To win in dynasty fantasy football, you need to be grinding every edge. One of the quickest ways to help your team get back on track and increase production is to identify bounce-back players poised to return to relevance after a low point. Whether due to injury, poor play, or changes in the offensive landscape, these players are ready to outperform their current value.
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Don’t Call It a Comeback
Ladd McConkey | Wide Receiver, Chargers
As part of the impressive 2024 wide receiver class, Ladd McConkey produced at a high level as a rookie. The wideout from the University of Georgia finished that season with 15.1 PPR PPG, which was 15th among wide receivers. Additionally, among wide receivers, he was sixth in Yards per Route Run (YPRR) and eighth in Yards per Team Pass Attempt (YPTA). However, in 2025, McConkey struggled to follow up on it. In his sophomore NFL season, McConkey had only 11.3 PPR PPG and finished 57th in YPRR and 38th in Yards per YPTA compared to his rivals.
The presence of Keenan Allen, Quentin Johnston‘s hot start, and a decimated offensive line all contributed to holding McConkey back. 2026 brings reason to believe in the wideout again, though. The offensive line should be healthy, allowing the entire offense to run well. Allen is gone, as well. Most importantly, Mike McDaniel is in as the new offensive coordinator.
McDaniel has a history of running some of the best offenses in the NFL, even without a top quarterback. McDaniel’s presence will give the offense a boost. Also, his offensive scheme tends to rely on multiple tight ends and/or a fullback. This leaves fewer wide receivers on the field, making it easier for McConkey to earn volume and be efficient. Think of how the Rams and Seahawks used Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (respectively) in 2025.
In potential trades, I’m using Garrett Wilson, Emeka Egbuka, or Rome Odunze to tier down to McConkey.
Kyler Murray | Quarterback, Vikings
Kyler Murray was one of the biggest topics of 2025 going into this offseason. Suffering a foot injury in Week 5, Murray didn’t play another game the rest of the season, though he didn’t get placed on the IR until November. Instead, the Cardinals stuck with Jacoby Brissett, and many speculated that Murray’s time in Arizona was done. It didn’t help that Murray averaged only 16.2 PPG and had an Adjusted Yards per Attempt of 5.4.
That speculation proved correct. Shortly into free agency, Murray signed a veteran minimum contract (while still being paid by the Cardinals) with the Vikings. Murray seemed to have multiple suitors, but made the logical choice to sign with Minnesota. The Vikings boast a great set of weapons, and Kevin O’Connell is seen as one of the better offensive head coaches in the league.
#Vikings QB Kyler Murray with some offseason work in purple 🔥
🎥: @K1 pic.twitter.com/YpZuje2TDX
— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) April 10, 2026
Murray is well-positioned to find success again with the Vikings and get his career back on track. Despite the one-year contract, Murray could easily re-sign with the Vikings after a good 2026 season or find a new home to start, so there shouldn’t be any worry about his future.
I’m using other quarterbacks like CJ Stroud, Sam Darnold, or Baker Mayfield to tier down to Murray.
Terry McLaurin | Wide Receiver, Commanders
Coming off a career year in 2024 in which he finished with 15.8 PPR PPG while scoring 14 touchdowns, Terry McLaurin had high expectations heading into 2025. Unfortunately, he started a little slowly after joining training camp late and dealing with injuries, playing in only 10 games. He scored just 11.4 PPR PPG for the season.
Under the hood, though, McLaurin’s advanced metrics still looked good in 2025. He continued to earn high-quality targets, evidenced by finishing 12th in First Read Target Share, 11th in Air Yards Share, and sixth in Red Zone Target Share among wide receivers. He was also efficient on a per-target basis, sitting 13th in YPRR and 16th in YPTA.
With he and quarterback Jayden Daniels back to being healthy in 2026, I’m way in. It doesn’t hurt that new offensive coordinator David Blough made it known right away that he wants McLaurin to have a massive role this season. McLaurin is on the other side at 30, but that means he’s cheaper to buy.
Right now, you can tier down to McLaurin and get another asset using the likes of Michael Wilson, D.J. Moore, and DK Metcalf. I’m happily doing all of those.
David Montgomery | Running Back, Texans
David Montgomery has been a fantasy football stalwart for many years. From being a workhorse in Chicago to being the “Knuckles” to Jahmyr Gibbs‘ “Sonic” in Detroit, Montgomery has remained a contributor. 2025 was a bit different, though. Over the season, Gibbs held a larger part of the backfield than in the past, and Montgomery’s production fell. He finished with only 9.8 PPR PPG, the lowest of his career. This offseason brings hope, as the Texans traded for him to lead their backfield.
Texans RB1 David Montgomery 🔥 pic.twitter.com/nGGcXmhhDz
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) May 6, 2026
Houston was in desperate need of an upgrade at running back. With (since released) Joe Mixon missing with a mysterious foot injury, they relied on satellite back Woody Marks and way-past-his-prime Nick Chubb to lead their backfield. Neither impressed with their opportunities. Montgomery brings a steadying force who can help keep the offense on the field and into the red zone.
The Cincinnati, OH, native is in line for a large role for the Texans in 2026. Marks was miscast in 2025 as a rookie, thanks to the Texans being without a real option on first and second down. He should be used as a pass-catching option. Although Montgomery should still receive a decent target share as well, he’s the better pass blocker of the two. He’s more likely to be on the field in pure passing situations. Montgomery’s value has climbed somewhat this offseason, but he’s still worth acquiring. Use other vets like Javonte Williams or D’Andre Swift to get Montgomery with a draft pick added on.
Jonathon Brooks | Running Back, Panthers
Jonathon Brooks‘ start to his NFL career has been… depressing. He was a highly regarded prospect, but he entered the NFL after a torn ACL, and his recovery took longer than expected. Once he finally started playing, he quickly tore the same ACL again and missed the rest of the 2024 season, as well as all of 2025.
This offseason, however, reports indicate that Brooks is expected to be healthy for 2026, and head coach Dave Canales has expressed his excitement about him. It’s hard to have faith in Brooks staying healthy, but the opportunity is there for him. The Panthers traded up in the second round of 2024’s NFL to draft him despite the injury, so they feel strongly about him. We saw Chuba Hubbard lose his job in 2025 to Rico Dowdle, so it happening again isn’t unreasonable.
Brooks’ value across formats has been steadily climbing through the offseason as it’s become clear that he’ll be healthy, and the Panthers have big plans for him. Even if Brooks doesn’t take the job from Chuba Hubbard, he’ll have a significant role in the backfield that outpaces his current value. You can pivot across positions to acquire Brooks by sending Xavier Worthy or Mike Evans. Another option is a future second-round rookie pick, with a third- or fourth-rounder added to your side.
