Fantasy football is about the players you don't take as much as the players who do land on your roster. Strategically avoiding the inevitable busts each season is a reliable way to win a spot in championship week, but it's easier said than done.
Injuries, scheme or coaching changes and roster turnover can make a player who excelled one season an afterthought the next. That's why identifying fantasy-friendly teams can be a valuable exercise in the draft process.
Good teams typically have less year-over-year change, and even while a coordinator may leave for a head coaching job, organizational stability built through winning should keep things running as normal -- usually with an established quarterback in place.
Bad teams, on the other hand, are
defined by chaos, usually with a new coach, quarterback -- or both -- trying to figure it out on the fly. Here are five teams that fit the bill, meaning you should avoid targeting their players in 2026 fantasy drafts.
Atlanta Falcons
Bijan Robinson is widely considered a top-five pick in fantasy drafts with Drake London not far behind as a fringe first-rounder. Both should be avoided at cost, as the Falcons' quarterback situation is possibly the NFL's worst with a clearly past-his-prime Tua Tagovailoa battling the oft-injured Michael Penix Jr. This offense will make you pull your hair out.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are starting Deshaun Watson after two Achilles tears, have their worst offensive line in years and play in largely awful weather for the second half of the season. Those factors are enough to fade an otherwise promising skill group consisting of tight end Harold Fannin Jr., running back Quinshon Judkins, and wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston. Check back in on the Browns when they have an exciting young quarterback next year.
Tennessee Titans
Reports out of training camp suggest Cam Ward isn't taking the second-year leap many were expecting, plus top-five pick Carnell Tate has been invisible in the preseason. With a below-average offensive line and a new coaching staff in place around them, this is an offense worth monitoring for 2027 but fading this year.
Arizona Cardinals
First-year coach Mike LaFleur stupefyingly gave first-round pick Jeremiyah Love 14 carries in his preseason debut, and now the star running back is battling a high ankle sprain with the season approaching. Oh, and garbage time king Jacoby Brissett, a bottom-five starting QB, held the team hostage over contract negotiations and missed much of the offseason program. This team is a complete mess that has a better chance of getting the No. 1 pick than helping you in fantasy.
Washington Commanders
The vibes surrounding Jayden Daniels have been horrendous ever since the No. 5 controversy emerged at LSU. Add in left tackle Laremy Tunsil's season-ending injury, an aging receiver group and possibly the NFL's least talented running back room, and there's not many reasons for optimism for this unit. An injury to Daniels, who was limited to seven games last year, could make every Commanders fantasy option unplayable.
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This article originally appeared on For The Win: 5 offenses to avoid in 2026 fantasy football drafts, including Falcons
