Fantasy football championships are often won by identifying players whose draft price fails to reflect their true upside. Injuries from the previous season can suppress ADP, but not every player carries the same level of long-term risk. Several proven veterans and emerging playmakers enter 2026 healthy while being drafted behind players with less favorable situations. Here are four of the best injury-related values in fantasy drafts.

Travis Etienne, RB – New Orleans Saints

Current ADP: 39

Etienne enters 2026 in one of the most intriguing situations among fantasy running backs after signing with New Orleans. While Alvin Kamara remains on the roster, his workload and efficiency declined last season following years of heavy usage and multiple injuries. Kamara is expected to transition into more of a passing-down role, opening the door for Etienne to become the focal point of the Saints' rushing attack.

Etienne's versatility as both a runner and receiver gives him a high weekly floor, especially in PPR formats. Even with Kamara involved, Etienne should command plenty of touches while remaining active in the passing game.

At an ADP of 39, there is room for significant value. Etienne offers a higher ceiling than several backs currently being drafted ahead of him, including Breece Hall, Cam Skattebo, and Javonte Williams.

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Sam LaPorta, TE – Detroit Lions

Current ADP: 75

LaPorta's disappointing 2025 fantasy season was largely driven by the back injury that limited him throughout the year before eventually ending his season early. When healthy, however, he has consistently produced as one of fantasy football's top tight ends.

After finishing as the overall TE1 in 2023, LaPorta has never finished outside the top nine at the position despite battling injuries. Entering 2026 healthy, he finds himself being drafted as just the TE8.

Detroit also benefits from one of the league's easier schedules, giving LaPorta an opportunity to return to elite fantasy production. Considering players like Kyle Pitts and Tucker Kraft—who is still less than a year removed from ACL surgery—are often selected ahead of him, LaPorta represents one of the strongest values at the position.

Matt Stafford, QB – Los Angeles Rams

Current ADP: 105

The Rams continue to operate with a "Super Bowl or bust" mentality, and the urgency surrounding this roster has only increased. Veteran leaders know the championship window won't remain open forever, and Los Angeles continues to surround Stafford with elite talent.

Stafford is coming off another productive statistical season and returns to one of the NFL's premier receiving duos in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Sean McVay's offense should once again lean heavily on the passing game, especially with favorable matchups throughout much of the schedule.

Despite being one of the older quarterbacks in the league, Stafford enters the season healthy and offers considerably more value than his current ADP suggests. He has a realistic path to outperform quarterbacks such as Bo Nix and Brock Purdy, both of whom are typically being selected earlier in fantasy drafts.

Keaton Mitchell, RB – Los Angeles Chargers

Current ADP: 176

Mitchell's career trajectory changed dramatically after suffering a torn ACL during his breakout rookie campaign in Baltimore, but he now lands in an ideal offensive environment with the Chargers under offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel.

McDaniel has consistently utilized multiple running backs while rewarding the hot hand, making Mitchell an intriguing late-round lottery ticket. His elite speed remains one of the most explosive traits among reserve running backs, and if he earns consistent touches, his big-play ability gives him league-winning upside.

At an ADP of 176, there is virtually no risk attached to selecting Mitchell. Compared to players like Dylan Sampson, AJ Barner, and David Njoku—who are frequently drafted ahead of him—Mitchell offers significantly more upside should his role expand during the season.

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