Fantasy Football Experts Identify Top 2026 Bounce-Back Players

Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, and Brian Thomas Jr. among players poised for rebound seasons.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 7:06am

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Fantasy football experts highlight several players who underperformed in 2025 but are primed for bounce-back years in 2026, including Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, and Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. Injuries, poor quarterback play, and lackluster team performance contributed to their 2025 struggles, but with improved situations, these players are expected to return to form and deliver value for fantasy managers.

Why it matters

Identifying undervalued players who can bounce back from disappointing seasons is a key strategy for fantasy football managers looking to gain an edge. These players often slip in drafts, providing opportunities to acquire top talent at a discount and gain an advantage over league rivals.

The details

Brock Bowers, the Raiders' talented tight end, saw a significant drop-off in production in 2025 after a record-breaking rookie campaign in 2024. Injuries and the Raiders' overall struggles are cited as the primary reasons for his decline. However, with a healthy Bowers and the addition of quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the experts believe Bowers is poised for a rebound. Ashton Jeanty, the Raiders' running back, also had a disappointing 2025 season, finishing as just an RB16 on a points-per-game basis. But with an improved offensive line and the arrival of Mendoza, Jeanty's floor is expected to remain steady, and his RB1 ceiling could be unlocked. Finally, Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. is seen as a potential bounce-back candidate, as he led the team in intended air yards despite missing three games in 2025. The experts believe the usage and talent are there, and the numbers should follow.

  • Brock Bowers had a record-breaking rookie season in 2024.
  • Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, and Brian Thomas Jr. all had disappointing 2025 seasons.
  • The Raiders are expected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • The Jaguars' Brian Thomas Jr. missed three games in 2025.

The players

Brock Bowers

A tight end for the Las Vegas Raiders who had a record-breaking rookie season in 2024 but struggled with injuries and the team's overall performance in 2025.

Ashton Jeanty

A running back for the Las Vegas Raiders who finished as an RB16 on a points-per-game basis in 2025, but is expected to benefit from an improved offensive line and the addition of quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

Brian Thomas Jr.

A wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars who led the team in intended air yards in 2025 despite missing three games, and is seen as a potential bounce-back candidate due to his usage and talent.

Fernando Mendoza

The quarterback expected to be selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, who is expected to help unlock the potential of Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty.

Kolton Miller

An offensive tackle for the Las Vegas Raiders who is returning from injury and is expected to help improve the team's offensive line, which should benefit Ashton Jeanty.

Tyler Lindembaum

A center who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency and is expected to be a good fit for the team's offense, which should also benefit Ashton Jeanty.

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What they’re saying

“Do not discount the talent of Brock Bowers after a disappointing 2025. After a 2024 that saw Bowers smash the rookie receptions and most yards by a rookie tight end records, Bowers crashed back down to earth. Injuries are partially to blame for Bowers' slip in production, but the Raiders were hopeless in 2025, period. Now, factor in a fully healthy Bowers that is finally getting a quarterback? Yes, please. Fernando Mendoza will be the Raiders' pick at number one overall in this month's draft, and his assignment will be simple: Get Bowers the ball.”

— Ed Birdsall, Talking Points Sports

“Despite a first-round ADP in most 2025 leagues, Las Vegas Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty finished as a lackluster RB16 on a points-per-game basis (14.4). The good news is that he played in all 17 games – three of which were top-five performances – boosting his overall finish to RB11. Much of that is to blame on a lackluster Chip Kelly-called offense, poor quarterback play, and an offensive line that afforded Jeanty the 62nd-best run block rating among the position. Even when facing these hurdles, Jeanty had the seventh-most yards created (1,122). Now, he gets an upgraded offensive line with OT Kolton Miller returning from injury and C Tyler Lindembaum signing in free agency.”

— Seth Woolcock, FantasyPros

“Brian Thomas Jr. might get a second chance via trade, but even if he remains in Jacksonville, we should bet on a bounce-back year. Despite missing three games, Thomas still led Jacksonville in intended air yards. He also saw 56 targets at 10 or more yards downfield, just five fewer than his rookie year despite missing three games. The usage is there, the talent is there, so the numbers should follow.”

— Ryan McCrystal, Sharp Football Analysis

What’s next

The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in April, where the Raiders are expected to select quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. This selection is expected to help unlock the potential of Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty.

The takeaway

These three players - Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, and Brian Thomas Jr. - all have the talent and potential to bounce back from disappointing 2025 seasons. With improved situations, healthier bodies, and better supporting casts, fantasy managers should be on the lookout for these players as potential value picks in 2026 drafts.