(Photo by Erik Daniel Drost)
The meat of free agency has come to an end, and thus it is time to update the 2018 fantasy football rankings.
Quarterbacks:
1. Aaron Rodgers
2. Deshaun Watson
3. Carson Wentz
4. Russell Wilson
5. Cam Newton
6. Tom Brady
7. Matthew Stafford (+1)
8. Tyrod Taylor (PNR)
9. Drew Brees
10. Philip Rivers (+1)
11. Jimmy Garoppolo (-4)
12. Marcus Mariota
Explanation: The top of the rankings stayed the same, but there was some movement at the bottom. The 49ers were unable to sign now-Bears WR Allen Robinson, which leaves them with gaping holes at the WR position. Tyrod Taylor has jumped from PNR (previously not ranked) to #8 overall. With his trade to Cleveland, his fantasy value has skyrocketed (I know that’s not something that’s often said). He has fantastic weapons in Josh Gordon and Jarvis Landry.
Running Backs:
1. Todd Gurley
2. David Johnson
3. Ezekiel Elliott
4. Le’Veon Bell
5. Kareem Hunt
6. Alvin Kamara
7. Leonard Fournette
8. Dalvin Cook
9. Melvin Gordon
10. Jordan Howard
11. Carlos Hyde (PNR)
12. Saquon Barkley
Explanation: Not a lot of movement at the RB position. I did move Carlos Hyde from PNR to #11 overall, as he will be in what should be a high-octane offense. Since there wasn’t a lot of movement here and not a ton to talk about, I’ll spend a moment on a fan favorite: former Patriots RB Dion Lewis. Much to the chagrin of doubters--Tucker Boynton, Ryan “Box Score” Bishop, and others--Dion Lewis proved himself to be an elite running back last season. While I’m not entirely sure why the Titans signed him (they already have Derrick Henry) I still think Lewis has decent fantasy value. He should be listed as an RB2 as of now. I think both Henry and Lewis are in that range. We could have a Devonta Freeman-Tevin Coleman-esque situation here. When it comes to Saquon Barkley, I listed him #12 again because we don’t know where he’s going yet. He’ll vault to the top of the rankings once the draft is over, unless he is drafted by the Browns, where he’ll be in an RBBC with Carlos Hyde
Wide Receivers:
Josh Gordon (+9)
DeAndre Hopkins (-1)
Antonio Brown (-1)
Odell Beckham Jr. (-1)
Davante Adams (+4)
Keenan Allen (-2)
T.Y Hilton (-2)
Julio Jones (-2)
A.J Green (-2)
Mike Evans (-2)
Michael Thomas
Alshon Jeffery
Explanation: Well folks, the Josh Gordon fans out there are going to be vindicated this season. He has a full offseason of preparation, is in insane shape already, has got a relatively decent QB now, and is playing with Jarvis Landry alongside him. Business is booming in the world of Josh Gordon; I must say. As of now, I project that he will be the #1 WR in all of fantasy football next year. Remember that he put up historic numbers in 2013 with Jason Campbell as his QB and no one around him. Now Jarvis Landry and the improved running attack will take some defensive attention away from him, and boy will he perform. Go Josh go. Davante Adams has also seen a healthy boost as the result of Jordy Nelson being cut. That’s a lot of red zone targets gone that will go straight into the hands of Mr. Adams. He’s absolutely a top five receiver right now.
Overall Thoughts:
The overall thoughts remain the same as they were before free agency: go RB-first (unless you can get Josh Gordon), as WRs have shown themselves to be incredibly inconsistent and unreliable as the best player on a fantasy team.
Other Notes:
Donte Moncrief was signed by the Jaguars (and Marqise Lee was re-signed as well), which is a very interesting move. Moncrief is a red zone monster who can thrive in the right system. The Jags lacked a legit red zone option once A-Rob went down last season, and I anticipate solid mid-tier flex value as of now for Mr. Moncrief. Keep your eye on him this year.
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