The 2026 Fantasy Football draft window is nearly here. Managers will ruin their seasons or clinch the playoffs based on how well they do. However, to get to the playoffs, one needs to have a strong opening month. After a strong first month, the ability to trade high could set up another wave of domination.
Here’s a look at the best candidates to draft because of a light schedule. This list will remain optimistic about players’ injury prospects unless it is clear they will miss the start of the year, with still three weeks left to heal.
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Top 10 Fantasy Football running backs that need to be considered for their early-season schedule
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#10 – Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders running back room is in for a decent start to the year with matchups against Miami, the Chargers, the Saints, and the Kansas City Chiefs. While there are better opening slates, there are also worse.
#9 – Travis Etienne Jr., New Orleans Saints
Travis Etienne Jr. won’t have it easy in Week 1 and Week 2, but the running back is set to explode in the following two weeks. After facing Detroit and Baltimore, he will face Las Vegas and Atlanta.
#8 – Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
If Christian McCaffrey can start the season at full health and in quality shape, he will be in line for a strong opening month. He was spotted in full pads at practice on Sunday in an encouraging update from the New York Post. He will get to face the Rams, Dolphins, Cardinals and Broncos, giving him multiple chances to dominate.
#7 – Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns
The Browns have a sneaky nice opening slate in terms of defenses. The Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers await the Browns.
#6 – Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
Jahmyr Gibbs could be in for the breakout season fans have been waiting for after separating from David Montgomery. Gibbs will face the Saints, Bills, Jets and Panthers to start his season.
#5 – Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens
Derrick Henry is an ageless wonder and also has arguably the easiest early schedule to explode in his first month back in the backfield. Henry will face the Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints in his opening month.
#4 – Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles
Saquon Barkley disappointed in fantasy football last season for those who drafted high, but doubling down could lead to a fruitful start to the year. Barkley will face the Washington Commanders, Tennessee Titans, Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams.
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#3 – Kenneth Walker III, Kansas City Chiefs
Kenneth Walker III will be put to work to start his year with a manageable slate against Denver, Indianapolis, Miami and Las Vegas. Aside from Denver, every other team is coming off a tough defensive season.
#2 – Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
Bijan Robinson is talented and faces a lighter schedule early in his season. He faces the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints.
#1 – Cam Skattebo, New York Giants
Assuming he can stay healthy and is back to 100%, the fantasy football running back could be in for a fast start. Skattebo will face the Cowboys, Rams, Titans and Cardinals in his first four games.
Edited by Ian Van Roy
