Is Bijan Robinson The Real 1.01 In 2026 Fantasy Football Drafts?
Fantasy

Is Bijan Robinson The Real 1.01 In 2026 Fantasy Football Drafts?

Does Bijan Robinson have a better case than Jahmyr Gibbs to be the first pick in your 2026 drafts?

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The offseason-long debate over whether or not it's Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs as the 1.01 in 2026 fantasy football drafts rages on, and Ian Hartitz breaks down the Robinson side as part of his 2026 fantasy football team preview for the Atlanta Falcons.

ATL_falcons-logo.svgDoes Bijan Robinson deserve to be Mr. 1.01 in fantasy drafts?

It's largely a two-man race between Bijan and Jahmyr Gibbs. Credit to Robinson for being anyone's idea of an ultra-talented, three-down workhorse in the middle of his best years–but the difference in overall offensive firepower is what has Fantasy Life rankers leaning Gibbs at the top of drafts. Fantasy Life team projections have the Lions ranked second in offensive touchdowns per game, while the Falcons rank … 21st.

But still: It's certainly possible Robinson f*cks around and finishes as THE overall RB1 in 2026. After all, the man is fresh off racking up a league-high 2,298 total yards, emerging as arguably the position's most lethal receiving threat in addition to his usual goodness as a rusher. Only Christian McCaffrey racked up more PPR points from receiving than Robinson last season, but no RB averaged more yards per route run (1.88).

Still just 24 years young and projected to see the second-most touches in the league, there's little reason to overthink this analysis. Robinson should go no later than 1.02 in fantasy drafts of most shapes and sizes, and it's tough to blame anyone for riding with arguably the best running back alive at 1.01.

Also note: The other B Robinson in Atlanta is capable of handling a big role, but don't get it twisted: We wouldn't just be changing Bijan's name to Brian atop the weekly ranks should the reigning first-team All-Pro be forced out of action. There are far more question marks surrounding Brian's ability to function as an adequate receiver, leaving him as more of a solid "Tier B" handcuff than someone with "FLEX with benefits" upside like Blake Corum or Kyle Monangai. That said: Credit to B-Rob for running HARD in San Fran last season—he led the position in highest percentage of carries to gain at least three yards after contact (53%).

Players Mentioned in this Article

  1. Bijan Robinson
    BijanRobinson
    RBATLATL
    PPG
    19.3
    Proj
    303.7

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