Fantasy Football: Can the surprise players of the first half of the 2026 season keep it rolling?

The fantasy football season of 2026 is proving to be a surprise hit, with several players outperforming expectations. Quarterback Jordan Love, for one, has been a standout performer this season. Despite being passed over by many fantasy owners in the late rounds, Love's performance has been through the roof. The Packers, now up 19 spots in total pace of play, are second in pass-rate over expected, highlighting Love's crucial role as a downfield passer.

Similarly, C.J. Stroud has had an impressive ascent in the preseason. The Texans' offense, already sixth in pass rate over expected, is now first in adjusted yards per attempt with five pass-catchers. Stroud's best pro season is further boosted by a deep and diverse set of aerial weapons, ensuring continued success.

Running back Kenneth Walker III has been a game-changer for the Kansas City Chiefs. A top-12 selection this summer, Walker has exceeded expectations and is now a must-have in every lineup. His explosive rushing rate, second in the league, and his elite EPA per rush make him a clear top-tier pick.

Chuba Hubbard has taken on a significant workload for the Panthers, with 78% of the running back touches. The Panthers' offense, despite some recent struggles, remains a high-efficiency unit, making Hubbard a high-end RB1. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have found a perfect fit in running back Bucky Irving. Irving's revival has been remarkable, handling a large share of the Bucs' backfield work and excelling in a ground-and-pound style offense.

Finally, Jaylen Warren has finally found his role with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After an injury to Rico Dowdle, Warren has taken over as the lead back, averaging 22.3 points per game. Despite a dip in workload since Dowdle's return, Warren remains a high-end RB2, further strengthening the Steelers' offensive identity.