Way Too Early 2026 QB Rankings for PPR Fantasy Football | The Flex Spot

Way too early 2026 QB rankings for PPR fantasy football with a dynasty lean. Breaking down Josh Allen, Drake Maye, Trevor Lawrence and the top QBs.

Way Too Early 2026 QB Rankings for PPR (Fantasy Football)

By The Flex Spot

These are my way too early 2026 QB rankings for PPR with a dynasty lean. I'll update this throughout the offseason as free agency and the draft reshape situations, so dynasty players should keep checking back as you consider trades before rookie drafts.

1) Josh Allen

Josh Allen stands as the clear No. 1 quarterback in way-too-early 2026 PPR fantasy rankings. In 2025, the Buffalo Bills star delivered an elite dual-threat season, topping the fantasy leaderboard with 364.62 points (21.4 per game). He completed 319 of 460 passes for 3,668 yards and 25 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, while rushing for 579 yards and 14 scores on 112 carries. His blend of efficient passing and explosive legs made him the undisputed QB1.

Allen led Buffalo to an 11-5 record and the No. 6 AFC seed. The Bills won a thrilling 27-24 wild-card road victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, with Allen's late-game heroics (including a game-winning touchdown run) proving clutch. They now face the top-seeded Denver Broncos in the divisional round, keeping their Super Bowl push alive into January 2026. Allen played through late-season foot discomfort without missing time.

His 2025 numbers stand out even more given the thin receiving corps. Injuries and inconsistencies plagued the group, with key contributors like Joshua Palmer sidelined and the unit lacking a true alpha. Second-year wideout Keon Coleman flashed potential early but faced repeated disciplinary issues, including tardiness to team meetings, leading to multiple benchings (including healthy scratches and reduced roles for attitude and maturity concerns). This forced Allen to lean heavily on arm strength, improvisation, and rushing to create plays, with tight end Dalton Kincaid offering the main reliability.

At 29 (turning 30 in May), Allen remains in his prime with no signs of decline. The Bills should prioritize upgrades at wide receiver via free agency or the draft, pairing him with Khalil Shakir and others for a more dynamic attack. That boost in weapons could unlock higher passing volume and efficiency, while his rushing floor stays elite in Sean McDermott's scheme.

Barring injury, Allen is the safest, highest-upside QB1 for 2026. His elite talent, mobility, and proven big-game production set him up to build on 2025 and deliver an even stronger year.

2) Drake Maye

Drake Maye comes in at No. 2 on my way-too-early 2026 PPR fantasy QB rankings after a huge second-year jump that showed he's one of the top young dual-threat quarterbacks in football. In 2024 as a rookie, he threw for 2,276 yards with 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions on a struggling Patriots squad. In 2025 with Mike Vrabel as the new head coach, Maye broke out big: 4,394 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, only 8 picks, second in fantasy points at 351.96 (20.7 per game), plus Pro Bowl and Second-Team All-Pro honors.

Vrabel turned things around fast. The Patriots went from two straight 4-13 seasons to 14-3, won the AFC East, and beat the Chargers in the wild-card round with Maye stepping up in big spots. The defense got nasty, the locker room bought in, and Maye helped carry the team toward a real playoff run.

The receiving group was honestly pretty average at best coming into the year. Mostly young guys still developing and not a ton of proven stars. Maye still made it look good with sharp accuracy, solid scrambling, and the ability to hit big plays. He spread the ball around and squeezed a lot out of a limited group.

At 23 years old, he's the real deal with plenty left to improve. I think the Patriots will go after wide receivers hard this offseason, either in free agency or the draft. Third-round rookie Kyle Williams (2025 class) had some crazy moments with long touchdown catches (like 72 and 33 yards), but his targets were inconsistent as a first-year player. Year 2 should bring a nice jump once he and Maye sync up more.

If they add some talent around him and he keeps getting better, Maye should top his 2025 numbers and become a yearly top fantasy QB. The rivalry with Josh Allen is just starting to heat up. Those 2025 games were exciting with both guys playing at a high level, and it's going to give us some fun AFC East matchups moving forward. As long as he stays healthy, Maye is a lock for QB1 production in 2026.

3) Trevor Lawrence

Trevor Lawrence comes in at No. 3 on my way-too-early 2026 PPR fantasy QB rankings. I admit I was skeptical heading into last year. I figured he might settle in as a solid but not elite fantasy QB, maybe middle of the pack after some up-and-down seasons. Instead he took a real step forward in 2025 and had some of the biggest fantasy performances of the year for any quarterback.

In Liam Coen's first season as head coach, Lawrence bounced back strong. He cleared 4,000 passing yards for the third time in recent years, threw 29 touchdowns, added nine rushing scores for a career-high 38 total TDs, and posted monster games especially in the second half of the season. The Jaguars flipped from a 4-13 disaster in 2024 to 13-4 in 2025, won the AFC South, and hosted a playoff game (a heartbreaking 27-24 wild-card loss to the Bills where they nearly pulled off the upset). Coen's offense took time to click early, but once Lawrence bought in and started letting it fly, the unit became explosive with low turnovers and huge fantasy weeks late in the year.

The weapons played a big role. They traded for Jakobi Meyers from the Raiders midseason, and he clicked immediately as a dependable veteran target. Parker Washington stepped up big as the season went on—he finished the regular season with 58 catches for 847 yards and 5 touchdowns, then had a monster playoff game against the Bills with 7 receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown (pushing his total season production over 950 yards when including the postseason). Brian Thomas Jr. is still there (trade rumors floated around at the deadline, but he stayed put and remains a deep-threat option). Travis Hunter, the second-overall pick and two-way phenom, showed real promise as a receiver early before a season-ending knee injury (LCL tear) in October. He'll be back healthy in 2026 after rehab.

Coen did great things with Baker Mayfield and the Bucs offense in his previous role, so year two in Jacksonville should bring even more polish. No matter what happens with potential tweaks or trades, the Jags already have one of the stronger WR rooms in football when healthy, and adding depth this offseason could make it elite. Lawrence finally looked like the No. 1 overall pick again with his arm talent, growing mobility, and comfort in a system built for him.

If he stays healthy and the pieces hold together, I see him building on 2025 with more consistent huge games. He's a strong QB1 option for 2026 with room to climb even higher.

4) Joe Burrow

Joe Burrow holds down the No. 4 spot in my way-too-early 2026 PPR fantasy QB rankings, despite an injury-plagued 2025 that saw him sidelined for about two months after a turf toe issue in Week 2 against the Jaguars. He suffered a metatarsophalangeal joint sprain with significant ligament damage on his left toe, which required surgery and landed him on injured reserve from September 16 to November 26. Burrow returned strong for the Thanksgiving game against the Ravens, leading Cincinnati to a 32-14 win with two touchdown passes, and followed up in Week 16 with 25 of 32 completions for 309 yards and four touchdowns in a 45-21 blowout over the Dolphins, earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. That late-season form showed he's still got it when healthy.

What keeps him ranked this high is his proven track record from 2021 through 2024, where he was a consistent top-five fantasy quarterback in full seasons. He topped the league in passing yards multiple times (including back-to-back 4,500-plus yard campaigns), racked up 35 or more touchdowns in three of those years, maintained high completion percentages with low picks, and piled up huge fantasy points through volume and efficiency. His quick processing, elite accuracy, and poise in the pocket make him a PPR stud, even through past line woes or team challenges.

The Bengals' receiving corps stays loaded heading into 2026. Ja'Marr Chase is still a game-changing alpha when available. Tee Higgins provides a strong complement (Cincinnati should prioritize keeping him beyond his 2025 deal). Depth pieces like Andrei Iosivas keep emerging, and Zac Taylor's pass-first scheme sets up Burrow for big numbers when he's rolling.

Turning 30 this offseason, Burrow is right in his prime with the talent and smarts that built his reputation. Durability remains the main concern after recent setbacks, but a full healthy year should push him back toward top-three production or better. With that supporting cast and his history of dissecting defenses, he's a prime QB1 target for 2026 with big upside.

5) Caleb Williams

Caleb Williams earned his spot at No. 5 in these way-too-early 2026 PPR fantasy QB rankings thanks to a breakout second year that put him firmly in the conversation for elite status.

The Bears had an impressive 2025 under new head coach Ben Johnson, finishing 12-5 to win the NFC North and secure the No. 3 seed. Their season remains alive after a strong wild-card win over the Packers (31-17, with Williams throwing for 287 yards and three touchdowns), setting up a divisional-round matchup that could extend their playoff run.

Williams made a big leap from his 2024 rookie season (3,301 passing yards, 19 TDs, 10 INTs amid typical first-year struggles). In 2025 he completed 330 of 568 attempts for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions, while adding 383 rushing yards and three scores on 77 carries. That blend of efficiency, volume, and mobility placed him fourth in fantasy points among QBs at 318.18 (18.7 per game).

Ben Johnson's creative schemes maximized the talent around him, turning Chicago into one of the league's most explosive offenses averaging over 28 points per game.

The receiving group provided solid support. DJ Moore remained a top-tier No. 1. Keenan Allen brought reliable slot production. Rome Odunze had a quieter second year than hoped (roughly 600 yards and four touchdowns with some drops and inconsistent targets), but at 23 he has the size, speed, and route-running ability to take a significant step forward in 2026 as he develops more chemistry with Williams.

With Johnson returning and this young group maturing, Williams has the arm talent, poise, and playmaking to keep climbing. At 24 entering 2026, he's a high-upside QB1 who could push into the top three if the Bears continue their upward trajectory.

6) Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson takes the No. 6 spot in my way-too-early 2026 PPR fantasy QB rankings. His 2025 season was a clear step back, but the talent and past dominance keep him firmly in the top tier.

Lamar dealt with a few injuries that cost him about four full games, and even when healthy, the production dropped off. He finished with 2,549 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, seven interceptions, plus 349 rushing yards and two scores on 67 carries. That landed him around 15th in fantasy points at roughly 214.86 (16.5 per game). The Ravens offense looked flat at times, and his usual dual-threat explosiveness was inconsistent compared to his MVP peaks.

The big shift ahead is the coaching change. John Harbaugh was fired after the season and is now the strong favorite to become the head coach of the New York Giants. That opens the door for a new staff in Baltimore, and whoever takes over will make it a priority to get Lamar back to his best. His 2019 and 2023 MVP seasons, along with strong follow-up years, are still fresh. At 29 entering 2026, he has elite arm talent, world-class speed, and the ability to take over games when the scheme fits him.

A new coaching staff should bring fresh ideas, schematic adjustments, and a clear focus on reviving his passing game while preserving the designed runs and RPO elements that make him unique. The Ravens have built successful offenses around him before, and a reset could spark a quick return to form.

The receiving group is decent but needs more help to unlock Lamar's full potential. Zay Flowers has developed into a solid No. 1 with good chemistry and playmaking ability. Adding another reliable weapon through free agency, the draft, or a trade would give him more consistent targets and help stretch the field.

When Lamar is clicking, he is a true league-winner capable of top-three fantasy finishes. The ceiling remains sky-high, and one good offseason plus coaching change could change everything. He is a high-floor, high-ceiling QB1 for 2026 with serious bounce-back upside.

7) Matt Stafford

Matt Stafford slots in at No. 7 on my way-too-early 2026 PPR fantasy QB rankings, and honestly, this might feel a little low given the monster year he just had. In 2025, he put together what was arguably an MVP-level campaign at age 37: 388 of 597 passes completed for 4,707 yards, a league-leading 46 touchdowns against only eight interceptions, and a 109.2 passer rating. Those numbers powered the Rams to a strong regular season and kept them competitive deep into the playoffs. He did everything right and showed zero signs of slowing down on the field.

The ranking comes down to a gut feeling about age and the natural progression of the league. Stafford turns 38 before the 2026 season starts, and while he looked fantastic last year, history shows that even the most durable quarterbacks can face some regression around this point due to accumulated wear, minor injuries, or just the body not recovering quite as fast. Davante Adams, who was a huge part of that explosive passing attack, will also be 33 entering next year, so there's a chance the supporting cast starts to age out a bit too. Nothing dramatic happened in 2025 to drop him this far; it's more about expecting continued growth from the younger guys ahead of him (Maye, Williams, Lawrence, Burrow, etc.) who still have more prime years in front of them.

That said, Stafford remains part of what feels like a clear "big 7" at the top for 2026. These seven quarterbacks are in a tier of their own with elite upside, proven production, and situations that should keep them as high-end QB1s. After this group, there's a noticeable drop-off to the next wave, where the floor gets lower and the variance gets higher.

If Stafford stays healthy and the Rams keep the offense humming (maybe even adding a fresh weapon or two this offseason), he could easily outperform this spot and prove the age concerns wrong again. His arm still looks as strong as ever, his decision-making is sharp, and Sean McVay's scheme maximizes him. For now, though, No. 7 feels like the right balance of respecting his 2025 brilliance while giving the nod to youth and longevity questions. He's still a rock-solid QB1 with top-five potential if things break right.

8) Jaxson Dart

Jaxson Dart grabs the No. 8 position in my way-too-early 2026 PPR fantasy QB rankings. His massive upside makes him one of the most intriguing young arms heading into next season.

As a rookie in 2025 with the Giants, Dart showed real promise despite a ton of chaos. The team cycled through head coaches midseason after firing Brian Daboll in October. Dart dealt with his own minor ankle tweak that cost him a couple games. Key pieces like Malik Nabers (season-ending torn right ACL in Week 5) and Cam Skattebo (graphic ankle injury in October against the Eagles) both went down. Even with all that, Dart put up solid numbers: 2,272 passing yards on 209 of 341 attempts, 12 touchdowns against eight interceptions, and a strong rushing element with 83 carries for 487 yards and nine scores. That dual-threat ability landed him 11th in fantasy points at 241.58 (17.3 per game). It proved he can produce even in tough spots.

When Nabers went down, Dart built good chemistry with Wan'Dale Robinson (who stepped up as a shifty slot option with over 700 yards) and tight end Theo Johnson (a reliable red-zone target with five touchdowns). Those connections kept the offense afloat and hinted at Dart's adaptability and quick processing.

Now enter John Harbaugh as the new head coach after his Baltimore firing. He has already signed on with the Giants and brings a proven track record of building around mobile QBs like Lamar Jackson. Harbaugh's schemes emphasize RPOs, play-action, and designed runs. Those elements should fit Dart's athleticism perfectly and help him take a huge step forward in year two.

With Nabers returning healthy as an explosive deep threat, Skattebo back to handle the ground game and add pass-catching versatility, plus the existing rapport with Robinson and Johnson, the Giants offense could become much more dynamic. If they add another weapon or two this offseason, Dart's passing volume and efficiency should spike while his rushing floor stays high.

At 23, Dart has the arm talent, mobility, and poise to make a sophomore leap into consistent QB1 territory. Expect bigger stats across the board in 2026. Maybe pushing 4,000 passing yards, 25-plus touchdowns, and double-digit rushing scores if everything aligns under Harbaugh. He is a high-upside pick with the potential to outperform this ranking big time.

9) Dak Prescott

Dak Prescott checks in at No. 9 on my way-too-early 2026 PPR fantasy QB rankings after another steady season that kept him in the QB1 mix despite some team inconsistencies.

In 2025, Prescott played all 17 games for the Cowboys, throwing for 4,552 yards (third in the league), 30 touchdowns (fourth), and 10 interceptions on 404 of 600 attempts (67.3 completion percentage) with a solid 99.5 passer rating. He added 53 rushes for 177 yards and two scores, finishing around ninth in total fantasy points at 239.42 (15.3 per game). The Cowboys went 9-8 but missed the playoffs in a tough NFC, with the offense showing flashes but struggling against winning teams (he averaged lower yards and more picks in those matchups). Still, Prescott had standout moments, like an improbable 86-yard touchdown to Jalen Tolbert that ranked as one of the least likely completions of the year per Next Gen Stats (just 7.2 percent probability). His volume and efficiency kept him reliable for fantasy, and off the field, his massive contract made him the fourth-highest-paid athlete globally at $137 million for the year.

Heading into 2026, Prescott turns 33 but remains a proven pocket passer with the arm strength and decision-making to post big numbers in Mike McCarthy's scheme. The Cowboys should have continuity at key spots: CeeDee Lamb is locked in as the alpha receiver after another 1,000-plus yard season, George Pickens (assuming he re-signs or sticks around after his reported trade acquisition) adds a contested-catch threat, and Jalen Tolbert (who looked very good with over 800 yards and emerging chemistry) provides solid depth. Jake Ferguson returns as a top red-zone option at tight end, giving Prescott a balanced group that ranked top-10 in passing yards last year.

If Dallas shores up the offensive line (they allowed 31 sacks in 2025) and stays healthy, Prescott could easily climb back into the top five with 4,500-plus yards and 30 touchdowns again. He is a safe QB1 floor play with upside tied to the talent around him, especially if the team pushes for a deeper run.

10) Bo Nix

Bo Nix rounds out the top 10 at No. 10 in my way-too-early 2026 PPR fantasy QB rankings. He had a fantastic sophomore season in 2025 that showed real growth under Sean Payton, and his steady development keeps him in the mix as a reliable fantasy option.

Nix built on his rookie year with a strong follow-up: 388 completions on 612 attempts for 3,931 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, plus 83 rushes for 356 yards and five scores. That output finished him sixth in fantasy points at 304.84 (17.9 per game), thanks to consistent volume, low mistakes, and enough rushing to boost his floor in PPR formats. The Broncos had an outstanding 14-3 regular season, clinching the AFC West and the No. 1 seed in the conference for a first-round bye. Their season is still going strong as they prepare for the divisional round against the Buffalo Bills on January 17, 2026, with a defense that's been elite and an offense that gets the job done efficiently.

Payton continues to mold Nix into a smart, low-risk passer who thrives in short-to-intermediate ranges while mixing in designed runs. The team leans heavily on its defense for wins, which sometimes caps Nix's ceiling. He does not always need to air it out for 400 yards to get the win, but the offense remains solid and should keep improving as he gains experience.

Courtland Sutton is a legit WR1 who provides a dependable outside threat and red-zone target. The rest of the group feels like a collection of solid WR3 types: Troy Franklin, Marvin Mims Jr., Lil'Jordan Humphrey, and Pat Bryant all contribute in different ways but lack that second alpha to stretch defenses consistently. If the Broncos add another dynamic receiver this offseason (free agency or draft), it could unlock more big plays and push Nix's passing numbers higher.

Overall, the Broncos look like they could be a very successful team in 2026 with their defense leading the way and Nix continuing to grow. He might not crack the top five in fantasy due to the run-heavy, defense-first approach, but his floor is high and the upside exists if the passing game opens up more. Nix is a dependable QB1/strong QB2 with room to climb if the pieces align.

Honorable Mentions

Patrick Mahomes (Honorable mention)

Mahomes had a down year by his standards in 2025 and finished around 10th in fantasy points after suffering a torn ACL and LCL in Week 15. He had surgery and is on pace for a full recovery by Week 1 of 2026. At 30, his arm talent and playmaking remain elite. If he returns to form with Kansas City's weapons, he could easily jump back into the top five. The injury explains the drop, but his track record makes him a strong bounce-back candidate.

Justin Herbert (Honorable mention)

Herbert had a rough 2025 with lower-end starter production amid offensive struggles. The Chargers fired OC Greg Roman and are searching for a new one, which could unlock his big arm again. With a fresh scheme and continued health, he has the tools to rebound into top-10 territory. New OC suspicion is real here.

Jared Goff (Honorable mention)

Goff was quietly top-8 in fantasy points in 2025 with efficient volume in Detroit's balanced attack. He lacks the flash of the young guns but offers consistency in a dome with solid weapons. If the Lions keep the offense humming, he is a safe QB1 floor play who could sneak back up.

Baker Mayfield (Honorable mention)

Mayfield had a strong year in Tampa but the Bucs parted ways with OC Josh Grizzard and are interviewing replacements like Todd Monken. A new coordinator could elevate him further, especially if the team retains key pieces. He has shown he can be a top-10 guy in the right setup.

Fernando Mendoza (Keep an eye on, especially in dynasty)

Mendoza is projected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after a Heisman-winning season at Indiana, leading the Hoosiers to the CFP and posting elite production. If he lands in a spot like the Raiders (who hold the top pick) with Ashton Jeanty at RB and Brock Bowers at TE, plus a new coach, the long-term sky is the limit. He could be a pro-ready starter early, but it may take a year or two to hit full stride in fantasy. Dynasty owners should target him high in rookie drafts. He has franchise QB upside.