Welcome to Week 16 of the 2025 Footballguys Roundtable. Our intrepid panel of fantasy pundits discusses and debates four topics every week. We split the conversation into separate features.
This week's roundtable features these four topics:
- Biggest Fantasy Surprises of 2025
- Biggest Fantasy Disappointments of 2025
- Emerging Stars in 2026
- 2026 NFL Draft Match-Making
Let's roll...
Matt Waldman: Who do you believe will emerge in the fantasy space in 2026?
Tipp Major: RJ Harvey is a talent I'm genuinely excited about. He's shown De'Von Achane–esque efficiency lately, especially near the goal line, and his vision really pops on tape. Sean Payton has been tough to trust with running backs in Denver, as I've said before, but Harvey might finally be his Alvin Kamara. I am drafting him everywhere next season in redraft.
Joseph Haggan: Chimere Dike is an emerging talent who excites me. Dike has a growing chemistry with Cameron Ward, earning 29 targets over the last five games and delivering 3 touchdowns. His open field ability, showcased in his return game, could open up to the Titans getting him more looks in space next year.
Jeff Haseley: Emeka Egbuka. I am convinced that Egbuka's decline in the second half of the season is more related to a lingering hamstring injury and Mike Evans' return to the lineup. Evans is at the end of his two-year deal with the Buccaneers. If he is not a part of the 2026 season, Egbuka automatically becomes the team's top receiving threat.
The level of play and success Egbuka showed in his first games as a pro was enough for me to believe he has the talent and ability to be an alpha receiver in the league. His declining production this year will be enough to make people think twice about drafting him next season, but I say buy the dip and reap the benefits.
Waldman: Agree. Baker Mayfield was injured and far less accurate than he was at the start of the year. Egbuka dropped his share of targets, but he has always had some drops at Ohio State due to minor technique issues that won't detract from his overall production. Good players drop targets, and Egbuka's drops aren't egregious technique issues.
Colton Dodgson: Watching WR KC Concepcion at Texas A&M was fun this season. I'm looking forward to seeing how his ability after the catch translates to the pro game.
As an ASU guy, though, I have to take this opportunity to talk about Jordan Tyson. Whether he's the first receiver off the board on draft night or not, it seems like he'll be a top-five pick in most dynasty rookie drafts.
Tyson is a fluid route-runner with excellent ball skills and abilities in contested situations that flash regularly. He's savvy after the catch and seemed to always maximize his opportunities in college.
Tyson's frame is built to handle NFL punishment if he can get past the nagging soft-tissue stuff. Tyson's durability over his last two seasons in Tempe might be one of the few concerns about his game.
Tyson is the type of player a general manager is going to be eager to pair with an ascending young quarterback. In the right spot, Tyson's upside will make for interesting fantasy discussions entering next season.
Gary Davenport: Well, being the Godfather of IDP and all, highlighting a defensive player here seems appropriate. When the 2025 season started, no one was talking about Ohio State's Arvel Reese as a first-round pick.
Now, Reese may well be the first defensive player drafted. Reese's versatility and athleticism have evoked comparisons to Micah Parsons. If Reese lands with a team that takes advantage of his impressive skill set, he could be a force off the edge in short order.