Fantasy football draft season for the 2026 NFL campaign is reaching its peak as preseason action concludes and final roster cuts are made just weeks before the regular season kickoff. Managers are scouring cheat sheets, ADP data, and positional rankings to find the edges that win leagues. Amid the standard drafting debates over elite wide receivers and early-round running backs, fresh training camp buzz and bold declarations from coaching staffs are actively shifting draft boards.
Jeff Hafley Hints at a Heavy Workload for De’Von Achane
Miami Dolphins running back De’Von Achane saw his fantasy stock climb even higher following comments from new head coach Jeff Hafley. Speaking on an appearance on Monday’s episode of The Rich Eisen Show, Hafley made it clear that the offense intends to lean heavily on the running back as a primary workhorse throughout the upcoming season.
“I just gave Achane a heads-up this morning and I told him, ‘You better be in good shape,'” Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins Head Coach, via ESPN said.
Hafley continued by outlining the physical demands the coaching staff plans to place on the backfield.
“I told him there might be some games when I have to pick him up and carry him back to the locker room because he’s going to be so tired.” Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins Head Coach, via ESPN
Photo: SportsLine
Achane had a career-high 305 total touches in his third season in Miami in 2025, with 238 carries for 1,350 yards and eight touchdowns, and 67 receptions for 488 yards and four more scores. He eclipsed the 20-touch mark in eight games, but Hafley indicated that he could be in for an even bigger workload in 2026.
“I told him, ‘I don’t ever want to see one of these head taps all year,’ and he looked me right in the eye and he said, ‘You’ll never get that head tap from me,'” Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins Head Coach, via ESPN stated.
“I said, ‘Don’t worry buddy. After you touch the ball 40, 45 times, I might have to pick you up and carry you back into the locker room.'” Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins Head Coach, via ESPN
The Dolphins are a rebuilding team with a suspect passing attack led by journeyman quarterback Malik Willis. With Miami operating as a rebuilding squad, the team figures to establish the run early and often. That offensive approach bodes well for fantasy managers targeting Achane, who is already entering consideration as a top-tier selection.
Computer Model Projections and Sleepers for the 2026 Season
Advanced predictive tools are helping managers separate value picks from busts as drafts approach. Last year, the model at SportsLine accurately predicted that Dolphins running back De’Von Achane would comfortably outperform his ADP (RB12). The result: Achane produced 1,838 scrimmage yards — sixth most in the NFL — to go along with 12 touchdowns. SportsLine’s model slotted Achane as the RB6, and that’s precisely what he finished as, ranking sixth among running backs.
Hitting on a few 2026 Fantasy football sleepers is a must, no matter what type of league you’re in, and that means finding those diamonds in the rough that others bypass with Fantasy football picks. Drake Maye, Caleb Williams and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are examples of players who significantly outperformed their ADP expectations last year. Before finalizing your 2026 Fantasy football draft strategy, be sure to check out the 2026 Fantasy football rankings and cheat sheets from the proven computer model at SportsLine.
Training Camp Injuries and Wide Receiver Rankings Shuffles
Over the past couple of seasons, fantasy players have shifted their focus to the wide receiver position largely due to the growth and popularity of PPR scoring formats. Beyond the top wide receivers, running backs are once again the main focus in early rounds, even in point-per-reception leagues, with players like Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson and Christian McCaffrey who often catch passes.
De'Von Achane: RB1 or MASSIVE Fantasy Bust? | 2026 RB Rankings
Analysts recommend drafting positionally and using tiers, as this will give you a better team build and chance at winning. The overall rankings need more context. Don’t waste your bench in the later rounds, as there are some low-ceiling veterans in that mix; you want your bench comprised of players who can be potential weekly starters by shooting for the ceiling.
Photo: Cbssports
At the same time, training camp injuries have forced managers to adjust their draft boards heading into August. Updates on August 28 highlight several key pass-catchers: Jordyn Tyson’s hamstring injury is expected to keep him out roughly two months, potentially into October, making him essentially undraftable in a normal redraft ranking right now. Emeka Egbuka has continued to miss practice with his toe injury, and his Week 1 status is becoming less secure. Luther Burden III returned but is still limited to individual work after missing nearly three weeks with a groin injury. Malik Nabers also carries status monitoring in camp reports.
Malik Willis IMPACT on De’Von Achane Fantasy Value | 2026 Fantasy Football Advice
Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.
