Fantasy Football Outlook: Monangai, Allgeier, Dell Poised for Breakouts

Our experts highlight three players who could surprise in 2026 fantasy football leagues.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 7:05am

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Fantasy football analysts are predicting big things for running backs Kyle Monangai of the Chicago Bears and Tyler Allgeier of the Arizona Cardinals, as well as wide receiver Tank Dell of the Houston Texans, in the 2026 season. All three players are expected to see increased roles and production after showing promise in limited action in recent years.

Why it matters

Identifying breakout players early can give fantasy managers a significant advantage on draft day, allowing them to get ahead of the curve and scoop up these potential stars before their stock rises. Monangai, Allgeier, and Dell all have the talent and opportunity to take the next step in 2026 and become must-start options in fantasy lineups.

The details

Monangai is poised for a bigger role in the Bears' backfield after a solid rookie campaign, while Allgeier could emerge as the lead back in Arizona with James Conner aging and Trey Benson's injury history. Dell, who missed all of 2025 with an injury, is expected to reclaim his spot as a top target for Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud and could provide a boost to fantasy lineups as the season progresses.

  • Monangai had 783 rushing yards and averaged 4.63 yards per carry as a rookie in 2025.
  • Allgeier had 8 touchdowns in 2025 and signed with the Cardinals in free agency.
  • Dell is expected to be ready for offseason training with the Texans after missing the 2025 season due to injury.

The players

Kyle Monangai

A running back for the Chicago Bears who had a promising rookie season in 2025.

Tyler Allgeier

A running back who signed with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency after a solid 2025 season with the Atlanta Falcons.

Tank Dell

A wide receiver for the Houston Texans who missed the 2025 season due to injury but is expected to be ready for the 2026 season.

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What they’re saying

“The Chicago Bears are yet to make any additions to their running back room this offseason, and the draft seems an unlikely place for them to make a big swing either, with this maligned running back class. Monangi had 783 rushing yards in his rookie year, averaging 4.63 yards per carry and a respectable 4.1 explosive run rate. Last year, he saw 169 attempts, 54 fewer than D'Andre Swift. In his second year, he should have every opportunity to gain a bigger slice of the pie.”

— Tom Strachan, NFL Best Ball (FantasyPros)

“Tyler Allgeier came into the league with a 1,000-yard season in 2022. Then, Atlanta drafted Bijan Robinson, and for the last three years, Allgeier has been a solid backup to Robinson. There was excitement for him going into free agency after his 8-touchdown season in 2025. Then, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals to play alongside James Connor and Trey Benson. Many owners don't like this landing spot for him, but he could surprise, as Connor will be 31 years old in season, and Benson has been inconsistent and hurt during his NFL career. Allgeier might take a month or so to take over this role, but by mid-season, it should be his backfield to lead.”

— Adam Dove, The Fantasy Couriers (FantasyPros)

“Tank Dell, remember him? He had a gruesome injury at the end of 2024 and wasn't seen all of 2025. He is expected to be ready for off-season training in Houston. Dell was handpicked by C.J. Stroud to join the Texans and began his career as a top option for Stroud, along with Nico Collins. He returns to a crowded wide receiver room with Nico Collins, Jayden Higgins, and Jaylin Noel, but he should work his way back to the top of the wide receiver corps due to his speed (which looks great in a video online where he is sprinting in sand!), and rapport with Stroud. Look for Dell to be back on the fantasy radar as the season progresses.”

— Adam Dove, The Fantasy Couriers (FantasyPros)

The takeaway

These three players - Monangai, Allgeier, and Dell - represent potential fantasy football gold mines in 2026. With opportunities for increased roles and production, savvy managers who identify and draft these breakout candidates early could gain a significant advantage over their league rivals.