Shake-ups in Fantasy Football Rankings as Players Rise and Fall
ICARO Media Group
In the world of fantasy football, the rankings are in constant flux, with players rising and falling based on various factors. Recent developments have caused significant changes in the positional rankings, particularly for quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends.
Amongst the quarterbacks, the surge in Kansas City's wide receiver options has led to Patrick Mahomes climbing to the QB2 spot. Meanwhile, rookie quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels have seen their stock rise thanks to the rookie fever surrounding them. Notably, veteran passer Aaron Rodgers has leapfrogged over another veteran pocket passer and tied with a fellow grizzled veteran returning from injury.
Jalen Hurts, while seeing a small increase in his average draft position (ADP), has fallen behind Mahomes in the quarterback rankings. The fall of Dak Prescott can be partially attributed to the contract dispute between the Dallas Cowboys and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. However, with Lamb now signing a long-term contract, Prescott's ranking among quarterbacks remains appropriate. Some fantasy football enthusiasts prefer Jordan Love, who shares the QB9 spot with Prescott, due to Love's stronger array of pass-catching options.
In the running back category, Breece Hall is the only player in the first round to rise in the rankings. Travis Etienne and Isiah Pacheco have also seen their stock rise since August 7. However, potential competition in the form of newly signed running back Samaje Perine for the Kansas City Chiefs may impact Pacheco's opportunities in passing downs and crucial long-down-and-distance situations.
On the flip side, Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin are likely to benefit from Perine's departure from the Denver Broncos. Additionally, Chase Brown and Rico Dowdle have caught the eye and could be key players in the backfield committees of the Cincinnati Bengals and Dallas Cowboys, respectively.
Bijan Robinson's ADP has not changed, but he has fallen behind Breece Hall in the running back rankings. Multiple injuries have affected several players, including Jaylen Warren, Nick Chubb, Jonathon Brooks, and MarShawn Lloyd. While Warren's injury may not sideline him for Week 1, Chubb and Brooks are expected to miss at least four games due to their placements on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) and Non-Football Injury (NFI) lists, respectively.
In the wide receiver position, notable changes have occurred, with Tyreek Hill rising to the top spot as the WR1. Garrett Wilson has also moved up to become the WR7, breaking away from a soon-to-be-faller. Young wide receivers and rookies are well-represented in the rankings, alongside a few veterans who have made upward moves.
CeeDee Lamb's contract dispute has been resolved, making him a popular choice as the WR1. Puka Nacua, a second-year wideout, is practicing and is expected to be available for Week 1, alleviating any concerns about missing out on his talents. Meanwhile, Brandon Aiyuk's contract dispute with the San Francisco 49ers ended with a new agreement, and he remains a strong choice among receivers.
A few veterans have experienced a fall in the wide receiver rankings, with Marquise Brown's ADP dropping due to a multi-week injury. However, his absence is not expected to be extensive, making him a valuable selection at his new ADP.
At tight end, Travis Kelce has regained the top spot in the rankings. While he has a proven connection with Mahomes, his workload may be reduced as the Kansas City Chiefs pursue a third consecutive championship, given the growing talent at the position. As a result, Trey McBride and George Kittle are now part of the elite crop of high-end tight ends, offering more reasonable average draft positions (ADPs) than Kelce.
Taysom Hill's ADP has declined in the overall rankings, while his position among tight ends has improved. This is due to Yahoo's platform awarding him tight end eligibility, benefiting his positional ranking while affecting his overall ADP.
In terms of rookie sensations, Sam LaPorta had an exceptional debut season, though his price remains high. Mark Andrews, considered a top performer when healthy, is appropriately valued among a group of high-upside tight ends. With the San Francisco 49ers' contract extension for Brandon Aiyuk, Kyle Pitts may revert back to his higher position in the rankings. However, caution is advised when considering Cole Kmet, as he faces competition from Gerald Everett in the Chicago Bears' offense.
The ever-changing landscape of fantasy football rankings keeps enthusiasts on their toes, with players' values rising and falling based on a multitude of factors. Keeping an eye on these changes can provide an advantage when it comes to drafting the best team.