Photo: Dale Zanine, USA Today Sports
Rankings are a moving target during the preseason. Here's a snapshot of where we are heading into Week 4 of the preseason:
1 | LeVeon Bell | RB | PIT | Gold Standard |
2 | Rob Gronkowski | TE | NE | Gold Standard |
3 | Adrian Peterson | RB | MIN | What can he do in good O? I'll go down with this ship. |
4 | Jamaal Charles | RB | KC | Still playing at HoF level |
5 | Eddie Lacy | RB | GB | Not quite as lethal GB leads to more Lacy game scripts |
6 | Antonio Brown | WR | PIT | Gold Standard |
7 | Julio Jones | WR | ATL | Might break single season reception record |
8 | Dez Bryant | WR | DAL | Will hit ground running vs NYG. More balanced DAL O = good |
9 | Marshawn Lynch | WR | SEA | Little worried about that OL and FJax formidable 3rd down back |
10 | C.J. Anderson | RB | DEN | #2 RB potential, limited track record |
11 | Demaryius Thomas | WR | DEN | No Julius, but DEN O will slow down |
12 | Calvin Johnson | WR | DET | Still a badass but worry about injury pattern |
13 | Odell Beckham | WR | NYG | Small risk of regression if complements step up and Ds frustrate him |
14 | Matt Forte | RB | CHI | Wish he was on another team |
15 | Randall Cobb | WR | GB | Shoulder doesn't worry me |
16 | A.J. Green | WR | CIN | Dalton keeps him out of elite tier |
17 | Jeremy Hill | RB | CIN | Dalton keeps him out of elite tier |
18 | Frank Gore | RB | IND | Grinds the gears of Father Time |
19 | Lamar Miller | RB | MIA | Breakout year imminent |
20 | Mark Ingram | RB | NO | Finally gets to be featured |
21 | Brandin Cooks | WR | NO | Late riser as NO offense looks well-oiled |
22 | Andrew Luck | QB | IND | Worth a first in leagues where top 15 QBs gone by 7th-8th |
23 | Justin Forsett | RB | BAL | Limited track record, but set up for huge catch totals |
24 | Demarco Murray | RB | PHI | Efficiency will be good, usage frustrating |
25 | T.Y. Hilton | WR | IND | Don't love the early concussion, but still Luck's #1 |
26 | Andre Ellington | RB | ARI | Iupati can't return soon enough. Will do damage as receiver. |
27 | Mike Evans | WR | TB | Hamstring kept him from getting momentum, but sky high ceiling |
28 | DeAndre Hopkins | WR | HOU | Wish he had a different QB |
29 | Alshon Jeffery | WR | CHI | Calf issue makes him feel risky, but played thru stuff last year |
30 | Jordan Matthews | WR | PHI | Slot role limits ceiling, but high season and weekly floor |
31 | Jarvis Landry | WR | MIA | Arrow pointing up up up |
32 | LeSean McCoy | RB | BUF | Not even sure I'd take him here, but value is there on paper |
33 | Jimmy Graham | TE | SEA | Spends a lot of time on injury report, wait a little later for Kelce |
34 | Aaron Rodgers | QB | GB | Nelson loss is a real hit to value |
35 | Ameer Abdullah | RB | GB | 4th rd luxury pick. Chance to take control early |
36 | Arian Foster | RB | HOU | 4th rd luxury pick. Drafting him for second half of year and playoffs |
37 | Travis Kelce | TE | KC | 4th rd luxury pick. Gronk-esque upside |
38 | Davante Adams | WR | GB | 4th rd luxury pick. Bet on Rodgers and Adams play to tighten up |
39 | Amari Cooper | WR | OAK | Carr locking in on him could equal 100+ receptions |
40 | John Brown | WR | ARI | Arrow pointing up up up but Palmer injury risk looms |
41 | Andre Johnson | WR | IND | Can put up good numbers with Luck even if he's slowing down |
42 | Jeremy Maclin | WR | KC | Chiefs doing great job of moving him around to get open target |
43 | Vincent Jackson | WR | TB | Winston looking for him a lot so far |
44 | Keenan Allen | WR | SD | Stevie Johnson emerge takes shine off of him in 5th |
45 | Mike Wallace | WR | MIN | Seemed be in tune with Teddy on deep ball. Trending up |
46 | Emmanuel Sanders | WR | DEN | Finally back in practice, but numbers coming down by own admission |
47 | Golden Tate | WR | DET | Could do a lot more if Calvin gets hurt again |
48 | Julian Edelman | WR | NE | Preseason injury not comforting |
49 | Martavis Bryant | WR | PIT | Risky but absolute beast in PS wk 3 and in perfect offense |
50 | Greg Olsen | TE | CAR | Might threaten 100 catches with ragtag WR group |
51 | CJ Spiller | RB | NO | Nothing positive on recovery yet a few negative murmurs |
52 | Allen Robinson | WR | JAX | Bortles looked good, but Robinson had some dropsies this week |
53 | Jonathan Stewart | RB | CAR | Love the talent, but offense will be stuck in neutral |
54 | Chris Ivory | RB | NYJ | Fast riser, injury risk, but underrated talent |
55 | Doug Martin | RB | TB | Still a two-down RB on bad team with poor OL |
56 | T.J. Yeldon | RB | JAX | Shoelace won't be completely evicted, limiting upside |
57 | Sammy Watkins | WR | BUF | Hard to invest in Bills passing game |
58 | Nelson Agholor | WR | PHI | Might require a little patience but best playmaker in PHI O |
59 | Todd Gurley | RB | STL | When will he be full speed? And it's still Rams offense |
60 | Danny Woodhead | RB | SD | Co-RB1 with Gordon and more valuable in PPR |
61 | DeSean Jackson | WR | WAS | QB change doesn't hurt, could even help |
62 | Charles Johnson | WR | MIN | Good QB and talent, worth WR4 spot |
63 | Brandon Marshall | WR | NYJ | Not sure he'll be worth more than Decker |
64 | Larry Fitzgerald | WR | ARI | On same page with Palmer, but in autumn of career |
65 | Eric Decker | WR | NYJ | Underrated value in dunk dunk offense |
66 | Steve Smith | WR | BAL | Looks ready to carry BAL passing game early |
67 | Steve Johnson | WR | SD | Ready made for Rivers. Could lead team in catches |
68 | Russell Wilson | QB | SEA | OL will force him to run more, but keep passing game limited |
69 | Drew Brees | QB | NO | Return to form in preseason |
70 | Ben Roethlisberger | QB | PIT | Trending towards QB3 before Pouncey injury, Bryant suspension |
71 | Melvin Gordon | RB | SD | Sharing with Woodhead. Started to come around in preseason wk 3 |
72 | Latavius Murray | RB | OAK | Two backs on losing teams hard to make priority target |
73 | Rashad Jennings | RB | NYG | Looked like lead back in PS wk 3, but durability issues |
74 | Carlos Hyde | RB | SF | Ascendant talent, terrible team |
75 | Alfred Morris | RB | WAS | Matt Jones breathing down his neck |
76 | Duke Johnson | RB | CLE | Injury-riddled preseason, but CLE OL is premium |
77 | Isaiah Crowell | RB | CLE | Didn't seize job but still best inside runner on roster |
78 | Roddy White | WR | ATL | Bad feeling about this year, but productive role in theory |
79 | Marques Colston | WR | NO | Production may be inconsistent, but season long upside there |
80 | Tony Romo | QB | DAL | More balance = good for Romo |
81 | Tom Brady | QB | NE | Suspension might be shortened |
82 | Shane Vereen | RB | NYG | Might set career high in receptions |
83 | Darren Sproles | RB | PHI | Role in passing game set to grow |
84 | Ryan Mathews | RB | PHI | Could be flex play, season maker if Murray goes down (if he doesn't) |
85 | Peyton Manning | QB | DEN | Offense and quarterback slowing down |
86 | Jordan Cameron | TE | MIA | Talent to be higher on this list, but what about targets? |
87 | Torrey Smith | WR | SF | Love the talent, hate the offense |
88 | Michael Floyd | WR | ARI | Trending towards WR3 in this offense but tremendous talent |
89 | Kyle Rudolph | TE | MIN | Durability issues over the years, but set up to outproduce ADP |
90 | Philip Rivers | QB | SD | Was top end QB1 first half of 2014 |
91 | LeGarrette Blount | RB | NE |
Gray release clears way |
92 | Giovani Bernard | RB | CIN | Hard to see value without Hill injury or Bengals struggles |
93 | Ryan Tannehill | QB | MIA | Breakout year potential |
94 | Sam Bradford | QB | PHI | Mid QB1 potential, but big health risk |
95 | Dwayne Allen | TE | IND | Durability issues over the years, but high red zone efficiency |
96 | DeVante Parker | WR | MIA | Delayed impact could be explosive |
97 | Christine Michael | RB | DAL | Its now or never |
98 | Tevin Coleman | RB | ATL | Falcons OL looks dreadful, but at least Coleman on field |
99 | Martellus Bennett | TE | CHI | High floor/low ceiling, but WR injuries give early season upside |
100 | Anquan Boldin | WR | SF | Has something left in tank, but hate the offense |
101 | Rueben Randle | WR | NYG | Opportunity there with Cruz injury, but knee issues himself |
102 | Joseph Randle | RB | DAL | Blind swing for early value, easy to cut and move on |
103 | Joique Bell | RB | DET | Might be solid RB2, might be nothing, should know early |
104 | Markus Wheaton | WR | PIT | Chance to hit early with Bryant suspended |
105 | Kendall Wright | WR | TEN | Low Ceiling/Decent PPR floor weekly |
106 | Pierre Garcon | WR | WAS | Some bounceback possible but arrow pointing down |
107 | Eddie Royal | WR | CHI | CHI version of KWright |
108 | Matt Ryan | QB | ATL | Offensive line and lack of targets are worries |
109 | Eli Manning | QB | NYG | Still hard to trust as every week FF starter |
110 | Tyler Eifert | TE | CIN | Talent to be higher on this list, but what about targets? |
111 | Donte Moncrief | WR | IND | Share of IND passing game worth stashing on bench |
112 | Phillip Dorsett | WR | IND | Share of IND passing game worth stashing on bench |
113 | Kenny Stills | WR | MIA | Limited role to begin season but I believe in his talent |
114 | Terrance Williams | WR | DAL | Boom/bust weekly play but more pass volume could decrease risk |
115 | Zach Zenner | RB | DET | Jackpot if Bell isn't right, move on but keep his number if Bell is ok |
116 | David Johnson | RB | ARI | Building momentum, worthy handcuff to Ellington |
117 | Khiry Robinson | RB | NO | Might have decent sized role to open season. We know he can play |
118 | Dion Lewis | RB | NE | Chance to impress, earn role wk 1 vs PIT |
119 | Matthew Stafford | QB | DET | Surrounded by targets, but we've believed before |
120 | Cam Newton | QB | CAR | Has so little help |
121 | Danny Amendola | WR | NE | Big role to start season and maybe as long as he can stay healthy |
122 | Devonta Freeman | RB | ATL | Hamstring cost him important time |
123 | Greg Jennings | WR | MIA | Big role to start season and MIA offense can support 3 WR |
124 | Devin Funchess | WR | CAR | Not a believer, but targets will be there if hamstring ok |
125 | Matt Jones | RB | WAS | Big talent, won't displace Morris but will cancel out value |
126 | Lance Dunbar | RB | DAL | Lottery ticket in muddy DAL backfield |
127 | DeAngelo Williams | RB | PIT | Can still play and gives you two flex starts for free |
128 | Carson Palmer | QB | ARI | Perfect for offense/targets, but OL summons injury risk fears |
129 | Karlos Williams | RB | BUF | If McCoy fades, Karlos grows brighter |
130 | Cody Latimer | WR | DEN | Failed to build momentum when Sanders banged up but huge talent |
131 | Teddy Bridgewater | QB | MIN | Peterson will get red zone love but Teddy taking next step |
132 | Knile Davis | RB | KC | Charles cuff |
133 | James Starks | RB | GB | Lacy cuff |
134 | Ronnie Hillman | RB | DEN | Anderson cuff |
135 | Damien Williams | RB | MIA | Miller cuff |
136 | Dorial Green-Beckham | WR | TEN | Could hit early, but upside in this offense? |
137 | Cole Beasley | WR | DAL | Could be DAL Landry lite (h/t to Marcus Mosher) |
138 | Reggie Bush | RB | SF | Wish CK threw better touch pass and SF played on turf |
139 | Austin Seferian-Jenkins | TE | TB | Looks like TB needs their TE to block |
140 | Delanie Walker | TE | TEN | Good target in a so-so offense |
141 | Julius Thomas | TE | JAX | Think he could be mid TE1, but cost of holding for a few weeks |
142 | Darren McFadden | RB | DAL | Has flashed in past, but feels like forever ago |
143 | Brian Quick | WR | STL | Hard to know who Foles will key on |
144 | Allen Hurns | WR | JAX | Starting over the albino tiger, deep threat |
145 | Jason Witten | TE | DAL | We know what he is |
146 | Larry Donnell | TE | NYG | Targets to gain for NYG but Donnell slow start (achilles) |
147 | Andre Williams | RB | NYG | Not buying in until I see him look good on field |
148 | Denard Robinson | RB | JAX | More likely to limit Yeldon value than create his own |
149 | Heath Miller | TE | PIT | Witten East |
150 | Josh Hill | TE | NO | Haven't given up yet, but needs early momentum |
151 | Andy Dalton | QB | CIN | Hard to trust unless matchup is perfect |
152 | Colin Kaepernick | QB | SF | Disaster looming |
153 | Jordan Reed | TE | WAS | Target may be there, but injury waiting to happen |
154 | Jay Cutler | QB | CHI | Bad vibes around Bears |
155 | Eric Ebron | TE | DET | Need to see to believe it |
156 | Alfred Blue | RB | HOU | Possible RBBC leader while Foster out, but trending down |
157 | Jonathan Grimes | RB | HOU | Outplaying Blue, could be better when lights go on |
158 | Tre Mason | RB | STL | Hamstring issue and opens with Seattle |
159 | Leonard Hankerson | WR | ATL | Poised to benefit if White breaks down |
160 | Marvin Jones | WR | CIN | Good player, but where is he in pecking order? |
161 | Malcom Floyd | WR | SD | Still technically a starter, but Stevie trending up |
162 | Owen Daniels | TE | DEN | Boring bye/injury TE |
163 | Ladarius Green | TE | SD | Not really building momentum despite opportunity |
164 | Zach Ertz | TE | PHI | 2015 will look like 2014 for FF |
165 | Ty Montgomery | WR | GB | Rodgers has done more with less |
166 | Jeff Janis | WR | GB | Rodgers has done more with less |
167 | Tyler Lockett | WR | SEA | Has the look of playing who progresses quickly |
168 | Aaron Dobson | WR | NE | Chance to make an impact early with LaFell out |
169 | Brandon Bolden | RB | NE | Closest thing to three down back on NE roster |
170 | Bishop Sankey | RB | TEN | Even with Cobb out, upside is limited |
171 | Charles Sims | RB | TB | Some Martin injury upside, but not impressed |
172 | Javorius Allen | RB | BAL | Failed to impress in preseason but Taliaferro hurt |
173 | Jameis Winston | QB | TB | OL will make life hard for him |
174 | Tyrod Taylor | QB | BUF | Running ability intriguing for FF. Waiver wire speed dial |
175 | Alex Smith | QB | KC | Chiefs offense should be better but still just bye/injury material |
176 | Josh Robinson | RB | IND | Likely to open season as #2, but I trust Gore to hold up |
177 | Branden Oliver | RB | SD | Good back, but blocked by Woodhead and first round pick |
178 | Theo Riddick | RB | DET | Good back and could get more looks if Bell is done |
179 | Rex Burkhead | RB | CIN | Playing slot and impressing. Too bad he's in crowded offense |
180 | Fred Jackson | RB | SEA | Lynch handcuff |
181 | Ryan Fitzpatrick | QB | NYJ | Decent weekly upside for streamer/DFS |
182 | Ben Watson | TE | NO | Could get as many targets as Hill |
183 | Brandon Coleman | WR | NO | If Colston fades, targets could shake loose |
184 | Mike Campanaro | WR | BAL | Ravens' Beasley/Royal |
185 | Rishard Matthews | WR | MIA | Starter, but for how long |
186 | Kenny Britt | WR | STL | One of too many targets in a bland pass offense |
187 | Richard Rodgers | TE | GB | If Montgomery/Janis stumble could seize nice role |
188 | Darren Waller | WR | BAL | Could get Perriman's nine routes to start |
189 | Sammie Coates | WR | PIT | Rare but will get a few snaps early while Bryant is out |
190 | Taylor Gabriel | WR | CLE | No Browns WR worth rostering in typical leagues |
191 | Antonio Gates | TE | SD | What will you have when he returns from suspension? |
192 | Victor Cruz | WR | NYG | Injury is ominous. No idea what you have here |
193 | Josh Huff | WR | PHI | Needs to convince Chip to stop playing Cooper |
194 | Breshad Perriman | WR | BAL | No idea what you have here - injury |
195 | Percy Harvin | WR | BUF | No idea what you have here - injury |
196 | Jerick McKinnon | WR | MIN | Partial Peterson cuff, could get a few change of pace touches |
197 | Roy Helu | RB | OAK | Poor man's Vereen/Sproles |
198 | Antone Smith | RB | ATL | Big play potential |
199 | Crockett Gillmore | TE | BAL | Might get targets by default |
200 | Travis Benjamin | WR | CLE | Has speed back after ACL tear |