That SportsLine computer model, the one that absolutely *called* De’Von Achane’s insane 1,838 scrimmage yards and 12-touchdown year last season? Yeah, it’s back, and it just dropped its biggest sleeper for the 2026 fantasy draft. This isn’t some shot in the dark, folks, because the model projected Achane as the RB6 when his ADP was RB12, and he finished exactly that: sixth in fantasy points. This thing has a track record, and now it’s pointing to a New York Giants tight end as the guy to target this year.
The Computer Knows Ball: Achane Was Just The Latest Hit
Seriously, this SportsLine model has been on a tear. Last year, it wasn’t just Achane, who led the Dolphins with those crazy numbers. Back in 2020, it tagged A.J. Brown as a sleeper. Then it nailed Jonathan Taylor’s monstrous 2021 season. It even called C.J. Stroud taking a step back in 2024, and Daniel Jones’ breakout year in 2025. This isn’t beginner’s luck. We’re talking about a computer that also identified Derrick Henry in 2019, Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara in 2018, and Davante Adams in 2017 as must-have sleepers. If you banked on those picks, you were making a serious run for your league title. The model simulates the entire NFL season 10,000 times, so it’s not just a hunch, it’s pure data telling us who to grab.
Your League Won’t See This Coming: Meet Isaiah Likely
So, who’s the big-play guy the model is shouting about for 2026? It’s New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely. This move makes so much sense when you break it down. Likely followed coach John Harbaugh from the Ravens to the Giants this offseason. Think about it: in Baltimore, he always had to battle Mark Andrews for targets, which capped his upside even with his obvious big-play capability. Now? He’s the clear-cut No. 1 tight end for the Giants. And get this: reports are already saying he’s been a favorite target for quarterback Jaxson Dart. That kind of immediate chemistry and opportunity is exactly what you look for in a sleeper. With an ADP of 98 this year, Likely is flying under the radar, but the SportsLine model sees him as a massive value.
With fantasy drafts kicking off, you’ve got to be ready. Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Malik Nabers are also being talked about as potential bounce-back candidates from injury-plagued seasons, similar to what Dak Prescott, Christian McCaffrey, and Chris Olave did last year. But for that true diamond in the rough, that league-winning pick, the computer is screaming Isaiah Likely. Head over to SportsLine to check out their full rankings, but don’t sleep on this guy. Draft season is here, and this could be the pick that changes your whole fantasy year!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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