Joel Smyth Backs No. 1 Pick for 2026 Fantasy Drafts, Favors 1.06 in 12-Team Leagues
Updated
Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 5
Joel Smyth Backs No. 1 Pick for 2026 Fantasy Drafts, Favors 1.06 in 12-Team Leagues
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo Sports · Aug 5
Summary
Jahmyr Gibbs at 1.01 is Joel Smyth’s top 2026 fantasy draft slot in all formats, with Bijan Robinson at 1.02 the preferred fallback.
Gibbs’ edge rests on his ceiling: in 2024 games without David Montgomery, he averaged 30.4 fantasy points, while Smyth also likes the Round 2-3 turn from the top spot.
In 12-team half-PPR leagues, Smyth also highlights 1.06 for balanced roster construction and access to top-tier RBs or WRs without forcing picks.
Late first-round slots—1.10 to 1.12 in 12-team leagues and 1.09 in 10-team formats—rank lower because the Round 2 edge is limited and Round 3 talent drops off more sharply.
PPR formats soften the disadvantage of picks 10-12, Smyth says, but 12-team picks 1.08 and 1.09 and middle slots in 10-team leagues still offer stronger value.