Jamey Eisenberg fantasy busts list targets big names at steep ADPs

CBS Sports analyst Jamey Eisenberg’s fantasy busts list for 2026 is not a blanket ban on star players. His argument is sharper: several familiar names are going earlier in drafts than he is willing to pay, based on FantasyPros average draft position.

Eisenberg wrote that most fantasy drafts are still about a month away, but mock drafts have made ADP data more meaningful. ADP, or average draft position, is the typical spot where a player is being selected across drafts. In PPR leagues, players also score for each reception, which boosts pass-catching running backs and high-volume receivers.

Who are Jamey Eisenberg's 2026 fantasy football busts?

Christian McCaffrey is the biggest name in the danger zone. Eisenberg still ranks the 49ers running back as a first-round pick, but he said he would not take him before No. 9 overall. FantasyPros has McCaffrey at No. 6 overall and RB3, while Eisenberg has him behind Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, Jonathan Taylor and James Cook for now.

The concern is workload and age. Eisenberg noted that McCaffrey turned 30 in June and had 450 total touches in 2025 including the playoffs. He also pointed out that McCaffrey previously followed 400-touch seasons in 2019 and 2023 by missing 13 games the next year.

De’Von Achane is another expensive running back Eisenberg is fading at cost. FantasyPros lists the Dolphins back at No. 13 overall and RB7, but Eisenberg said his earliest price would be No. 21. He cited Fantasy Points data showing Tua Tagovailoa has targeted running backs at a far higher rate than Malik Willis since 2023, and said Achane’s receiving production could fall if Willis is leading the offense.

Travis Etienne’s move to the Saints also drew concern. Eisenberg said Alvin Kamara’s July contract restructure keeps another passing-down option in New Orleans, and he would wait until Round 5 on Etienne rather than take him at FantasyPros’ No. 40 overall cost. He also cited Kellen Moore’s recent offenses ranking low in total running back targets.

TreVeyon Henderson is a price problem for Eisenberg, too. The Patriots back flashed in 2025, including a three-game stretch while Rhamondre Stevenson was hurt, but Eisenberg said Stevenson played more snaps in 15 of their 18 games together. FantasyPros has Henderson at No. 50 overall and RB21; Eisenberg sees him more as a Round 6 flex.

Which receivers did Eisenberg say are too expensive?

Malik Nabers is recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus in his right knee, and Eisenberg said it is good news that he will not begin camp on the active/PUP list. Still, FantasyPros has him at WR14 and No. 32 overall, while Eisenberg moved him only to WR21 and No. 43 because the Giants still do not know when he will fully practice or whether he could miss early games.

Tetairoa McMillan, Davante Adams, Jameson Williams and DK Metcalf also made Eisenberg’s fade-at-cost group. Eisenberg said McMillan’s rookie line of 70 catches, 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns may be closer to his 2026 range than a launching pad, especially with Carolina offensive line injuries involving Iken Ekwonu and Taylor Moton.

Adams led the NFL with 14 touchdown catches in 14 games in 2025, according to Eisenberg, but finished 44th in receptions and tied for 34th in receiving yards. Eisenberg said the touchdown total may be hard to repeat at age 33.

For Williams, Eisenberg split the Lions receiver’s season around Sam LaPorta’s back injury: 10.9 PPR points per game with LaPorta and 15.2 without him. With LaPorta, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jahmyr Gibbs all in the mix, he called Williams’ WR25 price too rich.

Metcalf’s case is the bluntest. Eisenberg wrote that the Steelers receiver hit career lows in targets and yards in 2025, now shares work with Michael Pittman and rookie Germie Bernard, and is going as WR33 even though Eisenberg ranks him WR42.

This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.