The 2026 NFL regular season is still several months away. However, the offseason is underway, and it will only intensify from here, starting with the NFL Combine. Therefore, let’s look at six players whose fantasy football value is trending up or down as we head into the core of the offseason.
Fantasy Football Players Trending Up & Down
Trending Up
Jayden Daniels (QB – WAS)
Unfortunately, Daniels struggled with injuries in 2025 after an outstanding rookie season. However, the former LSU star was still a fantasy star when healthy, averaging 1.8 passing touchdowns and 19.6 fantasy points per game in the four contests where he played at least 88% of the snaps. Meanwhile, the Commanders should be aggressive this offseason, as the team has an excellent salary cap situation. Reportedly, Washington wants to upgrade the No. 2 wide receiver spot. Don’t be surprised if Daniels gets two new impact weapons before the NFL Draft.
David Njoku (TE – CLE)
Many had high expectations for Njoku last season. Unfortunately, the veteran fell short of goals, as Harold Fannin Jr. emerged as the Browns’ top tight end, especially late in the year. However, he did average 10.3 PPR fantasy points per game in the six contests with five or more targets. More importantly, Njoku announced earlier this month that he won’t return to Cleveland and hit the open market. The veteran should be one of the top tight ends on the market and land a meaningful role in free agency.
Kyle Pitts (TE – ATL)
While many believe Pitts will hit the open market next month, there is an easy pathway for Atlanta to keep him. The Falcons can release Darnell Mooney with a Post-June 1 designation, opening up nearly enough cap space to franchise tag Pitts. Therefore, don’t be surprised if he remains in Atlanta. Staying with the Falcons would be the best thing for Pitts’ fantasy value. Kevin Stefanski’s offense has always favored the tight end position. Furthermore, Pitts had an outstanding end to the 2025 season and might have hit his ceiling.
Trending Down
Javonte Williams (RB – DAL)
Williams had a career year with the Cowboys, ending the 2025 season as the RB12, averaging 75.1 rushing yards and 15.2 PPR fantasy points per game. Furthermore, he set career highs in yards per attempt (4.8) and offensive touchdowns (14). However, his odds of returning to Dallas have dropped. Reportedly, the Cowboys will place the franchise tag on George Pickens. Unfortunately, the team’s salary cap situation is one of the worst in the NFL. Therefore, Williams likely will leave in free agency, landing a bigger contract than Dallas can afford.
Rashee Rice (WR – KC)
Last season, Rice was the WR5 on a points-per-game basis, averaging 18.8 PPR fantasy points per outing, a higher average than several bigger-name wide receivers. However, fantasy players have to question his outlook for 2026. The superstar has ended back-to-back years on season-ending injured reserve. Furthermore, Patrick Mahomes‘ status for Week 1 is up in the air after suffering a torn ACL in Week 15. More importantly, Rice is facing domestic violence accusations and a lawsuit. Could he get suspended for the second consecutive year? Don’t rule it out.
Stefon Diggs (WR – NE)
Reportedly, the Patriots will be aggressive in upgrading their wide receiver corps this offseason. Unfortunately, that’s bad news for Diggs, as not only will the veteran have more target competition, but he will also likely be asked to take a pay cut. Diggs will likely be released if he doesn’t take a pay cut, as New England saves at least $16.8 million in salary cap space. Furthermore, the veteran struggled to end the year. He had under 45 receiving yards in eight of his final 10 games, including the playoffs.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
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