Christian McCaffrey and Trevor Lawrence: Fantasy Players to Watch Out for in 2026

NFL Preseason: Opportunities and Warnings

The NFL preseason is in full swing, and fantasy football managers are entering the critical phase of preparing for the upcoming draft frenzy. In the coming weeks, they'll closely monitor training reports, analyze roster situations, and search for players who can surprise with high production and give their teams a competitive edge. However, alongside the hunt for rising stars and potential sleepers, it's equally important to avoid risky picks—players expected to perform well but who might underdeliver and significantly hurt fantasy teams.

Christian McCaffrey: Is He Worth a Draft Spot?

Christian McCaffrey, one of the NFL’s most well-known and popular running backs in recent years, faces major questions heading into the upcoming fantasy season. McCaffrey is widely regarded as a highly talented player who brings tremendous value in PPR (points per reception) formats thanks to his dual-threat ability as a runner and receiver. However, his numerous injuries over the past seasons are a serious concern. Recurring injuries could limit his availability for a significant number of games, directly impacting his fantasy point production.

Moreover, there’s a growing sense that McCaffrey is struggling to recapture the elite form he once showed, creating uncertainty about his future contribution. In an era where NFL injury rates continue to climb, fantasy managers must weigh the risks of an early draft pick on a player with a fragile health history. Despite his talents, betting on McCaffrey early in drafts could prove costly.

Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars: Will He Keep Rising?

Trevor Lawrence, the young quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars, had a promising rookie season under coach Doug Pederson. He set career highs with 29 touchdowns and over 4,000 passing yards, showing steady and healthy play. Still, there are significant concerns heading into the new season.

First, opposing teams will be better prepared for the Jaguars’ offense, which could make it tougher for Lawrence to continue his upward trajectory. Second, the loss of Travis Etienne, the lead running back who contributed over 1,300 yards and 13 touchdowns last season, leaves a big hole in the offense. While there’s confidence in young running back Breece Hall’s ability, it’s uncertain whether he can fully fill that gap.

Additionally, Lawrence’s history of turnovers—58 interceptions over five seasons—is a critical factor that can heavily impact his fantasy value. Consistency and minimizing costly mistakes are key in fantasy football, making this a major red flag.

Summary and Recommendations for Fantasy Managers

In fantasy football, finding players who can deliver unexpected value is essential, but just as important is avoiding unnecessary risks on players with significant downsides. Christian McCaffrey and Trevor Lawrence are prime examples of high-potential players who also carry notable risks—whether due to injuries, changes in role, or declining performance.

Fantasy managers should carefully balance risk versus reward and prioritize players who offer stability throughout the season. Sometimes, passing on big names in favor of lesser-known players with a higher chance of consistent success is the smarter strategy.

In conclusion, the 2026 NFL fantasy season promises to be competitive and challenging. Smart draft choices made early, combined with thorough analysis and risk awareness, will be key for fantasy managers aiming to build winning teams and enjoy a successful season.