These are our preseason fantasy player rankings. Our positional rankings are updated weekly throughout the NFL season. To get the latest weekly positional rankings, click here
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These are our preseason fantasy player rankings. Our positional rankings are updated weekly throughout the NFL season. To get the latest weekly positional rankings, click here.
Fantasy Football Rankings powered by FantasyPros
Path:
Starting- PPR League
Stafford, Welker, D Alexander, A Morris, T Richardson, Witten, and K Moreno in the flex.
bench-
Kaepernick, Austin, TY Hilton, D Moore, J Gordon, the Jax RB (i forget his name) and C Shorts.
Would u change anything?
thanks
Crusher – Thanks for the question. I would not, go with the lineup you have. Austin is intriguing to me with Bryant limited and Gordon is intriguing to be against the Skins, but I don’t think you can bench Alexander, Welker or one of your backs in the flex spot for him. I’d keep it as is. Good luck.
Derek, I have a fairly solid WR Core (IMO). A.J. Green, Cruz, Antonio Brown and Brandon Lafell. Long term, do you think it’s a good move to pick up Jerome Simpson and drop Lafell. I’d like to pick up Simpson while he is a free agent in my league. I think Simpson plays on a better team and Cam Newton may continue to struggle.
Good, tough question, Todd. Thanks. You bring up a valid point. I still think Lafell has more value than Simpson at this point, and Ponder is connecting well with Kyle Rudolph so far. I think you can take a wait and see approach with Simpson, especially since word out of Minneapolis is he looked out of sync in practice this week. Give him a game or two to shake the rust off and then evaluate your position. You indeed are solid at WR and can afford to make Simpson pass the eye test before you pick him up.
Derek, I just picked up Rashad Jennings in hopes of trading him in my 12 team standard league while he still has fantasy value as jacksonville’s starter. I was wondering what might be a fair trade for him? My friend has already offered me Santonio Holmes, is that a good trade or should I keep Jennings and hope MJD’s holdout lasts long into the regular season?
Thanks for the question. I’m not a fan of Holmes at all this year, the NYJ offense is a mess right now. If Sanchez struggles and Tebow takes over, Holmes will have little to no value. I see Holmes tallying around 50 receptions for 700 yards and five touchdowns this season. Unfortunatley, you are not going to receive a lot for Jennings. While people are scared of MJD they aren’t scared enough to that they are going to give up the world for Jennings. You could try to target a younger player that has more upside than Holmes, such as Raiders WR D. Moore or Jags WR J. Blackmon. You could also try to hold onto Jennings and see if he has a big Week 1 and trade him when his value is a little higher. Holmes is about the right value, I just hate his upside. I think you are taking a player that is guaranteed to be no better than a WR4 and could be worse depending on how that offense does this season.
Derek,
Thanks again for all of your help last season. I dealt with a lot of injuries but won the first pick this year by winning the consolation bracket with some good pickups and good start advice from you… With that being said. I am the first pick this year in a 10 team PPR league. What is the better pick, Rodgers, Rice, or Foster??? If possible can you explain why for me. I am having a hard time but leaning towards Rodgers as he is almost a guaranteed number one at his position and a consistent top performer, then I would have my QB out of the way and I can stack up a bunch of RBs and WRs with potential in the mid rounds. Thanks
KG – Thanks for the question, glad to see you back on the site again this year. Your not going to go wrong with any of those players, I have Rice #1, Foster #3, and Rodgers #5 in my overall PPR rankings. You will be able to build a championship team with each player.
I tend to value the franchise running back over the franchise quarterback, because there are only 32 starting running backs in the NFL, but you have to start at least two of them each week and if you have a flex position you can start three of them. There are only 32 starting quarterbacks, but you have to start only one per week.
Therefore, I would rather have a franchise running back with that first selection over a franchise quarterback, because I think having Rice and Matt Ryan is a better combo than having Rodgers and Frank Gore, which is what you could be looking at if you take a QB in the first round. If Rice is healthy, he is a lock to have 275 rushes, 60 receptions, and 2,000 yards from scrimmage. He should have 10 to 15 touchdowns as well. I’d lean toward Rice, but again, you won’t go wrong with any of those three players.
Derek,
I was just thinking Rodgers because he is a guaranteed elite player who consistently has high point total games with his numerous rushing and passing TDs as well as high yardage totals. The only reason I shy away from RB is because they consistently underperform their projected status… aka Adrian Peterson last season… I was thinking that If I draft a ton of mid range RBs and WRs in the 4th to 14th rounds that I will hit something pretty decent. Im looking at potentially having Sproles as my RB1 at position 20. With potentially Lynch or one of the Jacksons as my RB2. I like your input and your making me think about my decision. I really appreciate your time and input…
I disagree with you rlogic to a certain extent. Peterson missed 4 games with injury last year. Quarterbacks get hurt too, talk to Tom Brady owners back in 2008. Peterson was very productive in the games he played. Furthermore, I think Rice and McCoy exceeded expectations last year, where as VIck and Rivers did not meet them.
Where I do agree with you is that running backs do have more risk, because it is a very violent position and they are more injury prone. I also think Rodgers is the best quarterback in the NFL right now and short of getting hurt, he is a guaranteed Top 5 fantasy QB. He isn’t going to throw 45 touchdowns and 6 interceptions every year, but he will be a top socring fantasy quarterback.
I always tell people to trust their gut. If you are that high on Rodgers, take him wit the first overall pick. You aren’t going to ruin your chances of winning the league with him. I have him as my 4th overall pick, so he is a good value there. It just means you are going to be weaker at running back and will need to do a good job of identifying lesser backs and sleeper backs in the later rounds. Good luck.
Need some help in trimming my team for next year.
Which receivers have more upside short and long term? DHB, Berluson, L. Robinson,manningham, S. Rice, crabtree and boldin? Which would you keep in order?
Same thing with RBs out of Benson, Jacobs,Hillis, Wells and Ben Tate.
Thanks a lot.
Big Frank – Thanks for the question. At running back, Wells has best short term value , because he is the projected starter in Arizona & rushed for over 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns last year. Best long term would be Tate. Could explode this year if Foster gets hurt, could sign as a free agent with another team and could be a star on a new team. Benson and Jacobs are over the hill and will be stuck in committees the rest of their career. Hillis is 26 going on 27, he wouldn’t be as good of a bet to earn a featured role down the road as Tate, who is just turning 24 on 08/21. Hillis projects about the same as Tate this year, provided Charles and Foster both stay healthy.
As for best projected receiver this year, none of them excite me. Boldin or Rice probably best this year, would lean toward Boldin given Rice’s injury history. Hawks signing TO makes me nervous about Rice’s health. Burleson will be phased out by Young in Detroit, he is on the downside of his career. Crabtree and DHB inconsistent, about ready to proclaim busts. Robinson and Manningham have talent, but have weak QB situations. Don’t see Robinson having much impact, would pick Manningham as best bet to be a productive fantasy option if his QB situation upgraded. Could argue same for Crabtree, but I don’t like his work ethic or attitude as well as Manningham. Crabtree strikes me as a player content to be mediocre. Manningham has at least had stretches where he looked like he could be a fantasy star.
In a ppr keeper league and I have till Sunday to choose my 3 keepers. I have narrowed it to 4. Let me know what you think between these 4.
Cowboys Team QB
Andre Johnson
Greg Jennings
Victor Cruz
Thanks!
Bryan – I think you have to go with the Cowboys Team quarterback, Jennings, and Cruz. Romo is 32-years old, but has an excellent core of receivers, tight ends and running backs. He should be a 4,000 yard passer with 30 touchdowns for the next 3-5 seasons. Even if the Cowboys go in a different direction, they have so many young skill position players that a new quarterback would be a good be to do there as well.
Jennings turns 29-years old, which means he should be an elite receiver for at least 3-5 seasons. With Rodgers not even 30-years old, Jennings will play with an elite quarterback for the rest of his carer. Cruz is 25-years old and is solidly situated with Manning for the foreseeable future, although it remains to be seen what happens with him and a new contract.
Johnson has no upside. He is 31-years old and plays in a run first offense. He was injured most of last season and he plays with an injury prone quarterback in Schaub. Best case scenario, he has 2-3 years left as a low end WR1 to high end WR2. Worst case scenario, last year is a sign of injury riddled seasons to come. I think your other guys are young and primed for elite seasons. With those choices, I would let go of Johnson.
I have been reading your work for a few years now and appreciate your insight. Have the 12 spot in both drafts this year and its bothering me so im going forth w/o rodgers this year and given that there is a fair percentage of Detroiters drafting i dont expect stafford to be there either. My thinking has evolved to taking jjones and a top TE with 12 and 13 picks and maybe grabbing ryan early in round 3/4…still not gassed about it though. Thoughts are very welcome. Thanks Jay H
Jay – Thanks for the question, glad you enjoy the site. I saw a mock draft of fantasy writers where Jones went early 3rd round. That was before Thursday night, I think the cat is out of the bag. I think Jones is a very good value @ 12 or 13. I also think Gronk or Graham could be justified there, but you could take another solid receiver like Jennings, Nicks, Green or Fitzgerald and see what TEs makes it to the third round.
I have Ryan as my 6th QB, but not everyone is that high on him. You may be able to grab a back and TE or WR in the 3rd & 4th and see if he makes it to the fifth. How many QBs are off the board will determine if you can get away with that. Hard to gameplan with the 12th pick, you have to adjust to what your other owners are doing. Good luck.
Love the rankings.
Question. I am in a 10 team PPR keeper league and each team must keep a minimum 1 player but can keep as many as 4 players.
I have a choice to keep MJD and Larry Fitzgerald. My question is should I keep both or just one?
We are doing a snake draft. Here are my scenarios:
If I just keep one player then I will get the 9th pick. (really 7th pick in the 2nd round because there are 2 new teams this year without a keeper so those two teams will be the only ones picking in the first round.)
If I keep both of them then I will not get the 15th pick (3rd pick in the 3rd round, due to the 1st round only including the 2 new teams that do not have any keepers.)
Knowing this situation what should I do and who should I keep?
Blake – Thanks for the question, glad you like the rankings. This is a tough one, because I don’t know how long MJD will sit out. He could report next week, he could report in Week 5. Then there is the question of what kind of shape is he in. Look at Chris Johnson last year, he was exoected to be a top running back and finished 16th. He was unplayable the first half of the season. That is a real posibility with MJD and there is also the issue of a hammy injury when he gets back that lingers all season. Lots of red flags there.
The one thing I hate in fantasy football is uncertainty. Nothing is certain in the violent world of the NFL, any players’s season can end on any play. That said, taking players that are in holdouts that are expected to spill into the regular season is never a good thing.
If I were in your shoes, I would keep Fitzgerald and I would not keep MJD. MJD is 27-years old, he probably has only 3 years of prime football left. He has had 299 carries or more the last 3 years, which never helps a back later in his career. If this ends up being a wasted year, he is down to 2 years. This isn’t the same as Johnson where you had to hang on to him because of his young age.
I would use the opportunity to find a yonger back that will be in camp from Day 1. The only way I keep MJD is if all the other backs are being kept and you have no way of getting one of the guys in my Top 15. He just isn’t worth the risk if you can drop him and get another back that is younger and will be playing football in Week 1.
Thanks Derek for the solid advice.
Greatly Appreciated!
Hi again, I have another question on some keepers.
In a dynasty league I need to drop 2 of the following:
Philip Rivers, Michael Vick, Alex Smith or Dwayne Bowe.
Thanks.
Big Frank – Let’s start with the easy one, drop Alex Smith. I see no reason to keep him anyway, doesn’t make sense with the other two quarterbacks you have.
Second, you certainly want to keep Rivers. He is 30-years old and durable, so he should have another 6 years of stellar play. Last year was an off year for him, but he still finished ninth among fantasy quarterbacks in an off year. Durable and great point totals is what you want from your fantasy QB.
That leaves the choice down to Bowe or Vick as the other keeper. You could go either way here. Bowe will eventually report to KC and unless he is out of shape or hurts himslef, he should be around 1,000 yards and 6-8 touchdowns. Furthermore, he is going to be a free agent and I would not expect him back in KC. As a free agent, he would hopefully upgrade his QB situation and he turns 28 years old in September. A new situation could give him excellent value for the next 3-5 seasons.
Your other strategy could be to keep both VIck and Rivers and trade VIck to a team that needs a quarterback upgrade for a wide receiver or running back. My experience is that most people want to get the moon for free in fantasy trades, but you could go that route. If you can’t move Vick, you have two good quarterbacks in case one goes down.
I’d probably lean toward keeping Bowe, because I tend to play things safe in my fantasy league and I don’t think you need a good backup with Rivers. The Vick move has a litttle more risk, but the upsdie is good if you can find someone that is willing to part with a good player for VIck. Good luck.
Dang, Julio was just taken haha
I was sad to see him have that big game, if the cat wasn’t out of the bag it is now.
Alright sounds good, thanks!
Question, I have MJD an cam Newton so far in the draft what should be my next option, position wise? As far as RB, McCoy, rice, Johnson, McFadden, foster are gone. WR- fitzgerald, Megatron, A. Johnson, jordy are gone. TE- gronk, graham are gone. Should I go WR for someone like B Marshall or one or the Best available RB’s or even aaron hernandez? I was thinking of getting WR’s like Antonio brown, Laurent Robinson, decker or Thomas later in the draft.
Thanks,
Matt
Just realized Laurent Robinson isn’t on dallas anymore so scratch him.
I love Julio Jones this year, I could see 1,400 to 1,500 yards and 12-15 touchdowns. I have him ranked #2 in my wide receiver rankings and that was before last nights preseason game.
I was pretty high on Matthews, but he is hurt now and you can’t go with a holdout (MJD)and a guy out 4-6 weeks. Forte could be poised for a big year in Chicago. DeMarco Murray is also solid, but he has an injury history. Brown, Decker, and Thomas are all good for later in the draft, but you need a number one receiver and Jones should be that guy. Good luck.
Glad you liked the site. We will have the rankings organized like this every week during the season, plus a start / sit article and waiver wire advice. We will also be having weekly chats to help you with your lineups. Look forward to seeing you on the site this year.
Nope wasn’t too late! Thanks, that’s who I was leaning toward, too, but it’s hard to just drop someone like that. Thanks for the help and here’s to another successful season with you guys and your new website!
Hey maniax, kinda in a jam. The deadline to drop players in ppr keeper league snuck up on me and now I have to drop 1 of 3 studs before the commish drops them all for me. It’s between adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, or Cam Newton. Kinda desperate for a quick answer but I’ll take what I can get. Thanks!
Hey Bryan, good question, and I hope we gave you your answer in time. If it’s one you have to drop, I’d drop Adrian Peterson to minimize your risk. Our rankings have Cam Newton a possible top 5 QB, and Chris Johnson returning to form. Peterson could possibly miss a few weeks and/or see a decreased workload due to his knee injury, and has only reached 40+ catches once. Johnson however, has been above 40 catches in each of his seasons.
My new favorite site for 3 reasons:
1- Love the rankings, right on line with what I have
2- Able to bypass work filters
3- With a name like lofland, I know you know your stuff…thanks for a great site
Glad to see I have a fan with the same last name that is not my mother or father, lol. Thanks for the positive feedback, glad you enjoy the site.
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Thanks for the positive feedback, glad you enjoy the site.
Hi guys, 1)is Mike Wallace worth keeping this year? It would cost me a 1st round pick to keep him.
2)I could keep AJ Green and Julio Jones as a 10th and 9th rounders.
3)My other options would be Dez Bryant as 2nd rounder and Mike Williams (TBAY) as a 5th.
4)Will Williams be better off with V-Jax receiving double teams this year?
Thanks as usual! Site looks great.
Thanks for the question. How many of these receivers can you keep? Green and Jones are definitely worth 9th and 10th round picks. I would keep them. Wallace as a first round may be a bit high. First, his contract may cause him to hold out of camp. I have him as the eighth receiver, that makes him a late second to early third round pick in a 10 team league.
Unless you can keep 3 or more keepers at any position, he probably is worth dropping, especially if you can keep Bryant with a second. I have Bryant ranked a spot higher than Wallace. Finally, Williams could be better, but isn’t worth holding onto for a fifth round pick. There are rumblings that Preston Parker could push him for a starting job and the Bucs figure to run the ball more this year. I expect them to return to less than 500 pass attempts, which will make it hard for him to put up big numbers with Jackson. Expect the Bucs to be more run oriented this year. Good luck.
B.Marshall andJ.Nelson should be ranked higher,in my opinion
Here’s my thinking on those two players. Nelson had only 68 receptions last year. The Packers spread the ball around with Jennings and Finley the preferred options in the offense. He had a ridiculous 18.6 yards per catch average and scored 15 touchdowns. He had never averaged more than 15.0 yards per catch prior to last year and I think he is going to score way less touchdowns this year. He took advantage of Finley having an off year and Jennings being injured at the end of the season. I see him with the same number of receptions, about 150 yards less receiving and about half those touchdowns. That would put him around 15th.
As for Marshall, you complained about Johnson being light on touchdowns. Other than 2009, Marshall has not had 10 touchdown receptions in a season with his next highest being seven touchdowns. The last time Cutler and Marshall played together he had 104 receptions for 1,265 yards and six touchdowns. He was the 11th ranked fantasy receiver that season. Furthermore, he has never finished higher than ninth in his career.
He’s not consistent and he plays with a quarterback that struggles with consistency. I wouldn’t be surprised if he did better than 13th, he’s a terrific talent and is playing with a quarterback that can throw the ball deep. I just like the work ethic or quarterback situations of the players that I put above him.
I think your ranking of A.Johnson is to high.He has never had double digit touchdowns in any season.Yet year after year someone at my fantasy draft picks him in the 1st or 2nd RD.And year after year somebody is pissed they took him.I wouldnt touch him,if you know whats good for you.
Could be too high, it is hard if last year was a fluke injury season or a sign of things to come. I understand what you are saying about never having double-digit touchdown seasons, but from 2007 to 2010, he tallied 33 touchdowns or an average of 8.3 per season. Those aren’t bad numbers. In 2008 he finished second among receivers, 2009 he finished first, and 2010 he was ninth. Last year was a lost year with injury. He was an elite fantasy receiver from 2008 to 2010.
Last year Marques Colston was the 11th ranked receiver with 80 receptions, 1,143 yards, and eight touchdown receptions. I think if Johnson plays 16 games this year, those are obtainable numbers. If he’s injured, it’s anyones guess how poorly he finishes.
He probably won’t be on any of my teams this year, people are going to jump on him in the third round because of his name. He’s probably a mid fourth to early fifth round selection because of his age and injury concerns.
Please remove J.Jones as your #4 WR.The problem is I dont want anyone else to know how great he is gonna be,so I can get him in the middle rounds of my fantasy draft.Thanks.
Thanks for the comments. Do you want me to move him down to 20th or should I put him at 40th so that no one sees him, lol. There is a changing of the guard in Atlanta and Jones is going to be the centerpiece of that offense this year. He’s been the talk of their OTAs in Atlanta. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution selected Julio Jones as the MVP of the end of June minicamp. He is going to be a great player this year if he stays healthy.