We've got you covered with a lot of the stuff you need for fantasy football drafts: A list of late sleepers, a look at the funniest names for your team, and now? It's time to talk fantasy football draft strategy for 2026.
In the past few years, we've helped you with your toughest decisions: This is a breakdown of each of the first-round picks you might have in a snake draft as a guide to what you should do with them in the first three rounds. After that? Good luck! You’re on your own — the rules of your league may be different and your strategy may change.
So let's run through what to do from picks No. 1 to 12:
Who to draft with the first overall pick: RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
If you have the No. 1 overall pick, you've been debating this for a little while: Gibbs or Bijan Robinson? The answer: I lean Gibbs, who
will have the backfield mostly all to himself and operates in an incredible offense.
At picks No. 24 and 25 in a twelve-team league, I'll take a receiver (Nico Collins, A.J. Brown or Chris Olave) and then maybe a running back (Breece Hall if he's available? Javonte Williams?).
Who to draft with the second overall pick: RB Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
A no-brainer. Whoever goes at No. 1, take the other top running back.
At 23 and 26, it's the same deal: Go running back and wide receiver. If you're one of those folks who believes in taking a top tight end, I wouldn't argue with Brock Bowers here (if he's available).
Who to draft with the third overall pick: WR Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
A safe pick. We know that Chase is consistent and explosive, no matter who is at quarterback. Let's hope Joe Burrow stays healthy and keeps slinging the ball to this guy.
With picks 22 and 27, I go Omarion Hampton for my first running back, followed by either Javonte Williams or a receiver. You could reach for Travis Etienne here if you want to go RB-RB in Rounds 2 and 3.
Who to draft with the fourth overall pick: WR Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams
There might be some questions about a possible suspension, but if the Rams wideout plays a full season, he'll continue to be peppered with targets between the 20s and in the red zone.
At 21 and 28, I'm probably going running back if Chase Brown or Kenneth Walker III are there, and then RB (Williams?) or another wideout (George Pickens?)/
Who to draft with the fifth overall pick: WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks
There are some questions about the Seahawks' offense with a new coordinator at the helm in Brian Fleury. But JSN will be the centerpiece of the passing game that you don't have to worry about.
With my next two picks, I go running back and might take another RB after.
Who to draft with the sixth overall pick: WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions
The other running backs available here are risky picks, so I'll keep it safe with ARSB. You'll get double-digit touchdowns, triple-digit receptions and a whole bunch of yards. What else could you want there?
At 19 and 30, I'll go Walker or Brown at running back and maybe Pickens or Etienne.
Who to draft with the seventh overall pick: RB Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
It's hard to ignore CMC's injury history, but it's also hard to ignore what he did last year. You kind of have to take him here and hope for health.
At 18 and 31: You have your pick of running backs, whoever is available, which gives you some certainty at the position. Then I go wideout for sure given how deep the position is.
Who to draft with the eighth overall pick: RB Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
He had 323 carries last year to go along with 18 touchdowns and 1,585 yards. But after that workload, will he repeat it? At the very least, you know he'll get volume and that's worth the pick here.
At 17 and 32, I'll take one of those other running backs (Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, Ashton Jeanty) and then a receiver in Pickens, Zay Flowers or Tetairoa McMillan.
Who to draft with the ninth overall pick: WR CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys
I don't have too many concerns about Pickens eating into his workload. There's room for Lamb to be the usual reliable source of yards and receptions.
At 16, I'll go running back. And at 33, I'm thinking Etienne as a solid RB2.
Who to draft with the tenth overall pick: RB James Cook, Buffalo Bills
This is where the options may vary depending on your level of risk. Me? I'm taking Cook to continue to run the ball in a mostly-unchanged Bills offense. Dude scored 12 times on the ground last year despite the presence of Josh Allen and ran for 1,621 yards. I think he's the safer pick here than the other two I'll discuss.
At 15 and 34, let's do Barkley and DeVonta Smith for an explosive Eagles duo.
Who to draft with the eleventh overall pick: WR Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
Last year wasn't great. This year brings Kyler Murray questions. But we know the talent is there, and that's enough for me to take him here.
At 14 and 35, I'll take Barkley and McMillan. If your're a Kyren Williams believer, you can go that route too.
Who to draft with the twelfth overall pick: RB De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins
Another one with question marks about the offense, but all the talent and athleticism in the world. He might still give you a big season even if it's not his 2025 numbers.
At 13, I go Drake London and hope his QB situation isn't a problem. At 36, I'll go Smith, McMillan or Williams.
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This article originally appeared on For The Win: Fantasy football draft strategy 2026: How to approach each first-round pick
