Jonnu Smith out of town. Last year’s middling 41-486-4 line came on just 54 targets, but he’s one year removed from a 65-653-7 performance. We don’t need the 98 targets from 2022 to get a steady TE at this cost.
Juwan Johnson (NO), TE22 - ADP: 149
Johnson enjoyed plenty of volume as a TE last season, but poor touchdown variance left him without a standout stat line for fantasy managers to get riled up about. However, both Tyson and Kamara’s aforementioned injuries do crack the door open for an early spotlight next to Chris Olave out there. Let’s see if they feature him more out of the chute!
JUWAN JOHNSON ONE-HANDER DOWNFIELD 🔥
NOvsATL on FOX/FOX Onehttps://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/RhYJ96NbOx
— NFL (@NFL) January 4, 2026
Evan Engram (DEN), TE31 - ADP: 170
Camp reports have Engram working more as a blocker after being frequently rotated out with Adam Trautman and Nate Adkins. Although Engram was credited with 76 targets throughout the regular season and playoffs, well above Trautman’s 23, he barely saw snap counts higher than 40-50%.
Perhaps more involvement will also help shroud his routes and get him more effective play-action reps. Even if his 13% target share bumps up towards 17%, that’s the difference between being last year’s TE21 and TE12 in that regard. Very few options go so late with a reasonable path to such a usage pattern.
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