2026 First Fantasy Football Thoughts: AFC/NFC West

by Michael Nazarek - 7/26/2026

As we march towards the release of Version II of our Pre-Season Draft Guide later this week, I look to the teams out west to finish my sweep…

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos: The Broncos made the playoffs last year, but failed to make the big game. Third-year QB Bo Nix was a low-end QB1 for fantasy last year, and that won't change in 2026. Yes, he has WR Jaylen Waddle as a new target, but the team often runs near the goal, limiting Nix in terms of big games. He only topped 28 fantasy points three times last year. QB Jarrett Stidham and QB Sam Ehlinger will battle to backup Nix. In the running game, RB J.K. Dobbins was re-signed and will once again share time with second-year RB R.J. Harvey in the backfield. That makes neither player anything more than a decent RB3 for fantasy. Rookie RB Jonah Coleman will be the new RB3, but he could steal come scores at the goal this season. In the passing game, WR Courtland Sutton returns, but the addition of WR Jaylen Waddle makes it uncertain who the top target will be in 2026. As a result, I have them ranked very closely together, both as solid WR3s with upside. WR Troy Franklin should be the WR3, but will be hit/miss for fantasy this season. WR Pat Bryant, WR Marvin Mims, and WR Lil'Jordan Humphrey will provide depth. At tight end, TE Adam Trautman returns, and will share the duties again with TE Evan Engram, making neither good candidates for fantasy. Engram is my deep creeper at TE due to his overall lack of playing time and low target share. Veteran PK Will Lutz returns as the kicker, and is a middle of the pack kicker for fantasy in 2026.

 

Kansas City Chiefs: The rest of this article can be found in our Pre-Season Draft Guide. If you'd like to read it, please click HERE to order our annual premium product!

back to top of page