10 Fantasy Football Risers After Preseason Week 2: 10 Players Gaining Draft Value
RedZoneHQ Staff · Aug 31, 2026
10 fantasy football risers who are gaining draft value in the preseason. Target these rookies, sleepers, and handcuffs on draft day.
Preseason games can reveal changes in depth charts, offensive roles, and player usage. That makes this time of August important for fantasy managers. Draft value of players could climb after strong preseason performances, summer camp buzz, or injuries ahead of them on the depth chart.
Here are 10 fantasy football risers who deserve your attention before draft day.
De'Zhaun Stribling, WR, 49ers
Stribling has shot up draft boards after Ricky Pearsall’s knee injury took him out for the season. Stribling caught 11 of 13 targets for 109 yards across two preseason games, earning praise from Brock Purdy. His ADP has gone up nearly 30 spots over the past week.
Description: De'Zhaun Stribling receiving the ball during a game.
Mike Washington Jr., RB, Raiders
Description: Mike Washington Jr. runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Houston Texans on Aug. 20, 2026
Washington’s draft stock saw a +35.2 ADP jump following Ashton Jeanty’s ankle sprain. Washington has rushed for 119 yards on 15 carries over two preseason games. He is a premier handcuff and good insurance policy for Jeanty managers.
Keenan Allen, WR, Colts
Description: Keenan Allen on the pitch for Colts
Thirty-four-year-old Keenan Allen has seen a massive +55.6 ADP right after joining Indianapolis. He drew 120 targets with the Chargers last season. However, his early-season target volume could expand with Alec Pierce’s availability under question. He projects as a solid safety blanket for Daniel Jones.
Chris Olave, WR, Saints
Description: Chris Olave playing for the New Orleans Saints
Chris Olave is positioned to be the primary beneficiary of teammate Jordyn Tyson’s hamstring injury. Tyson is sidelined until mid-October. Last season, Olave ranked fifth in targets. Now he commands the full attention of quarterback Tyler Shough and is currently being drafted as WR12.
Braelon Allen, RB, Jets
Description: New York Jets Running Back Braelon Allen celebrates
Braelon Allen has seen a +20.9 ADP jump due to Breece Hall’s groin injury. A knee injury cut his last season short, but now he has established himself as a workhorse in camp. He represents a critical handcuff for managers taking Hall early.
6. KC Concepcion, WR, Browns
Description: Wide receiver KC Concepcion reacts after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Kyle Field (Oct. 4, 2025)
There were concerns about Concepcion’s role heading into the preseason, but he put those to rest. He lined up all over the formation, caught three passes for 27 yards, and scored a jet sweep. Cleveland’s structure to manufacture creative touches makes him a promising option at his WR47 position.
Kaelon Black, RB, 49ers
Description: San Francisco 49ers running back Kaelon Black warms up before a preseason NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, (Aug. 20, 2026)
The third-round rookie out of Indiana saw his draft stock rise with a +23.3 ADP increase. He put in a strong preseason debut, providing a noticeable spark to the offense. Now that Jordan James is out due to a rib injury, Black has a clear path to open the season as Christian McCaffrey’s primary backup.
Ja'Kobi Lane, WR, Ravens
Description: Ja'Kobi Lane warming up before a game
Thanks to his strong hands and wide catch radius, Lane has been a massive standout at Ravens training camp. His 2026 redraft value remains limited, but his development makes him an intriguing dynasty target.
Malik Nabers, WR, Giants
Description: Malik Nabers stand in anticipation on the sideline during a game.
Nabers has climbed up draft boards into WR11 territory after his fully healthy preseason following a summer scare. The third-year receiver has looked dominant throughout his training camp. The only concern around him is if he can overcome Matt Nagy as his offensive coordinator.
Kayshon Boutte, WR, Texans
Description: Kayshon Boutte runs with the ball at minicamp at Gillette Stadium (Jun 9. 2026)
After Houston acquired Boutte via trade from New England, his draft outlook changed instantly. Jayden Higgins' season-ending ACL tear opened the road for Boutte. Stepping into the No.2 wideout role opposite Jaylin Noel, Boutte offers high-upside flex potential, especially in best-ball formats.
Conclusion
The biggest takeaway from these preseason risers is how rapidly draft value can shift based on injury fallout or depth chart movement. Tracking these summer trends allows fantasy managers to capitalise on true value without overpaying for standard preseason noise.
