Matthew Berry Drops Bombshell 2026 Fantasy Rankings: Shocking Risers, Fallers, and the Rookies Ready to Dominate!

The Oracle of Fantasy Football Speaks Early

The fantasy football world is buzzing once again. Matthew Berry, the legendary voice of the game who has shaped how millions draft their teams, has released his Updated and Expanded Way-Too-Early Positional Rankings for the 2026 season. And let’s be real—this isn’t just a list. It’s a statement.

From his signature mix of bold predictions and statistical wizardry, Berry throws down the gauntlet with rankings that will have fans arguing on social media for months. But before you sharpen your pitchforks, remember: these are for 1 QB, full PPR re-draft leagues, and Berry himself warns that recovery timelines for stars like Patrick Mahomes, Cam Skattebo, Malik Nabers, and Tucker Kraft could shift everything. Oh, and he’s assuming they’re all healthy by Week 1. Controversial? Always.

Quarterback Chaos: Drake Maye at #3?

Berry’s QB rankings are where the drama really starts. Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson hold their throne at #1 and #2, but then he throws a curveball that will leave NFL analysts speechless.

• Drake Maye (NE) at #3 – That’s right, the second-year quarterback from New England leapfrogs Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, and even the reigning Heisman winner Jayden Daniels. Is Berry betting on Maye’s raw arm talent overcoming the Patriots' shaky offensive line? Or is this a hot take designed to get clicks? Knowing Berry, it’s both.
• Jaxson Dart (NYG) at #9 – Another rookie sensation? Dart has rocketed up the board based on college hype and a weak Giants quarterback room. Berry is all-in on the unknown.
• Patrick Mahomes at #12 – The greatest quarterback of his generation, ranked below Brock Purdy and Trevor Lawrence? Mahomes’ down year last season (by his standards) and lingering injury concerns clearly spooked Berry. But Mahomes owners will see this as rank disrespect.

What’s the Story Behind the Fallers?

Burrow only at #6? Murray falling to #13? And C.J. Stroud all the way down at #24? Berry is essentially telling us that the 2026 quarterback landscape is wide open. He’s banking on young legs and fresh arms over veteran consistency. Fantasy fans are already lighting up X with takes like “Berry lost his mind” and “This is the year I finally trust him.”

Running Back Roulette: Injuries and Rookies Dominate

The RB rankings are a rollercoaster of emotion. Bijan Robinson takes the top spot, but the real stories lie deeper.

• Ashton Jeanty (LV) at #6 – The rookie running back from Boise State is already being anointed as a top-6 pick. Berry sees the same game-breaking ability that made Bijan a superstar. Raider Nation, get ready.
• Cam Skattebo (NYG) at #19 – Another Giant rookie? Skattebo is coming off a significant injury, but Berry famously ignores past ailments if the talent is electric. This is a high-risk, high-reward pick that could win you a league—or destroy your season.
• Derrick Henry (BAL) at #13 – The King is still a top-15 back at age 32? Berry respects the longevity but warns that Henry’s workload could finally catch up. Meanwhile, Christian McCaffrey slides to #3 due to injury concerns, a far cry from his unanimous #1 status just two years ago.

Sleepers and Deep Stashes

Berry also highlights names like Bhayshul Tuten (JAX) and Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WSH) —players who might be undrafted in shallow leagues but could become league-winners. He loves the “next man up” narrative, especially for teams with uncertain backfields.

Wide Receiver: The Old Guard Gets Shoved Aside

In the WR ranks, Berry delivers perhaps his most controversial take yet: Puka Nacua at #1. Not Ja’Marr Chase. Not Justin Jefferson. Nacua’s meteoric rise continues, and Berry is fully convinced the third-year phenom will outproduce everyone.

• Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA) at #3 – After a breakout 2025 season, JSN is now a top-3 WR in Berry’s eyes. The Seahawks passing attack seems primed for dominance.
• Rashee Rice (KC) at #8 – Despite off-field drama that threatened his career, Rice is still ranked this high. Berry is betting on second chances and Andy Reid’s magic.
• Malik Nabers (NYG) at #9 – Yet another Giant rookie! Nabers is being drafted as a low-end WR1 despite quarterback uncertainty. Berry sees him as the next Odell Beckham Jr.
• Tyreek Hill: Unranked? Actually he’s at #70 and listed as FA. That’s right, the Cheetah is off the board entirely for 2026. Berry believes Hill’s best days are behind him, and the market agrees.

The Rookie Invasion

Players like Tetairoa McMillan (CAR) at #17 and Emeka Egbuka (TB) at #22 show that Berry is all-in on the 2026 rookie class. He even has Carnell Tate (TEN) making noise at #25. If you want to win your league, you better start studying these college stars now.

Tight End: A New Generation Takes Over

At tight end, Berry is ready to move on from the old legends. Trey McBride and Brock Bowers sit at #1 and #2, but the names behind them are pure chaos.

• Colston Loveland (CHI) at #3 – The rookie out of Michigan is already a top-3 fantasy TE? Berry loves his athletic profile and immediate opportunity in Chicago’s offense.
• Tucker Kraft (GB) at #6 – Despite a major injury this past season, Kraft is still ranked above proven veterans like George Kittle (now #11) and Travis Kelce (#9). Berry is betting on a full recovery and a breakout in 2026.
• Sam LaPorta at #8 – Last year’s top TE is now barely inside the top 10. The regression is real, and Berry isn’t afraid to admit it.

Even Kyle Pitts at #7 shows that Berry hasn’t given up on the former top-4 pick, despite years of inconsistency. “Pitts is still a unicorn,” Berry might say. “But unicorns need quarterbacks.”

The Drama, The Debate, The Dynasty

Berry’s rankings are more than just a list—they’re a conversation starter. On his social media, he’ll be fielding complaints, praise, and outright laughter. But that’s the point. Fantasy football is about taking risks, and Berry is daring you to be bold.

If you’re in a league with conservative drafters, these rankings are your cheat code. If you’re a casual fan, they’re entertainment. Either way, Matthew Berry has once again given us the most talked-about article of the offseason.

Will Drake Maye actually be a top-3 QB? Will Puka Nacua outshine Jefferson? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the 2026 fantasy season just got a whole lot more interesting.

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