Matthew Berry Drops Bombshell 2026 Fantasy Football Rankings: Mahomes Sinks, Rookies Rise!

Matthew Berry has done it again. The fantasy football oracle dropped his Way Too Early Positional Rankings for 2026 on June 2, and the internet is already buzzing. The rankings, which Berry explicitly notes are for 1QB, full PPR re-draft leagues, read like a blockbuster script — full of surprise demotions, rookie star turns, and the unmistakable scent of dynasty drama.

Berry's opening caveats are clear: assume top talents like Patrick Mahomes, Cam Skattebo, and Tucker Kraft are healthy, but Malik Nabers gets a downgrade due to early-season availability concerns. Yet even with those disclaimers, the sheer churn in the ranks is staggering.

A New Era at Quarterback

Perhaps the most jaw-dropping shift: Patrick Mahomes — the man who has been the consensus QB1 for half a decade — plummets to #12 on Berry's board. In a league where a healthy Mahomes usually commands top-five status, Berry now vaults Drake Maye of the Patriots to #3, behind only Josh Allen (BUF) and Lamar Jackson (BAL).

The reasoning? Berry is bullish on Maye's dual-threat upside in a revamped New England offense. Meanwhile, C.J. Stroud (HOU) tumbles all the way to #23, and Aaron Rodgers (PIT) languishes at #28. The message is stark: youth and mobility rule the day.

Berry's top five: Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, Jalen Hurts. It’s a quarterback crop that screams “mobile kings” — pocket passers like Dak Prescott (#10) and Justin Herbert (#13) are fading fast.

• Rookie soarers: Jaxson Dart (NYG) at #9, Tyler Shough (NO) at #17, Cam Ward (TEN) at #24.
• Veteran warning: Patrick Mahomes, Brock Purdy, Matthew Stafford all live outside the top 10.

Running Back Shake-Up: The Jeanty Era Begins

At running back, the throne remains occupied by Bijan Robinson (ATL), with Jahmyr Gibbs (DET) hot on his heels. But the real story is the seismic arrival of rookie Ashton Jeanty, who rockets to #6 after landing with the Las Vegas Raiders. Jeanty’s college hype has translated into elite draft capital, and Berry is all in.

Another first-year back, Omarion Hampton (LAC), lands at #11. Meanwhile, veteran stalwarts see slippage: Derrick Henry (BAL) at #12, Breece Hall (NYJ) at #14, and Josh Jacobs (GB) at #18. The Jeremiyah Love (ARI) and Cam Skattebo (NYG) stories add spice — Skattebo’s ranking (#19) comes with a health asterisk.

Berry’s RB list runs deep with 50 names, including sleepers like Jadarian Price (SEA) at #27 and Bhayshul Tuten (JAX) at #26. Even Isiah Pacheco (DET) at #46 shows how far some fallen stars have fallen.

Wide Receiver Dominance: JSN Ascends

The wide receiver rankings are a firestorm. Ja’Marr Chase (CIN) holds the top spot, but Puka Nacua (LAR) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) round out a new-look top three. JSN at #3? In 2025, he was a borderline WR2. Now Berry projects him as a top-three dynasty asset.

The headliner: Malik Nabers (NYG) slides to #18 due to injury clouds, while rookie Tetairoa McMillan (CAR) cracks the top 20 at #19. Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI) continues his puzzling descent to #33 — a far cry from his pre-draft hype.

Berry also highlights a deep rookie class: Luther Burden III (CHI) at #25, Carnell Tate (TEN) at #28, Jordyn Tyson (NO) at #32. Veterans like Davante Adams (LAR) at #20 and Mike Evans (SF) at #24 show they still have gas, but the youth movement is undeniable.

• Bounce-back candidates: DeVonta Smith (#13), Rashee Rice (#12), George Pickens (#11).
• Free agent limbo: Stefon Diggs (FA) at #56, Deebo Samuel (FA) at #63.

Tight End Revolution: Loveland & Warren Lead the Charge

The tight end position is undergoing a renaissance. Trey McBride (ARI) remains king at #1, but rookie Colston Loveland (CHI) at #3 signals a changing of the guard. Tyler Warren (IND) and Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE) — both rookies — nuzzle into the top five.

Meanwhile, Travis Kelce (KC) clings to #9, and George Kittle (SF) sits at #13. Berry seems to be betting the house on the next generation. Kyle Pitts (ATL) at #8 finally looks like a buy-low after years of underperformance.

The real shocker? Brock Bowers (LV) at #2 — that’s expected. But Isaiah Likely (NYG) at #15 and Kenyon Sadiq (NYJ) at #16 show Berry is chasing athleticism over pedigree.

Berry closes by inviting feedback on social media at @MatthewBerryTMR across all platforms, noting the Bleacher Nation Fantasy App where he goes by @MatthewBerry. The rankings are a living document — but for now, they’ve already reshaped the 2026 fantasy landscape.

With three months until the season, these way-too-early rankings are a time capsule. Will Mahomes bounce back? Can Drake Maye survive the hype? And how high can Ashton Jeanty fly? Berry has thrown down the gauntlet. The fantasy world is watching.

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