Injuries have derailed the fantasy football seasons of several high-profile NFL stars through the first seven weeks of 2026, leaving managers who invested early draft picks with disappointing returns.
From Saquon Barkley and Justin Jefferson to Lamar Jackson and A.J. Brown, injuries have caused missed games, limited production and significant drops in fantasy rankings.
Here's a look at some of the biggest injury-related fantasy football busts entering NFL Week 8, comparing preseason average draft position (ADP) with current fantasy production.
A.J. Brown, New England Patriots — High Ankle Sprain
2026 ADP: No. 21 Overall (WR8)
Current Fantasy Ranking: WR106 (Half-PPR)
A.J. Brown entered the 2026 NFL season as a top-10 fantasy wide receiver, but a high ankle sprain in his Patriots debut has made him one of the biggest fantasy disappointments of the season.
Drafted as the WR8 with an average overall draft position of 21, Brown currently ranks WR106 in half-PPR leagues after suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 1 against the Seattle Seahawks.
Brown was placed on injured reserve following the injury and missed the next four games, delaying his opportunity to develop chemistry with quarterback Drake Maye in his first season with New England.
Since returning, Brown has recorded just six receptions on 16 targets, totaling slightly more than 10 fantasy points. His struggles catching the ball have also been evident throughout the season, with a catch rate of just 45%.
For fantasy managers who invested a second-round pick in Brown, his WR106 ranking represents a massive disappointment. Although he has returned to the field, his limited production and lack of established chemistry with Maye raise questions about how quickly he can regain the fantasy value expected of a top-10 receiver.
Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles — Hamstring
2026 ADP: No. 12 Overall (RB7)
Current Fantasy Ranking: RB40 (Half-PPR)
Saquon Barkley entered the 2026 NFL season as a first-round fantasy investment in many leagues, but a hamstring injury has significantly impacted his production and availability.
Drafted as the RB7 with an average overall draft position of 12, Barkley currently ranks RB40 in half-PPR leagues after missing two games with a hamstring strain.
Barkley suffered the injury in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams, finishing with just 1.5 fantasy points. He subsequently missed Weeks 5 and 6 before returning in Week 7.
Despite scoring 14.1 fantasy points in his return, Barkley played just nine snaps and recorded nine touches. He was still visibly hampered by the hamstring injury and exited the game with a back issue, leaving him listed as questionable to return.
Philadelphia has also dealt with injuries across its offensive line and receiving corps, while Jalen Hurts’ placement on season-ending injured reserve has added further challenges to an offense already managing Barkley’s health.
For fantasy managers who invested a first-round pick in Barkley, his RB40 ranking represents a significant disappointment. With lingering hamstring concerns and a new back issue, his health, workload and availability remain uncertain moving forward.
Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings — Ankle
2026 ADP: No. 13 Overall (WR6)
Current Fantasy Ranking: WR26 (Half-PPR)
Justin Jefferson entered the 2026 NFL season as a top-six fantasy wide receiver, but injuries to both Jefferson and quarterback Kyler Murray have contributed to a disappointing start.
Drafted as the WR6 with an average overall draft position of 13, Jefferson currently ranks WR26 in half-PPR leagues, well below his preseason expectations.
Jefferson suffered an ankle injury in Week 3 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, finishing with just 4.2 fantasy points before missing Week 4 against the Miami Dolphins.
However, Jefferson's struggles extend beyond his own injury. Murray suffered a concussion in Week 1, leaving the quarterback and receiver on the field together for just 18 snaps through the first four weeks.
Since both returned, Jefferson and Murray have played two full games together in Weeks 5 and 7, with Jefferson totaling just over 22 fantasy points across those contests. While the pair has shown signs of improvement, they have yet to establish consistent production.
Minnesota's passing offense has also struggled, ranking 28th in the NFL in passing yards per game.
For fantasy managers who drafted Jefferson as a top-six receiver, his WR26 ranking represents a significant disappointment. Although Jefferson and Murray are back on the field together, their limited playing time as a duo and Minnesota's struggling passing attack leave questions about Jefferson's ability to deliver the elite fantasy production expected of him moving forward.
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens — High Ankle Sprain
2026 ADP: No. 36 Overall (QB2)
Current Fantasy Ranking: QB25 (Standard Scoring)
Lamar Jackson entered the 2026 NFL season as the second quarterback selected in fantasy drafts, but a high ankle sprain has significantly impacted his production and availability.
Drafted as the QB2 with an average overall draft position of 36, Jackson currently ranks QB25 in standard fantasy scoring leagues after missing three games.
Jackson was the QB8 through the first three weeks of the season before suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 4 that limited him to just one half of football. He subsequently missed Weeks 5–7, leaving fantasy managers without one of their highest-drafted quarterbacks.
His absence has also affected Baltimore's other fantasy stars, particularly Derrick Henry and Zay Flowers, who have experienced significant declines in production with Tyler Huntley under center.
The contrast with Josh Allen is particularly notable. Allen entered the season as the consensus QB1 in fantasy drafts and has delivered on those expectations, ranking QB1 through seven weeks. Jackson, meanwhile, has fallen 23 spots below his preseason positional ADP.
Jackson returned to full practice this week and is on track to play in Week 8 against Allen and the Buffalo Bills. While his potential return would provide a significant boost to Baltimore's offense, his ability to regain his pre-injury form following a high ankle sprain remains an important question for fantasy managers moving forward.
