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League: NFLSport: FootballCountry: United StatesCategory: Draft

Fantasy football busts identified by simulation model ahead of 2026 season

74 sources • 5 min read • Latest: Sep 9, 2026, 8:25 PM

Last updated Sep 9, 2026

Fantasy football busts identified by simulation model ahead of 2026 season
Summary

As Fantasy football enthusiasts prepare for drafts ahead of the 2026 NFL season, SportsLine has simulated the upcoming season 10,000 times to highlight potential busts. Players like New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers and Bills running back James Cook have been identified as risks due to their anticipated underperformance compared to average draft positions. Despite a strong 2025 season, Cook's issues with fumbles and competition for touchdowns from quarterback Josh Allen weigh against his value. The draft begins on September 9, leading many to review rankings and strategies, including identifying players to avoid.

Source Links
CBS Sports
Key Details
  • •SportsLine's model shows Malik Nabers ranked outside top-15 receivers.
  • •James Cook's average draft position is considered too high at No. 9.
  • •Model accurately predicted Terry McLaurin's disappointing 2025 season.
  • •Fantasy drafts commence on September 9, 2026.
Latest Updates
  • 8:25 PMCBS Sports — Fantasy football rankings 2026: Busts to avoid from model that predicted Terry McLaurin's down year
  • 2:48 PMCBS Sports — Fantasy football rankings 2026: Sleepers and best picks from model that called De'Von Achane's huge season
  • 1:35 PMCBS Sports — Fantasy football rankings 2026: Sleepers, busts, breakouts by computer that projected Daniel Jones' huge year
  • 12:40 AMCBS Sports — Fantasy football rankings 2026: Sleepers and best picks by model that called De'Von Achane's huge season
  • 8:27 PMCBS Sports — Fantasy football rankings 2026: Busts, riskiest picks by model that predicted Terry McLaurin's tough year
  • 3:35 PMCBS Sports — Fantasy football rankings 2026: Sleepers and top picks by model that called De'Von Achane's huge season
  • 10:31 PMCBS Sports — Fantasy football rankings 2026: Busts, riskiest picks by model that was all over Terry McLaurin's tough year
  • 7:05 PMCBS Sports — Fantasy football rankings 2026: Sleepers, busts, breakouts from model that called Daniel Jones' huge year
What they're saying
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SportsLine simulated the new NFL season 10,000 times and identified Fantasy football busts 2026 and the riskiest Fantasy picks to fade during your Fantasy football draft prep

"

SportsLine simulated the new NFL season 10,000 times and identified Fantasy football busts 2026 and the riskiest Fantasy picks to fade during your Fantasy football draft prep

"

SportsLine simulated the new NFL season 10,000 times and identified Fantasy football busts 2026 and the riskiest Fantasy picks to fade during your Fantasy football draft prep

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NFLFootball

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