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Fantasy Football Rankings Week 17

Frank AmmiranteSenior Sports Writer
@FAmmiranteTFJ
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2023

We’re on to Week 17 of the NFL season, so it’s time to make our fantasy football lineup decisions. Remember to consider where you drafted each player, head-to-head matchup, and recent performance when choosing your Start/Sit players.

Every fantasy football week, I’ll rank 35 quarterbacks, 60 running backs, 75 wide receivers, 32 tight ends, 32 defenses, and 20 kickers. There will also be a top-150 FLEX ranking available. Injured players are denoted with “INJ."

The focus here is on half-point (0.5) per reception formats with one starting quarterback, as noted by the league settings below. I am currently 30th in the FantasyPros Expert Accuracy Contest, finishing in the top six in Weeks 5, 6, and 14.

Fantasy Football Rankings 2022: League Settings

  • Lineup: 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 Flex (RB/WR/TE ), 1 K, 1 DST
  • Standard 0.5 PPR Scoring
    • 1 point per 10 Rushing/Receiving Yards
    • 4 points per passing TD
    • -1 point per Interception
    • 6 points per Rushing/Receiving TD

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QB Rankings for Week 17 Fantasy Football

PRkQuarterbackTMPOSOPPTier
1Josh AllenBUFQB@ CIN1
2Justin FieldsCHIQB@ DET1
3Patrick Mahomes IIKCQBvs DEN1
4Joe BurrowCINQBvs BUF2
5Jared GoffDETQBvs CHI2
6Dak PrescottDALQB@ TEN2
7Gardner Minshew IIPHIQBvs NO3
8Kirk CousinsMINQB@ GB3
9Daniel JonesNYGQBvs IND3
10Justin HerbertLACQBvs LAR3
11Trevor LawrenceJACQB@ HOU3
12Russell WilsonDENQB@ KC4
13Aaron RodgersGBQBvs MIN4
14Brock PurdySFQB@ LV4
15Mike WhiteNYJQB@ SEA4
16Deshaun WatsonCLEQB@ WAS4
17Tom BradyTBQBvs CAR4
18Geno SmithSEAQBvs NYJ4
19Carson WentzWASQBvs CLE5
20Teddy BridgewaterMIAQB@ NE5
21Mac JonesNEQBvs MIA5
22Sam DarnoldCARQB@ TB5
23Baker MayfieldLARQB@ LAC5
24Desmond RidderATLQBvs ARI5
25Tyler HuntleyBALQBvs PIT5
26Davis MillsHOUQBvs JAC5
27Nick FolesINDQB@ NYG5
28Kenny PickettPITQB@ BAL5
29Andy DaltonNOQB@ PHI5
30Jarrett StidhamLVQBvs SF5
31David BloughARIQB@ ATL5
32Joshua DobbsTENQBvs DAL5
33Taylor HeinickeWASQBvs CLE5
34Jacoby BrissettCLEQB@ WAS5
35Trace McSorleyARIQB@ ATL5

Jared Goff is an elite fantasy option in a projected shootout at home. Goff has thrown 20 of his 26 touchdowns in the friendly confines of Ford Field this season.

Aaron Rodgers has a good matchup at home against a vulnerable Vikings pass defense, but he’s failed to hit 15 fantasy points in four straight games, so temper your expectations.

Geno Smith has fallen off lately, with two consecutive finishes outside the top 12 in fantasy. It’s hard to trust him against a tough Jets pass defense.

RB Rankings for Week 17 Fantasy Football

PRkRunning BackTMPOSOPPTier
1Saquon BarkleyNYGRBvs IND1
2Dalvin CookMINRB@ GB1
3Austin EkelerLACRBvs LAR1
4Christian McCaffreySFRB@ LV2
5Joe MixonCINRBvs BUF2
6Rhamondre StevensonNERBvs MIA2
7James ConnerARIRB@ ATL2
8Nick ChubbCLERB@ WAS2
9David MontgomeryCHIRB@ DET2
10Cam AkersLARRB@ LAC2
11Ezekiel ElliottDALRB@ TEN2
12Brian Robinson Jr.WASRBvs CLE2
13Leonard FournetteTBRBvs CAR2
14AJ DillonGBRBvs MIN3
15Travis Etienne Jr.JACRB@ HOU3
16Tyler AllgeierATLRBvs ARI3
17Miles SandersPHIRBvs NO3
18Alvin KamaraNORB@ PHI3
19Kenneth Walker IIISEARBvs NYJ3
20Josh JacobsLVRBvs SF3
21Aaron JonesGBRBvs MIN3
22Najee HarrisPITRB@ BAL3
23Jerick McKinnonKCRBvs DEN3
24J.K. DobbinsBALRBvs PIT3
25D'Andre SwiftDETRBvs CHI3
26Devin SingletaryBUFRB@ CIN3
27D'Onta ForemanCARRB@ TB3
28Zonovan KnightNYJRB@ SEA4
29Jamaal WilliamsDETRBvs CHI4
30Isiah PachecoKCRBvs DEN4
31Rachaad WhiteTBRBvs CAR4
32Zack MossINDRB@ NYG4
33Hassan HaskinsTENRBvs DAL4
34Raheem MostertMIARB@ NE4
35Latavius MurrayDENRB@ KC4
36James CookBUFRB@ CIN4
37Jeff Wilson Jr.MIARB@ NE4
38Gus EdwardsBALRBvs PIT4
39Michael CarterNYJRB@ SEA4
40Chuba HubbardCARRB@ TB4
41Cordarrelle PattersonATLRBvs ARI4
42Joshua KelleyLACRBvs LAR5
43Samaje PerineCINRBvs BUF5
44Khalil HerbertCHIRB@ DET5
45Deon JacksonINDRB@ NYG5
46Kareem HuntCLERB@ WAS5
47Kenneth GainwellPHIRBvs NO5
48JaMycal HastyJACRB@ HOU5
49Malik DavisDALRB@ TEN5
50Jaylen WarrenPITRB@ BAL5
51Royce FreemanHOURBvs JAC5
52Marlon MackDENRB@ KC5
53Alexander MattisonMINRB@ GB5
54Tyrion Davis-PriceSFRB@ LV5
55Dare OgunbowaleHOURBvs JAC5
56Kyren WilliamsLARRB@ LAC5
57Rex BurkheadHOURBvs JAC5
58Jordan MasonSFRB@ LV5
59Chase EdmondsDENRB@ KC5
60David JohnsonNORB@ PHI5

Saquon Barkley has seen increased usage in the passing game lately, totaling 18 targets in his last two games. He’s the top running back on the slate in a favorable game script against the Colts.

It’s wheels up for Brian Robinson this week. Not only does he face the Browns defense (30th in Rush DVOA), but Antonio Gibson has been ruled out, so expect a heavy workload.

Tyler Allgeier is now firmly in the circle of trust as a rock-solid RB2. He’s had an impressive rookie season, averaging 4.9 yards per carry. The Cardinals rank 27th in Rush DVOA.

WR Rankings for Week 17 Fantasy Football

PRkWide ReceiverTMPOSOPPTier
1Justin JeffersonMINWR@ GB1
2Amon-Ra St. BrownDETWRvs CHI1
3Stefon DiggsBUFWR@ CIN1
4Ja'Marr ChaseCINWRvs BUF1
5Tyreek HillMIAWR@ NE1
6Keenan AllenLACWRvs LAR2
7Chris GodwinTBWRvs CAR2
8A.J. BrownPHIWRvs NO2
9CeeDee LambDALWR@ TEN2
10Tee HigginsCINWRvs BUF2
11DeVonta SmithPHIWRvs NO2
12Jaylen WaddleMIAWR@ NE2
13Davante AdamsLVWRvs SF2
14DK MetcalfSEAWRvs NYJ3
15Garrett WilsonNYJWR@ SEA3
16Drake LondonATLWRvs ARI3
17Jahan DotsonWASWRvs CLE3
18Amari CooperCLEWR@ WAS3
19JuJu Smith-SchusterKCWRvs DEN3
20DJ Chark Jr.DETWRvs CHI3
21Jerry JeudyDENWR@ KC3
22Mike WilliamsLACWRvs LAR3
23Mike EvansTBWRvs CAR3
24DJ MooreCARWR@ TB3
25Terry McLaurinWASWRvs CLE3
26Allen LazardGBWRvs MIN3
27Christian KirkJACWR@ HOU3
28Brandon AiyukSFWR@ LV3
29Gabe DavisBUFWR@ CIN3
30Chris OlaveNOWR@ PHI3
31Courtland SuttonDENWR@ KC3
32Jakobi MeyersNEWRvs MIA3
33Diontae JohnsonPITWR@ BAL3
34Michael Pittman Jr.INDWR@ NYG3
35Brandin CooksHOUWRvs JAC4
36Tyler LockettSEAWRvs NYJ4
37Curtis SamuelWASWRvs CLE4
38Zay JonesJACWR@ HOU4
39Donovan Peoples-JonesCLEWR@ WAS4
40George PickensPITWR@ BAL4
41Marquise BrownARIWR@ ATL4
42Romeo DoubsGBWRvs MIN4
43Michael GallupDALWR@ TEN4
44Adam ThielenMINWR@ GB4
45Isaiah HodginsNYGWRvs IND4
46Darius SlaytonNYGWRvs IND4
47Joshua PalmerLACWRvs LAR4
48Rashid ShaheedNOWR@ PHI4
49Russell GageTBWRvs CAR4
50Greg DortchARIWR@ ATL4
51Richie James Jr.NYGWRvs IND4
52Kendrick BourneNEWRvs MIA4
53K.J. OsbornMINWR@ GB4
54Marquez Valdes-ScantlingKCWRvs DEN4
55Van JeffersonLARWR@ LAC4
56Tyler BoydCINWRvs BUF4
57Chris MooreHOUWRvs JAC5
58Elijah MooreNYJWR@ SEA5
59Kadarius ToneyKCWRvs DEN5
60Christian WatsonGBWRvs MIN5
61Treylon BurksTENWRvs DAL5
62Alec PierceINDWR@ NYG5
63Mack HollinsLVWRvs SF5
64Parris CampbellINDWR@ NYG5
65Tutu AtwellLARWR@ LAC5
66Terrace Marshall Jr.CARWR@ TB5
67Isaiah McKenzieBUFWR@ CIN5
68Hunter RenfrowLVWRvs SF5
69Corey DavisNYJWR@ SEA5
70Noah BrownDALWR@ TEN5
71Jauan JenningsSFWR@ LV5
72Jameson WilliamsDETWRvs CHI5
73Marvin Jones Jr.JACWR@ HOU5
74Demarcus RobinsonBALWRvs PIT5
75Demarcus RobinsonBALWRvs PIT5

This sets up as a good opportunity for Amon-Ra St. Brown to hit his ceiling. The last time he faced the Bears, he went off for 10 catches and 119 yards.

DeVonta Smith has been a consistent producer over the last four games, culminating in a huge performance against the Cowboys, where he went off for eight catches, 113 yards, and two touchdowns. He’s a top-12 option this week.

Look out for Jahan Dotson, who has come alive in recent weeks, posting a 23.76% target share while averaging over 18 fantasy points per game. We can fire him up as a Top-20 wideout.

TE Rankings for Week 17 Fantasy Football

PRkTight EndTMPOSOPPTier
1Travis KelceKCTEvs DEN1
2George KittleSFTE@ LV2
3T.J. HockensonMINTE@ GB2
4Mark AndrewsBALTEvs PIT2
5Dallas GoedertPHITEvs NO3
6Evan EngramJACTE@ HOU3
7Dawson KnoxBUFTE@ CIN3
8Darren WallerLVTEvs SF3
9Dalton SchultzDALTE@ TEN3
10Tyler HigbeeLARTE@ LAC3
11David NjokuCLETE@ WAS4
12Pat FreiermuthPITTE@ BAL4
13Cole KmetCHITE@ DET4
14Taysom HillNOTE@ PHI4
15Noah FantSEATEvs NYJ4
16Gerald EverettLACTEvs LAR4
17Juwan JohnsonNOTE@ PHI4
18Daniel BellingerNYGTEvs IND4
19Logan ThomasWASTEvs CLE4
20Tyler ConklinNYJTE@ SEA5
21Jordan AkinsHOUTEvs JAC5
22Cade OttonTBTEvs CAR5
23Hayden HurstCINTEvs BUF5
24Chigoziem OkonkwoTENTEvs DAL5
25Robert TonyanGBTEvs MIN5
26Hunter HenryNETEvs MIA5
27Trey McBrideARITE@ ATL5
28Jelani WoodsINDTE@ NYG5
29Mike GesickiMIATE@ NE5
30Shane ZylstraDETTEvs CHI5
31Austin HooperTENTEvs DAL5
32Foster MoreauLVTEvs SF5

George Kittle has been a league-winner at tight end this season, combining for 213 yards and four touchdowns in his last two games. He has cemented his position as the overall TE2.

Dawson Knox has caught fire lately, combining for 177 yards and three touchdowns in his last three games. You can safely start him as a top-7 tight end in this spot.

Tyler Higbee came out of nowhere for nine catches, 94 yards, and two touchdowns last week. He’s now found the end zone in consecutive games, making him a viable top-10 option.

Flex Rankings for Week 17 Fantasy Football

PRkFLEXTMPOSOPPTier
1Saquon BarkleyNYGRBvs IND1
2Justin JeffersonMINWR@ GB1
3Dalvin CookMINRB@ GB1
4Amon-Ra St. BrownDETWRvs CHI1
5Austin EkelerLACRBvs LAR1
6Christian McCaffreySFRB@ LV1
7Joe MixonCINRBvs BUF1
8Stefon DiggsBUFWR@ CIN1
9Ja'Marr ChaseCINWRvs BUF1
10Rhamondre StevensonNERBvs MIA1
11Tyreek HillMIAWR@ NE1
12James ConnerARIRB@ ATL1
13Nick ChubbCLERB@ WAS1
14David MontgomeryCHIRB@ DET1
15Cam AkersLARRB@ LAC1
16Travis KelceKCTEvs DEN1
17Ezekiel ElliottDALRB@ TEN1
18Keenan AllenLACWRvs LAR1
19Brian Robinson Jr.WASRBvs CLE1
20Chris GodwinTBWRvs CAR1
21Leonard FournetteTBRBvs CAR1
22A.J. BrownPHIWRvs NO1
23CeeDee LambDALWR@ TEN1
24Tee HigginsCINWRvs BUF1
25AJ DillonGBRBvs MIN1
26Travis Etienne Jr.JACRB@ HOU2
27Tyler AllgeierATLRBvs ARI2
28Miles SandersPHIRBvs NO2
29DeVonta SmithPHIWRvs NO2
30Alvin KamaraNORB@ PHI2
31Kenneth Walker IIISEARBvs NYJ2
32Jaylen WaddleMIAWR@ NE2
33Josh JacobsLVRBvs SF2
34Davante AdamsLVWRvs SF2
35DK MetcalfSEAWRvs NYJ2
36Garrett WilsonNYJWR@ SEA2
37Drake LondonATLWRvs ARI2
38Jahan DotsonWASWRvs CLE2
39Amari CooperCLEWR@ WAS2
40Aaron JonesGBRBvs MIN2
41JuJu Smith-SchusterKCWRvs DEN2
42DJ Chark Jr.DETWRvs CHI2
43Najee HarrisPITRB@ BAL3
44Jerick McKinnonKCRBvs DEN3
45Jerry JeudyDENWR@ KC3
46Mike WilliamsLACWRvs LAR3
47Mike EvansTBWRvs CAR3
48DJ MooreCARWR@ TB3
49J.K. DobbinsBALRBvs PIT3
50Terry McLaurinWASWRvs CLE3
51D'Andre SwiftDETRBvs CHI3
52Allen LazardGBWRvs MIN3
53Devin SingletaryBUFRB@ CIN3
54Christian KirkJACWR@ HOU3
55George KittleSFTE@ LV3
56Brandon AiyukSFWR@ LV3
57D'Onta ForemanCARRB@ TB3
58Gabe DavisBUFWR@ CIN3
59Chris OlaveNOWR@ PHI3
60T.J. HockensonMINTE@ GB3
61Courtland SuttonDENWR@ KC3
62Zonovan KnightNYJRB@ SEA3
63Jamaal WilliamsDETRBvs CHI3
64Jakobi MeyersNEWRvs MIA4
65Mark AndrewsBALTEvs PIT4
66Diontae JohnsonPITWR@ BAL4
67Michael Pittman Jr.INDWR@ NYG4
68Brandin CooksHOUWRvs JAC4
69Isiah PachecoKCRBvs DEN4
70Tyler LockettSEAWRvs NYJ4
71Curtis SamuelWASWRvs CLE4
72Rachaad WhiteTBRBvs CAR4
73Zack MossINDRB@ NYG4
74Zay JonesJACWR@ HOU4
75Dallas GoedertPHITEvs NO4
76Donovan Peoples-JonesCLEWR@ WAS4
77Evan EngramJACTE@ HOU4
78George PickensPITWR@ BAL4
79Dawson KnoxBUFTE@ CIN4
80Marquise BrownARIWR@ ATL4
81Darren WallerLVTEvs SF4
82Romeo DoubsGBWRvs MIN4
83Michael GallupDALWR@ TEN4
84Hassan HaskinsTENRBvs DAL4
85Dalton SchultzDALTE@ TEN4
86Tyler HigbeeLARTE@ LAC4
87Raheem MostertMIARB@ NE4
88Adam ThielenMINWR@ GB4
89Isaiah HodginsNYGWRvs IND4
90David NjokuCLETE@ WAS4
91Darius SlaytonNYGWRvs IND4
92Latavius MurrayDENRB@ KC4
93Joshua PalmerLACWRvs LAR5
94Rashid ShaheedNOWR@ PHI5
95James CookBUFRB@ CIN5
96Pat FreiermuthPITTE@ BAL5
97Jeff Wilson Jr.MIARB@ NE5
98Russell GageTBWRvs CAR5
99Greg DortchARIWR@ ATL5
100Richie James Jr.NYGWRvs IND5
101Cole KmetCHITE@ DET5
102Taysom HillNOTE@ PHI5
103Kendrick BourneNEWRvs MIA5
104K.J. OsbornMINWR@ GB5
105Gus EdwardsBALRBvs PIT5
106Marquez Valdes-ScantlingKCWRvs DEN5
107Van JeffersonLARWR@ LAC5
108Tyler BoydCINWRvs BUF5
109Noah FantSEATEvs NYJ5
110Chris MooreHOUWRvs JAC5
111Elijah MooreNYJWR@ SEA5
112Gerald EverettLACTEvs LAR5
113Kadarius ToneyKCWRvs DEN5
114Christian WatsonGBWRvs MIN5
115Michael CarterNYJRB@ SEA5
116Treylon BurksTENWRvs DAL5
117Chuba HubbardCARRB@ TB5
118Alec PierceINDWR@ NYG5
119Juwan JohnsonNOTE@ PHI5
120Cordarrelle PattersonATLRBvs ARI5
121Joshua KelleyLACRBvs LAR5
122Mack HollinsLVWRvs SF5
123Daniel BellingerNYGTEvs IND5
124Parris CampbellINDWR@ NYG5
125Tutu AtwellLARWR@ LAC5
126Terrace Marshall Jr.CARWR@ TB5
127Isaiah McKenzieBUFWR@ CIN5
128Samaje PerineCINRBvs BUF5
129Logan ThomasWASTEvs CLE5
130Khalil HerbertCHIRB@ DET5
131Deon JacksonINDRB@ NYG5
132Kareem HuntCLERB@ WAS5
133Hunter RenfrowLVWRvs SF5
134Corey DavisNYJWR@ SEA5
135Noah BrownDALWR@ TEN5
136Jauan JenningsSFWR@ LV5
137Kenneth GainwellPHIRBvs NO5
138JaMycal HastyJACRB@ HOU5
139Tyler ConklinNYJTE@ SEA5
140Jordan AkinsHOUTEvs JAC5
141Malik DavisDALRB@ TEN5
142Jaylen WarrenPITRB@ BAL5
143Cade OttonTBTEvs CAR5
144Royce FreemanHOURBvs JAC5
145Hayden HurstCINTEvs BUF5
146Chigoziem OkonkwoTENTEvs DAL5
147Robert TonyanGBTEvs MIN5
148Marlon MackDENRB@ KC5
149Alexander MattisonMINRB@ GB5
150Hunter HenryNETEvs MIA5

Garrett Wilson is back in play as a top-24 option with Mike White returning from injury. He had a dud last week with Zach Wilson, but the nine targets were encouraging.

Leonard Fournette has resumed control of this Bucs’ backfield, out-touching Rachaad White 29-to-11 last week. Fire him up in the Top-12.

Drake London has been a target hog since Kyle Pitts has been out, posting a 34.29% target share. We can project London to finish off his rookie year strong against the Cardinals.

K Rankings for Week 17 Fantasy Football

PRkKickerTMPOSOPPTier
1Harrison ButkerKCKvs DEN1
2Brett MaherDALK@ TEN1
3Michael BadgleyDETKvs CHI1
4Justin TuckerBALKvs PIT2
5Tyler BassBUFK@ CIN2
6Graham GanoNYGKvs IND2
7Nick FolkNEKvs MIA2
8Ryan SuccopTBKvs CAR3
9Evan McPhersonCINKvs BUF3
10Cameron DickerLACKvs LAR3
11Robbie GouldSFK@ LV3
12Daniel CarlsonLVKvs SF4
13Greg JosephMINK@ GB4
14Jason SandersMIAK@ NE4
15Jason MyersSEAKvs NYJ4
16Chase McLaughlinINDK@ NYG5
17Greg ZuerleinNYJK@ SEA5
18Jake ElliottPHIKvs NO5
19Riley PattersonJACK@ HOU5
20Younghoe KooATLKvs ARI5

I love the spot for Melvin Badgley here, as the Lions have a high implied total in an indoor environment. Make sure to pick him up if he’s on your waiver wire.

D/ST Rankings for Week 17 Fantasy Football

PRkDefenseTMPOSOPPTier
1San Francisco 49ersSFDST@ LV1
2Dallas CowboysDALDST@ TEN1
3Tampa Bay BuccaneersTBDSTvs CAR1
4Baltimore RavensBALDSTvs PIT2
5Philadelphia EaglesPHIDSTvs NO2
6Kansas City ChiefsKCDSTvs DEN2
7New England PatriotsNEDSTvs MIA2
8New York GiantsNYGDSTvs IND2
9Los Angeles ChargersLACDSTvs LAR2
10Jacksonville JaguarsJACDST@ HOU2
11New York JetsNYJDST@ SEA2
12Buffalo BillsBUFDST@ CIN3
13Washington CommandersWASDSTvs CLE3
14Cleveland BrownsCLEDST@ WAS3
15Detroit LionsDETDSTvs CHI3
16Cincinnati BengalsCINDSTvs BUF3
17Pittsburgh SteelersPITDST@ BAL3
18Carolina PanthersCARDST@ TB3
19Atlanta FalconsATLDSTvs ARI3
20Los Angeles RamsLARDST@ LAC4
21Miami DolphinsMIADST@ NE4
22Arizona CardinalsARIDST@ ATL4
23Denver BroncosDENDST@ KC4
24Seattle SeahawksSEADSTvs NYJ4
25Indianapolis ColtsINDDST@ NYG4
26Minnesota VikingsMINDST@ GB5
27New Orleans SaintsNODST@ PHI5
28Green Bay PackersGBDSTvs MIN5
29Houston TexansHOUDSTvs JAC5
30Tennessee TitansTENDSTvs DAL5
31Las Vegas RaidersLVDSTvs SF5
32Chicago BearsCHIDST@ DET5

Look out for the Jets defense this week. The Seahawks’ offense has struggled lately. I don’t see them getting back on track against one of the more formidable units in the NFL.


How to Set Your Fantasy Lineup with Rankings

Start with Positional Ranks

Start with my positional ranks to guide you in your dilemma between two players. This lets you see where they stand among others at the same position. From there, check to see where I rank them on FLEX rankings.

Remember, tight ends are ranked lower at FLEX because that removes the positional advantage. Tight ends are the most scarce position in fantasy football, so if you’re playing them at FLEX, that takes away a significant portion of their value.

Consider the Game Script

After consulting the rankings, you want to consider the projected game scripts. Check the spread and implied totals for each team. If you’re torn on two players, who are ranked similarly here, start the player on the team projected to score more points.

You may also check the pace of play for each team. Teams that play faster will have more opportunities to pad their stats. While this factor is baked into the ranks, it’s still good to check when torn between two players.

Use the Stack as a Tiebreaker

If you’re debating between two wide receivers, but one is tied to your quarterback, always select that one. This raises your weekly upside because the two players have a strong correlation, which means that their fantasy production aligns with each other.

For example, if I’m debating between Amari Cooper and Brandon Aiyuk at my FLEX spot, but I have Jimmy Garoppolo as my quarterback, I may consider going with Aiyuk, even though he’s ranked lower than Cooper. This is because if Garoppolo is playing well, there’s a good chance that Aiyuk joins in on the fun.

Best DFS Sites Where You Can Use Fantasy Football Rankings

Two of the best sites to play DFS are FanDuel and OwnersBox. The former has several large-field tournaments where you can hit a big payout, while the latter has innovative features, like a SuperFlex format. This is a feature that sets OwnersBox apart from the competition.

When using the rankings, be sure to consider your lineup construction. You want your lineup to have a stack (quarterback plus two teammates) along with a “bring-back," which is when you add in an opposing player.

An example of this can be Russell Wilson with Melvin Gordon and Courtland Sutton. I could bring it back with DK Metcalf as an opposing pass-catcher. Always consider your lineup construction in conjunction with my rankings.


Preseason Fantasy Football Rankings Introduction

With the start of the 2022 NFL season drawing near, The Game Day assembled its host of fantasy football experts — Scott Engel, Frank Ammirante, and Anthony Cervino — to bring you the top players to draft this upcoming season.

Preseason Fantasy Football Rankings 2022

  • Rk: Player Rank
  • SE: Scott Engel
  • FA: Frank Ammirante
  • AC: Anthony Cervino
  • Ovr Rk: Overall Consensus Rank Average

Fantasy Football Rankings 2022 Preseason

RKPlayerPOSTMBYESEFAACAVG RK
1Jonathan TaylorRBIND141322
2Christian McCaffreyRBCAR136213
3Justin JeffersonWRMIN73163.3
4Austin EkelerRBLAC82734
5Ja'Marr ChaseWRCIN1044116.3
6Cooper KuppWRLAR755106.7
7Dalvin CookRBMIN77946.7
8D'Andre SwiftRBDET6111079.3
9Saquon BarkleyRBNYG917659.3
10Joe MixonRBCIN101015811
11Stefon DiggsWRBUF71381411.7
12Alvin KamaraRBNO148141512.3
13Derrick HenryRBTEN69111812.7
14Travis KelceTEKC81613912.7
15Davante AdamsWRLV612161313.7
16Najee HarrisRBPIT914181214.7
17Leonard FournetteRBTB1115171616
18CeeDee LambWRDAL920122017.3
19Mark AndrewsTEBAL1023191920.3
20Aaron JonesRBGB1427202122.7
21Tyreek HillWRMIA1124282325
22Deebo SamuelWRSF919233425.3
23Keenan AllenWRLAC828311725.3
24A.J. BrownWRPHI722223325.7
25Kyle PittsTEATL1426213025.7
26Mike EvansWRTB1125302225.7
27Nick ChubbRBCLE918322725.7
28Tee HigginsWRCIN1029242425.7
29Travis Etienne Jr.RBJAC1121293127
30Michael Pittman Jr.WRIND1432262828.7
31Javonte WilliamsRBDEN931273230
32Ezekiel ElliottRBDAL935402533.3
33Diontae JohnsonWRPIT938372633.7
34Courtland SuttonWRDEN933343734.7
35DJ MooreWRCAR1339254235.3
36Josh AllenQBBUF734383636
37James ConnerRBARI1330413836.3
38Mike WilliamsWRLAC840364339.7
39Allen Robinson IIWRLAR736335340.7
40Jaylen WaddleWRMIA1148462941
41Justin HerbertQBLAC846484044.7
42George KittleTESF943505248.3
43Marquise BrownWRARI1366354649
44DK MetcalfWRSEA1149425749.3
45Lamar JacksonQBBAL1060474550.7
46Gabriel DavisWRBUF741585451
47Breece HallRBNYJ1070454152
48Amon-Ra St. BrownWRDET667434752.3
49David MontgomeryRBCHI1444694452.3
50Brandin CooksWRHOU657633953
51JuJu Smith-SchusterWRKC859445853.7
52Patrick MahomesQBKC847645053.7
53Terry McLaurinWRWAS1463395953.7
54Darren WallerTELV652595154
55AJ DillonRBGB1455555655.3
56Cam AkersRBLAR751704856.3
57Chase EdmondsRBMIA1145616456.7
58Elijah MitchellRBSF942666256.7
59Dameon PierceRBHOU637657358.3
60Kyler MurrayQBARI1353546958.7
61J.K. DobbinsRBBAL1072713559.3
62Jerry JeudyWRDEN950627562.3
63Darnell MooneyWRCHI1456676562.7
64Jalen HurtsQBPHI758537863
65Joe BurrowQBCIN1069526863
66Josh JacobsRBLV668686065.3
67Antonio GibsonRBWAS1461894966.3
68Rashaad PennyRBSEA1154579167.3
69Dalton SchultzTEDAL962766768.3
70Rashod BatemanWRBAL1096496369.3
71Kareem HuntRBCLE975795569.7
72Dallas GoedertTEPHI765747170
73Elijah MooreWRNYJ1090517772.7
74Amari CooperWRCLE985776676
75Drake LondonWRATL1464868076.7
76Rhamondre StevensonRBNE1082787076.7
77Adam ThielenWRMIN780757677
78Michael ThomasWRNO14103567277
79Clyde Edwards-HelaireRBKC876887479.3
80Russell WilsonQBDEN971818779.7
81Cordarrelle PattersonRBATL1474918282.3
82T.J. HockensonTEDET673858982.3
83Chris GodwinWRTB11109836184.3
84Dak PrescottQBDAL989828585.3
85Miles SandersRBPHI786908185.7
86Tom BradyQBTB11781017986
87Brandon AiyukWRSF9956010586.7
88DeVonta SmithWRPHI791729786.7
89Devin SingletaryRBBUF787998490
90Hunter RenfrowWRLV681979691.3
91Christian KirkWRJAC11987310692.3
92Tony PollardRBDAL9110848392.3
93Damien HarrisRBNE10771138892.7
94DeAndre HopkinsWRARI1397949896.3
95Zach ErtzTEARI13841129396.3
96Chris OlaveWRNO14928711397.3
97Tyler LockettWRSEA11939810398
98Allen LazardWRGB14941188699.3
99Michael CarterRBNYJ108812690101.3
100Trey LanceQBSF910080124101.3
101Matthew StaffordQBLAR710510299102
102Treylon BurksWRTEN610795107103
103Derek CarrQBLV679116119104.7
104Aaron RodgersQBGB1499117100105.3
105Melvin Gordon IIIRBDEN911910692105.7
106Kadarius ToneyWRNYG912093109107.3
107Pat FreiermuthTEPIT9114111102109
108Dawson KnoxTEBUF783148104111.7
109James CookRBBUF714110594113.3
110Skyy MooreWRKC812396121113.3
111Kirk CousinsQBMIN7127115101114.3
112Darrell Henderson Jr.RBLAR7129100116115
113George PickensWRPIT9113103129115
114Robert WoodsWRTEN6102134110115.3
115Ken Walker IIIRBSEA11104125120116.3
116Kenneth GainwellRBPHI7111127115117.7
117Jakobi MeyersWRNE10126119111118.7
118Julio JonesWRTB11125109123119
119Garrett WilsonWRNYJ10136104118119.3
120Nyheim HinesRBIND14139108114120.3
121Chase ClaypoolWRPIT914892130123.3
122Isiah PachecoRBKC8106137127123.3
123DJ Chark Jr.WRDET6118124136126
124Rondale MooreWRARI13108121152127
125James RobinsonRBJAC11112154117127.7
126Russell GageWRTB11150122112128
127Cole KmetTECHI14101146140129
128Alexander MattisonRBMIN7130129132130.3
129DeVante ParkerWRNE10137130134133.7
130Mike GesickiTEMIA1113517495134.7
131Khalil HerbertRBCHI14142128138136
132Raheem MostertRBMIA11144135131136.7
133Brian Robinson Jr.RBWAS14121145147137.7
134Irv Smith Jr.TEMIN7131149141140.3
135J.D. McKissicRBWAS14154159108140.3
136Tua TagovailoaQBMIA11128170125141
137Jalen TolbertWRDAL9122153149141.3
138Marquez Valdes-ScantlingWRKC8124160145143
139Rachaad WhiteRBTB11184107139143.3
140Trevor LawrenceQBJAC11156114160143.3
141Albert OkwuegbunamTEDEN9152139142144.3
142David NjokuTECLE9167138135146.7
143Hunter HenryTENE10143171128147.3
144Justin FieldsQBCHI14134140168147.3
145Tyler AllgeierRBATL14153136154147.7
146Zamir WhiteRBLV6140142162148
147Nico CollinsWRHOU6116131205150.7
148Evan EngramTEJAC11145147165152.3
149Matt RyanQBIND14151180126152.3
150Tyrion Davis-PriceRBSF9147143174154.7
151Romeo DoubsWRGB14115110244156.3
152Austin HooperTETEN6146172153157
153Jarvis LandryWRNO14206133133157.3
154Jahan DotsonWRWAS14149123206159.3
155Christian WatsonWRGB14132169186162.3
156Alec PierceWRIND14117165208163.3
157Tyler BoydWRCIN10252120122164.7
158Buffalo BillsDSTBUF7168177155166.7
159Jamaal WilliamsRBDET6195144161166.7
160Jameson WilliamsWRDET6176175151167.3
161Joshua PalmerWRLAC8159132212167.7
162Michael GallupWRDAL9161205137167.7
163Jameis WinstonQBNO14133194178168.3
164Tampa Bay BuccaneersDSTTB11173176159169.3
165Mecole HardmanWRKC8183185148172
166Jared GoffQBDET6162196172176.7
167Noah FantTESEA11155212167178
168Justin TuckerKBAL10170197175180.7
169Tyler HigbeeTELAR7164213166181
170Mac JonesQBNE10166179202182.3
171Sony MichelRBMIA11219156177184
172Los Angeles RamsDSTLAR7174183200185.7
173Tyler BassKBUF7178199181186
174Indianapolis ColtsDSTIND14196193170186.3
175K.J. OsbornWRMIN7202152210188
176Wan'Dale RobinsonWRNYG9160163243188.7
177Evan McPhersonKCIN10179198191189.3
178New England PatriotsDSTNE10186220164190
179Ryan TannehillQBTEN6194215163190.7
180Dallas CowboysDSTDAL9207211156191.3
181Isaiah McKenzieWRBUF7239141195191.7
182Hayden HurstTECIN10163223190192
183Matt GayKLAR7175218184192.3
184Jeff Wilson Jr.RBSF9157209217194.3
185Robbie AndersonWRCAR13191204188194.3
186Kenny GolladayWRNYG9256182146194.7
187Mike DavisRBBAL10138166280194.7
188Samaje PerineRBCIN10210183196.5
189San Francisco 49ersDSTSF9199222169196.7
190Denver BroncosDSTDEN9181231180197.3
191Corey DavisWRNYJ10281162150197.7
192Daniel CarlsonKLV6172219204198.3
193Gerald EverettTELAC8282173144199.7
194New Orleans SaintsDSTNO14216217171201.3
195Mark Ingram IIRBNO14203207199203
196Jamison CrowderWRBUF7255184173204
197David BellWRCLE9254164196204.7
198Los Angeles ChargersDSTLAC8177230213206.7
199D'Onta ForemanRBCAR13208188227207.7
200Zach WilsonQBNYJ10169261193207.7
201Donovan Peoples-JonesWRCLE9213192220208.3
202Logan ThomasTEWAS14180263182208.3
203Isaiah SpillerRBLAC8307178143209.3
204KJ HamlerWRDEN9293151185209.7
205Van JeffersonWRLAR7267161203210.3
206Boston ScottRBPHI7198203235212
207Jerick McKinnonRBKC8225168245212.7
208Harrison ButkerKKC8200200239213
209Curtis SamuelWRWAS14248150242213.3
210Robert TonyanTEGB14218252179216.3
211Olamide ZaccheausWRATL14217217
212Ryan SuccopKTB11197241215217.7
213Green Bay PackersDSTGB14214221219218
214Miami DolphinsDSTMIA11205242207218
215Kansas City ChiefsDSTKC8229225201218.3
216Marvin Jones Jr.WRJAC11273190194219
217Jason SandersKMIA11210227221219.3
218D'Ernest JohnsonRBCLE9306155198219.7
219Kenyan DrakeRBFA224158277219.7
220Mo Alie-CoxTEIND14189224246219.7
221Zay JonesWRJAC11233186240219.7
222Nick FolkKNE10182256228222
223Matt PraterKARI13185264218222.3
224Darrel WilliamsRBARI13310201157222.7
225Philadelphia EaglesDSTPHI7220226230225.3
226Brett MaherKDAL9226226
227Daniel JonesQBNYG9243181254226
228Brandon McManusKDEN9201229251227
229Myles GaskinRBMIA11265189227
230Deshaun WatsonQBCLE9237250197228
231Dustin HopkinsKLAC8192240252228
232Ameer AbdullahRBLV6246167274229
233Pittsburgh SteelersDSTPIT9227249211229
234Davis MillsQBHOU6212236241229.7
235Dontrell HilliardRBTEN6190187316231
236Baltimore RavensDSTBAL10230216248231.3
237Parris CampbellWRIND14258191247232
238Ronald Jones IIRBKC8315208176233
239Rodrigo BlankenshipKIND14223228249233.3
240Chuba HubbardRBCAR13215248238233.7
241Baker MayfieldQBCAR13165267275235.7
242Gus EdwardsRBBAL10308246158237.3
243Will Fuller VWRFA251226238.5
244Arizona CardinalsDSTARI13235257225239
245Greg JosephKMIN7187239292239.3
246Wil LutzKNO14211255253239.7
247Cincinnati BengalsDSTCIN10240232250240.7
248Sterling ShepardWRNYG9298238187241
249Velus Jones Jr.WRCHI14158275293242
250Odell Beckham Jr.WRFA262223242.5
251Tyler ConklinTENYJ10188299243.5
252Cleveland BrownsDSTCLE9228269234243.7
253Eno BenjaminRBARI13261157313243.7
254Cairo SantosKCHI14245245
255Robbie GouldKSF9209303224245.3
256Kendrick BourneWRNE10279214246.5
257Jake ElliottKPHI7193268281247.3
258Rex BurkheadRBHOU6251237257248.3
259Adam TrautmanTENO14263236249.5
260Zack MossRBBUF7305189256250
261Nick Westbrook-IkhineWRTEN6231306216251
262Randall CobbWRGB14271231251
263Cameron BrateTETB11171302282251.7
264Damien WilliamsRBATL14291277192253.3
265Brevin JordanTEHOU6318234209253.7
266Marcus MariotaQBATL14234195332253.7
267Isaiah LikelyTEBAL10295235232254
268Mason CrosbyKGB14222254288254.7
269Terrace Marshall Jr.WRCAR13221317229255.7
270Tennessee TitansDSTTEN6260245266257
271Marlon MackRBFA6259259
272Bryan EdwardsWRATL14247260271259.3
273Nelson AgholorWRNE10204276298259.3
274Younghoe KooKATL14232273276260.3
275Greg ZuerleinKNYJ10269288233263.3
276Justin JacksonRBDET6264264
277Carson WentzQBWAS14259214320264.3
278Laviska Shenault Jr.WRJAC11283292222265.7
279Chris EvansRBCIN10270233296266.3
280Sammy WatkinsWRGB14271258270266.3
281Jaylen WarrenRBPIT9266206328266.7
282Pierre Strong Jr.RBNE10298237267.5
283A.J. GreenWRARI13272266265267.7
284Minnesota VikingsDSTMIN7249278279268.7
285Kyle RudolphTETB11238318255270.3
286Quez WatkinsWRPHI7280261270.5
287Washington CommandersDSTWAS14253253314273.3
288Carolina PanthersDSTCAR13275270278274.3
289C.J. UzomahTENYJ10286272267275
290Ka'imi FairbairnKHOU6244309276.5
291Jonnu SmithTENE10278300258278.7
292Matt BreidaRBNYG9274274289279
293Kyle PhilipsWRTEN6281281
294Danny GrayWRSF9241322281.5
295Hassan HaskinsRBTEN6317202327282
296Trey SermonRBSF9297291259282.3
297Jordan MasonRBSF9283283
298Ty JohnsonRBNYJ10283283
299Chicago BearsDSTCHI14250293307283.3
300Chris BoswellKPIT9268296287283.7
301Josh ReynoldsWRDET6285285
302Ty ChandlerRBMIN7285285
303Tre'Quan SmithWRNO14286286
304Tyquan ThorntonWRNE10242299317286
305Braxton BerriosWRNYJ10304269286.5
306Mitch TrubiskyQBPIT9265311284286.7
307Randy BullockKTEN6236320308288
308Devin DuvernayWRBAL10303295268288.7
309Ty MontgomeryRBNE10312282272288.7
310Trey McBrideTEARI13287291289
311Cedrick Wilson Jr.WRMIA11319286263289.3
312Greg DulcichTEDEN9287289294290
313Dan ArnoldTEJAC11322294260292
314Daniel BellingerTENYG9314290273292.3
315Snoop ConnerRBJAC11309247321292.3
316Austin SeibertKDET6284302293
317Seattle SeahawksDSTSEA11257329293
318Travis HomerRBSEA11302284293
319Marquez CallawayWRNO14327262294.5
320Byron PringleWRCHI14280314290294.7
321Darius SlaytonWRNYG9295295
322Joshua KelleyRBLAC8299243347296.3
323Kyren WilliamsRBLAR7244349296.5
324Graham GanoKNYG9262305326297.7
325Joey SlyeKWAS14300300
326Cade YorkKCLE9292309300.5
327New York GiantsDSTNYG9264315323300.7
328DeeJay DallasRBSEA11301301
329Jalen GuytonWRLAC8301301
330New York JetsDSTNYJ10285318301.5
331Houston TexansDSTHOU6303303
332Drew LockQBSEA11304304
333Quintez CephusWRDET6304304
334Dyami BrownWRWAS14306306
335Donald Parham Jr.TELAC8294319306.5
336Jalen ReagorWRPHI7316297306.5
337Sam HowellQBWAS14290323306.5
338Khalil ShakirWRBUF7308308
339Geno SmithQBSEA11277312336308.3
340Jason MyersKSEA11279325324309.3
341Giovani BernardRBTB11310310
342Gary BrightwellRBNYG9311311
343Jauan JenningsWRSF9311311
344Darrynton EvansRBCHI14312312
345Kenny PickettQBPIT9276307353312
346O.J. HowardTEHOU6313313
347Tyler BadieRBBAL10313313
348Las Vegas RaidersDSTLV6296301346314.3
349Jimmy GaroppoloQBSF9289310348315.7
350Jerome FordRBCLE9297335316
351Amari RodgersWRGB14319315317
352Foster MoreauTELV6329305317
353Jacoby BrissettQBCLE9288326351321.7
354Ke'Shawn VaughnRBTB11322322
355James WashingtonWRDAL9324324
356Desmond RidderQBATL14323328325.5
357Keaontay IngramRBARI13321330325.5
358Atlanta FalconsDSTATL14326326
359Tyrod TaylorQBNYG9327327
360Jacksonville JaguarsDSTJAC11325316341327.3
361Jelani WoodsTEIND14330325327.5
362Taylor HeinickeQBWAS14328328
363Gardner Minshew IIQBPHI7329329
364Tommy TrembleTECAR13320338329
365Kyle AllenQBHOU6330330
366Harrison BryantTECLE9333333
367John BatesTEWAS14321345333
368Trestan EbnerRBCHI14334334
369Chase McLaughlinKFA337337
370Teddy BridgewaterQBMIA11324352338
371Josh LamboKFA339339
372Kylen GransonTEIND14340340
373Detroit LionsDSTDET6342342
374Juwan JohnsonTENO14343343
375Cade OttonTETB11344344
376Salvon AhmedRBMIA11350350
377Malik WillisQBTEN6354354

Fantasy Football Rankings 2022 Preseason: Analysis

Quarterbacks

SE: Expect Jalen Hurts to move into the top 5 this season because of his rushing production and a receiving group that has become a strong point with A.J. Brown joining Dallas Goedert and DeVonta Smith. Russell Wilson may be allowed to “cook" more, but he has always been more about efficiency than volume. If you nab one of the top 12 QBs in your seasonal draft there should be a good level of comfort with the starting choice.

Aaron Rodgers’ WR corps may seem depleted, but he can overcome it. Trey Lance is raw for real NFL purposes, but the fantasy upside is apparent and he has pass-catchers who can do a lot of the work for him. Derek Carr could be a value play with the arrival of Davante Adams.

For standard league and superflex/two-QB purposes, the position is deep as we annually expect. Ideally, in superflex and two-QB leagues, you will at least want a guy in the No. 15 to 24 range as your second starter.

FA: Josh Allen is the class of this group, while Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers look headed for disappointing seasons following the losses of Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams.

Russell Wilson should see a resurgent season with a stacked supporting cast in Denver, a la Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles last year. Jalen Hurts can join the elite tier of quarterbacks due to his rushing upside and newly-acquired alpha wideout A.J. Brown.

Look for Joe Burrow to build off a dominant finish to last season, while Trey Lance could make a serious impact due to his dual-threat ability. Deshaun Watson is suspended for the first 11 games of the year, so you can avoid him in all formats.

AC: I don’t think I have ever seen so much depth at the quarterback position in fantasy football. If you are playing in a standard 12-team league, there are at least 13-14 players that would qualify as weekly starters.

And while I can make a case for at least five guys to end the season as the overall QB1, the next two tiers have enough pop to get your team to the fantasy championship with the right roster build to back it up.

Running Backs

SE: After the top two of Jonathan Taylor and Austin Ekeler are off the board, you may have durability questions about Derrick Henry, Dalvin Cook, and Christian McCaffrey, so it would be understandable to pivot to a WR in the first round over them.

Nick Chubb can still be a major factor in a reworked offense, as he gets regular TD chances and sees more open running room. Saquon Barkley and Ezekiel Elliott have a lot to prove this season, but can still be high-end RB2 types.

Javonte Williams won’t reach his full potential with Melvin Gordon still in the picture, and he will be unreliable for fantasy purposes. With more time this offseason to recover from last year’s Achilles injury, Cam Akers might exceed tempered initial expectations, even if he starts slowly.

When Rashaad Penny is healthy, the Seattle backfield will be unpredictable, but if he misses any time, Ken Walker III may deliver some outstanding performances when he returns. Miles Sanders is who he is, a RB that is not dependable and doesn’t score enough. Don’t expect a sudden breakout season.

FA: Christian McCaffrey is back to being overall RB1 because he has an unmatched ceiling. You have to like the quarterback upgrade with Baker Mayfield, whose skillset fits nicely in this offense. CMC is healthy right now, making him the top option at this position.

Saquon Barkley is headed for a monster year. Not only is he healthy, but the Giants got a coaching upgrade while also bolstering the offensive line. A.J. Dillon has standalone value as an RB2 with massive upside if Aaron Jones misses time. Rashaad Penny can build off last year’s strong finish if he can finally stay healthy.

Leonard Fournette was used as the bellcow down the stretch last season. He had a massive role as a pass-catcher that I see continuing this year. D’Andre Swift looks poised to take his production to the next level in an improved offense. Travis Etienne and Breece Hall are intriguing upside plays in the 3rd and 4th rounds.

AC: We are beginning to see a shift at the top of the running back position. Christian McCaffrey is no longer the de facto RB1 and Ezekiel Elliott isn’t even in the conversation. While there are some regulars still filling out the RB1 tier, players like Najee Harris and D’Andre Swift are names you should expect to see there for years to come.

Overall, the running back position does appear deep, but there is a sure-fire drop-off outside the top 30. Once you get past the top 30, you will find a mix of high upside timeshare players and handcuffs with some standalone value who will need the stars to align in their favor to max out their potential.

Wide Receivers

SE: Even if Cooper Kupp’s numbers from 2022 fall off, he still should outperform anyone else at the position and is worthy of a top-3 overall pick. Any one of the top WRs should function as a terrific No. 1 fantasy WR. Deebo Samuel creates a lot of his own yardage after the catch, so don’t expect him to disappoint even with the switch from Jimmy Garoppolo to Lance.

CeeDee Lamb should emerge as a true No. 1 fantasy WR this season. Ju-Ju Smith Schuster will be the No. 1 WR for Patrick Mahomes and will show he is still a very productive wideout. Gabriel Davis is in the ideal situation to have a big breakout year as a No. 2 fantasy WR.

Marquise Brown may be overmatched as a No. 1 WR for Arizona when DeAndre Hopkins is out and will be relegated to a lesser role when he returns. Allen Lazard could surprise everyone, because the Packers have cleared the way for him to operate as a top target for Rodgers. The Jaguars overpaid for Christian Kirk, who gets a QB downgrade, and he has not shown he can be a dependable fantasy performer.

FA: Justin Jefferson could play the Cooper Kupp role in new head coach and former Rams’ offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Allen Robinson and JuJu Smith-Schuster look headed for bounce-back seasons after joining two elite offenses.

Michael Pittman Jr. looks poised to take the next step with Matt Ryan at quarterback. A.J. Brown is going to feast in that Eagles offense. D.J. Moore may finally take off with Mayfield at quarterback.

Rookies Treylon Burks and Drake London have strong landing spots with clear paths to sizeable target shares. Who will emerge as the top target in Denver? My bet is on Courtland Sutton, but Jerry Jeudy is in play as well.

AC: This year’s top 24 wide receivers look very much the same as they did last year, only in a different order at the top due to quarterback and situational downgrades for notable names like Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill.

And while the fate of A.J. Brown’s ceiling lies in the hands of a Jalen Hurts third-year leap as well as his health, Marquise Brown is the one I am gushing over. Brown’s ceiling with Kyler Murray and the Cardinals is through the roof. He is one of the biggest values in the early rounds. Overall, there are a ton of ceiling and stability plays in a position group that goes roughly 70 deep.

Tight Ends

SE: Those who draft either Mark Andrews or Travis Kelce have the obvious advantage at the thinnest position in fantasy football, so it’s worth taking either of them in earlier rounds and addressing other positions thereafter. Kyle Pitts still has to prove he can be in that sort of elite company, and he has a shaky QB situation.

Pat Freiermuth came through with an impressive rookie campaign, but the uncertain shift at QB prevents him from being ranked higher than 12th. Cole Kmet could be headed for a breakthrough season as a top target in the Chicago passing game. Austin Hooper can re-emerge as a key guy for Ryan Tannehill on important passing downs.

A healthy Irv Smith Jr. could be one of the top value plays at tight end this season.

FA: Travis Kelce has a chance to see even more targets with Tyreek Hill now in Miami. Kyle Pitts is a generational prospect and could see a huge leap in his sophomore season.

George Kittle has produced at a high level each year of his career other than his rookie season – expect more of the same. Darren Waller has more target competition now with Davante Adams in town.

Dallas Goedert has the talent to take off in an improved offense this year. Dalton Schultz has a good opportunity for volume, but he’s being a bit overdrafted right now. Keep an eye on Evan Engram, who could see a resurgence in Doug Pederson’s offense.

AC: Year after year, the tight end position tricks us in fantasy football. On paper, tight end appears to be deep. However, after the top three or four players are off the board, we find our usual significant drop-off. Last year, only 21.7 points separated the TE5 and the TE12. Then, 30.5 points separated the TE13 and the TE20.

You can safely punt the position if you aren’t trying to build your team around one of the top dogs. Sure, you can chase ceiling in the middling rounds of your draft with high upside plays like Mike Gesicki, but you can make the case that both Evan Engram and David Njoku bring similar upside to the table. They are both free compared to the price point you will pay for Gesicki.


Kickers

SE: Many fantasy players don’t invest much thought in drafting kickers, but it is smart to know who the actual best performers are rather than just drafting off a cheat sheet or taking the kickers from the most prolific offenses.

Daniel Carlson was the top kicker in fantasy football last season, and he went undrafted in most leagues. That is because most fantasy players didn’t think much of the Raiders offense overall. But the best kickers often do not work in tune with the highest-scoring offenses.

Mason Crosby will often get drafted as a top-10 kicker because he plays in an Aaron Rodgers-led offense, but he has consistently not placed in the top 12 by the end of the season. Quarterback and offensive changes will also impact kicker outlooks every season, so we take that into account with our rankings.

FA: The usual suspects headline the kicking game, with stalwarts like Justin Tucker and Tyler Bass. They’ll be in terrific offenses, set up nicely to rack up field goals for your fantasy teams.

Harrison Butker could be more active than usual with the Chiefs projected to be worse on offense, as they may have to settle for more field goals this year.

Look out for Dustin Hopkins as a low-key pick, kicking for a Chargers offense that should continue to improve in Year 3 under Justin Herbert.

AC: If you want to draft a kicker early, my advice is don’t. Sure, you will get stability with Justin Tucker, but you can stream the waiver wire until you find the hot hands (or foots) of 2022. I like to attach myself to a kicker on an above-average offense that lives on the opponent’s side of the field.

Outside of Tucker, Tyler Bass, and Daniel Carlson, this position is a rat race. We don’t know who the Cowboys kicker is yet, but we do know they will be a top-end offense. Right now, their kicker is projected to be Jonathan Garibay. I don’t know who he is either, but he will likely be available late in drafts and have a similar ceiling as the top 5 kickers.

Defense/Special Teams

SE: We have ranked defenses in terms of their overall outlook for the season, but that does not necessarily mean you should draft them in such a manner. The most active position on waivers throughout the season is defense.

You are going to be using different defensive units every week for the most part, and it starts right from the season opener. It is better to draft a defense that has the best early-season matchups, or the best season-opening matchup.

Most fantasy players don’t draft defenses with early-season or Week 1 matchups in mind. Putting that sort of thought process behind drafting a defense for its Week 1 or good early-season matchups will give you an advantage over the rest of your opponents.

FA: The key with defenses is to try to play matchup, focusing on teams favored by higher point spreads. The teams best equipped to have these types of games are the ones in weak divisions, like the Colts and Buccaneers.

The Rams remain in play as a strong fantasy defense because of Aaron Donald. The Bills showed tremendous improvements last year and we can likely expect more of the same this time around.

Look for the Ravens to get back on track this season, while the Colts should remain as one of the top units as well.

AC: Similar to kicker, D/ST varies outside of the top 3, and even that is murky from year-to-year. This is another position you should be streaming and not risking paying up for a top-ranked unit that will more than likely take a step back in favor of a new hot hand.

Did anyone see the Cowboys finishing as the No. 1 fantasy DST last season? Nope. And guess what, they were projected to be one of the worst defenses in the NFL. If you are looking for stability, it’s the Patriots, Saints, and Steelers for me.

Author

Frank Ammirante

Frank Ammirante is a Senior Sports Writer at The Game Day. Previously, he wrote for 4for4 Football and RotoBaller. Frank is a member of the Fantasy Sports Writer's Association while maintaining an active presence within the community. He has competed in industry contests like the Scott Fish Bowl, The Great Fantasy Baseball Invitational, and more. Frank will be making his debut in Tout Wars this year. He's got a diverse sporting background, but specializes in football and baseball.

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