Four games into the 2026 NFL season, fantasy football managers are starting to get a better feel for their rosters. We see scheme trends developing that impact player upside and usage (both positively and negatively), which can lead to smarter decisions when setting our weekly lineups.
It's also a reminder that the summer hype -- and talk of breakout players -- doesn't always hit once the games are played. Those players we had up high on our draft boards? Some of them are barely hanging on in the lineup, while there are also players emerging at an accelerated rate who need to be in starting slots.
Below are four ascending players and four more who are trending in the opposite direction heading into the Week 5 slate of games.
Stock rising
Denzel Boston, WR, Cleveland Browns
I'd have Boston locked into my lineup as a high-ceiling WR3/flex given his route deployment and explosive-play potential. Boston has scored 12 or more points in three of four games, with a touchdown reception in two. Plus, he's seeing 5.5 targets per game with a route tree that is expanding.
The deep shots from quarterback Deshaun Watson show up on the tape, as Boston has seen eight targets on throws of 15 or more air yards, but the rookie can also uncover on slants, out routes and comebacks. Looking at his play speed and ball-tracking ability, I see big upside for Boston, with the Jets, Ravens and Titans up next.
Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, San Francisco 49ers