5 Must-Have Players: 2026 Flag Plants (Fantasy Football)

Fantasy football preparations for the 2026 season are underway, with current coverage focusing on specific player evaluations for upcoming drafts. According to reports from the New York Times, there is a significant emphasis on identifying high-value targets, including both established veterans and incoming new talent. Specifically, Bhayshul Tuten and DJ Moore have been explicitly identified as 'my guys' for the 2026 fantasy football drafts. This indicates a strategy that balances reliable veteran production with emerging prospects who could provide a competitive edge in fantasy leagues. The coverage from the New York Times focuses heavily on the distinction between players to target and those to avoid. The reporting identifies Jordyn Tyson as a primary rookie target for managers to consider.

Beyond Tyson, the analysis suggests there are seven more rookies that fantasy managers should target to optimize their rosters. Conversely, the coverage also identifies three specific rookies that managers should 'fade,' suggesting that not all newcomers are viewed as viable or safe additions to a fantasy lineup this season. This trend matters now as the 2026 draft cycle begins, requiring managers to differentiate between hype and actual value. The context provided by the New York Times emphasizes a curated list of 20 players that are highly desired for the 2026 fantasy football drafts. By naming specific players like Bhayshul Tuten and DJ Moore alongside a broader list of rookie targets, the guidance helps managers structure their drafting priorities. The inclusion of 'fade' lists serves as a warning against overvaluing certain rookie prospects who may not meet expectations.

Future developments to monitor include whether the listed rookie targets, such as Jordyn Tyson, maintain their projected value as more data becomes available. Managers will be watching to see if the 20 players identified as desired targets remain the top priorities as the season approaches. Because the coverage specifically mentions a list of three rookies to avoid, further analysis may emerge explaining the reasoning behind those specific exclusions. The focus remains on the interplay between the veteran stability of players like DJ Moore and the potential upside of the rookie class.