The 2026 NFL preseason is in full swing, with teams playing their second games this weekend. And that means you're probably in the middle of some serious fantasy football research (at least that's what I've been up to! Haven't you?).
We've seen some names coming up as true sleepers in the preseason, whether it's due to performance on the field in exhibition games or in practice or because of some injuries. So while you could consult our list of one sleeper for every NFL team, you could also check out some of the names that have popped up in the preseason with some buzz.
Here are 10 to think about for your upcoming fantasy football drafts.
RB MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers
Josh Jacobs is getting older and is dealing with a groin injury. Enter Lloyd, who scored a touchdown on Friday
and who could be Jacobs' backup. He could have a big role this year if Jacobs misses any games.
WR De'Zhaun Stribling, San Francisco 49ers
We've talked about this a lot. The rookie has shown some serious talent thus far amid a banged-up Niners receiving corps. He's a must-have late in drafts.
RB Jonah Coleman, Denver Broncos
If JK Dobbins can't stay healthy, it's this rookie and not RJ Harvey who could take over. Harvey is more of a passing-down ace than a full-time running back. The former Washington Huskies RB might be a breakout star if given the starting role.
WR Jalen Nailor, Las Vegas Raiders
Beyond Brock Bowers, there's a ton of uncertainty with the Raiders' wide receiver room. Enter Nailor, the former Minnesota Viking who signed a three-year deal this offseason in Vegas. If he drops to you late in drafts, he's worth a flier.
RB Mike Washington Jr., Las Vegas Raiders
He's looked EXPLOSIVE on the field, and while Ashton Jeanty is a second-year breakout candidate, this rookie could be a Jeanty injury away from being a serious fantasy factor.
QB Malik Willis, Miami Dolphins
He's going to run a ton. We know that. And we're all underrating the fact that he could throw a lot more than we think -- imagine the Fins playing from behind a lot. I see a fringe QB1 here.
WR Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers
He's looked good in camp and he's the clear No. 2 behind Tetairoa McMillan. Couple that with that explosive end to 2025 and I'm happy to draft him late.
RB Chris Rodriguez Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars
The Bhayshul Tuten hype may have gotten to be a little too much. Rodriguez Jr. could be a goal line darling and a FLEX who could have some explosive weeks. You can get him at a discount.
TE Juwan Johnson, New Orleans Saints
Remember how he showed some flashes last year and ended up catching 77 passes? Well, with Jordyn Tyson missing some time and a lack of notable WR names beyond Chris Olave, Johnson could end up breaking out.
RB Keaton Mitchell, Los Angeles Chargers
How sure are we that Omarion Hampton is going to get all the work in L.A.? Mike McDaniel offenses have been known to support multiple RBs. Mitchell could be an intriguing pick as the season looms.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 10 fantasy football sleepers with serious 2026 preseason buzz: Hello, MarShawn Lloyd
