Jaylen Waddle Among Potential 2026 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Busts

Wide receivers have become the most important position in fantasy football, so you have to avoid potential busts at all costs, as they can be detrimental to your chances of taking home a fantasy football championship. Just ask any manager who drafted Justin Jefferson or Ladd McConkey a season ago, as it was tough to make up for their poor level of production.

Michael Fabiano: Emeka Egbuka, Luther Burden III Among 2026 Fantasy Football Breakout Wide Receivers

Looking ahead to 2026, I’ve projected eight different wideouts, each with a level of risk; either I’m projecting the player to fail to meet expectations based on his ADP, or he is coming off a huge statistical season that he won’t duplicate. So, let’s call these receivers you should beware of in drafts, or who could fail to meet expectations based on a previous high level of fantasy success.

All Positions: QBs | RBs | TEs

WIDE RECEIVER BUSTS

Davante Adams, Rams

Adams led all wide receivers in touchdown catches (14) last season, averaging a solid 16.8 points per game. However, he did miss a few games with a hamstring injury, and the Rams were actively looking to either trade him or upgrade at the position during the offseason (they were interested in A.J. Brown). That’s concerning, as is the fact that Adams is heading into his age-33 season. Everything went right with the Rams passing attack last year, too, and that’s unlikely to be the scenario again.

Jaylen Waddle, Broncos

The Broncos gave up multiple draft picks, including a 2026 first-rounder (that was traded to the Jets), in exchange for Waddle. While that’s a win for the offense and Bo Nix, it’s a bit less of a positive move for Waddle’s fantasy value. That’s due in large part to a potential target share decline from the 25.6% he saw in 2025 games without Tyreek Hill. The Broncos wide receiver room is loaded, including Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant, so Waddle’s role might not be as consistent.

Jameson Williams, Lions

If you’re into volatility, Williams is the wide receiver for you. In 2025, he was nearly impossible to trust, scoring single digits (including two zeroes) seven times. He also posted a few huge games, finishing with 16-plus points eight times. Overall, his 12.9 point-per-game average wasn’t much better than Quentin Johnston (12.2 PPG), yet the differences in their early ADP data (54 spots) is astounding. While talented, Williams’s lack of consistency and rock-bottom floor makes him tough to trust.

Mike Evans, 49ers

Evans has been one of the best wide receivers in fantasy football over the past decade, but even the greats see their statistical success come to an end. And, at age 33, that time has come for Evans. He’s coming off an injury plagued 2025 season that saw him miss nine games, and his 10.6 points-per-game average was a career worst. Older receivers who change teams late in their careers are rarely as productive with their new squads, so it’s hard to see a scenario where Evans improves.

Alec Pierce, Colts

Pierce signed a massive deal with the Colts, making him the top option in the passing game for Daniel Jones. While that should be seen as a positive for fantasy managers, his injured ankle has become a real issue. He's on the PUP list while he recovers from offseason surgery, and reports suggest he needed a second PRP injection in the ankle. This might not be a setback, but it brings up questions about when Pierce will actually be healthy enough to play. I've moved him down in my rankings.

DK Metcalf, Steelers

Metcalf was a disappointment last season, ranking as the WR23 despite being the primary passing-game option for Aaron Rodgers. The offense will have a much different look in 2026 with new coach Mike McCarthy, but the additions of Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie Germie Bernard could shrink Metcalf’s target share. At this point, he is no more than a flex starter who will remain inconsistent.

Michael Wilson, Cardinals

Wilson busted out last season, finishing as the WR10. So, why would he be considered a player to beware of? Well, his splits in games with and without Marvin Harrison Jr. are disturbing. In 10 games where Harrison played at least 20 snaps, Wilson averaged 6.2 points. In the seven games Harrison played fewer than 20 snaps or was out, Wilson’s average swelled to 22.6 points. The eight-game stretch where he averaged 21.2 points is also unsustainable, so Wilson will definitely regress.

Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars

The fantasy community is a year late on this prediction, but I also don’t see Thomas being a major bounce-back candidate. Let’s be honest: Most of his fantasy success came in a different offense and with Mac Jones, not Trevor Lawrence, under center. In eight career games played with Jones, BTJ averaged 19.3 points. In 23 games with Lawrence, that average falls to 12.2 points (including 14 games last year, when he averaged 9.9 points). I'd rather have Parker Washington this season.

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