Lamar Jackson

Lamar Jackson enters the 2026 fantasy season as one of the safest elite quarterback picks again, even after a 2025 campaign that was slowed by injuries and reduced rushing efficiency. The latest preseason reports say Baltimore is being cautious with him, and he will not play in the preseason opener, which is normal for a star quarterback the Ravens want fresh for Week 1.

The biggest reason to stay bullish is the combination of his ceiling and his situation. Jackson is still under contract with Baltimore, the Ravens reworked his deal this offseason to create cap space, and there has been no trade or release situation to worry about. That stability matters in fantasy, because the offense is still built around him and his dual-threat profile can swing weekly matchups even when the passing volume is only good rather than massive.

There are a few reasons for slight caution, though. He missed time last year with injuries, and one report noted he was limited to 12 games in 2025 after a hamstring issue, so durability is part of the conversation entering 2026. Baltimore also has some offensive-line questions after center Danny Pinter went down before the season, which could affect pocket comfort and overall efficiency if the injuries keep piling up.

In drafts, Jackson still profiles as a top-tier QB1 and a player worth targeting if you want a difference-maker without having to spend the absolute earliest quarterback pick. His floor remains strong because of rushing production, and his ceiling is still league-winning if the Ravens stay healthy around him and he gets closer to his usual rushing impact again. If the draft room lets him slip into the QB2 range, that is excellent value; if not, he remains a worthy spend for managers who want elite weekly upside.