My positional rankings from week 8 onward (1 Viewer)

[travdogg]

QB:

Tier 1

1. Josh Allen(1)
2. Kyler Murray(2)
3. Lamar Jackson(3)

Tier 2
4. Patrick Mahomes(4)

Tier 3
5. Tom Brady(5)
6. Jalen Hurts(6)

Tier 4
7. Justin Herbert(7)

Tier 5
8. Matthew Stafford(8)
9. Dak Prescott(9)
10. Joe Burrow(11)...looking a lot more comfortable by the week.
11. Aaron Rodgers(10)...doesn't seem to have the ceiling/volume he needs to be elite fantasy QB. 

Tier 6

12. Kirk Cousins(12)
13. Derek Carr(14)
14. Matt Ryan(NR)...offense seems on the rise, perhaps learning the new scheme and working in Pitts/Patterson was responsible for the slow start.
15. Daniel Jones(15)
Dropped out: Sam Darnold(you can take the QB outta NYJ but can't take the NYJ outta the QB)

 

[travdogg]

RB:

Tier 1
1. Derrick Henry(1)
2. Austin Ekeler(2)

Tier 2
3. Dalvin Cook(3)

Tier 3
4. Ezekiel Elliott(4)
5. Jonathan Taylor(9)...has been a lot more involved in passing game, which was his main flaw.
6. Najee Harris(6)
7. Christian McCaffrey(7)
8. D'Andre Swift(8)
9. Aaron Jones(5)...maybe its the ankle, maybe its Dillon, but the volume hasn't been there of late. Still has top-5 upside, but his floor feels lower than it once was.

Tier 4
10. Alvin Kamara(13)
11. Nick Chubb(11)
12. James Robinson(12)
13. Darrell Henderson(10)
14. Joe Mixon(14)
15. Saquon Barkley(15)...ranked as if he'll be out through week 10 bye week. He moves at least 5 spots higher if he returns sooner, same applies to Toney.

Tier 5 
16. Leonard Fournette(16)

Tier 6
17. Cordarrelle Patterson...15 at WR(23)...Finally playing above Davis, and seeing GL work. 
18. Damien Harris(18)

Tier 7
19. Josh Jacobs(20)
20. Elijah Mitchell(22)

Tier 8
21. Antonio Gibson(17)
22. Michael Carter(NR)...much more involved out of the bye week, especially as a pass catcher. 
23. Khalil Herbert(29)...looks like another James Robinson out there. I think its RBBC when Montgomery is back. 
24. D'Ernest Johnson(NR)...showed enough to think the Hunt role is his until Hunt's return. Offense may be more run heavy than ever in the meantime.

Tier 9
25. Zack Moss(21)
26. James Conner(25)
27. Tony Pollard(26)

Tier 10
28. Kareem Hunt(30)
29. David Montgomery(NR)

Tier 11
30. Melvin Gordon(NR)
Dropped out: Darrel Williams(probably best to avoid KC RBs), Mike Davis(Patterson has clearly passed him), Miles Sanders(injured), Damien Williams(Herbert clearly ahead of him)
 

 

[travdogg]

WR:

Tier 1
1. Davante Adams(1)

Tier 2
2. Tyreek Hill(2)

Tier 3
3. Justin Jefferson(4)

Tier 4

4. Cooper Kupp(5)
5. Ja'Marr Chase(13)...best rookie WR ever through 7 games. Bengals seem to be getting more pass heavy too.
6. Stefon Diggs(3)

Tier 5
7. Calvin Ridley(7)

Tier 6
8. Deebo Samuel(9)
9. DeAndre Hopkins(8)
10. DJ Moore(6)...Darnold is an albatross right now. That said 73 yard floor isn't bad at all. If Watson ends up in Carolina, Moore might be top-3, he's open damn near every play. 

Tier 7
11. Mike Williams(10)
12. Diontae Johnson(11)
13. Keenan Allen(12)
14. AJ Brown(21)...safe to say he's over his hamstring/illness, still worry about Henry hogging TD's, but Henry's presence makes big plays possible. 

Tier 8
15. Hollywood Brown(14)
16. Mike Evans(17)
17. DK Metcalf(16)
18. CeeDee Lamb(15)
19. Terry McLaurin(19)
20. Chris Godwin(20)
21. Amari Cooper(18)
22. Tee Higgins(32)...hasn't popped yet, but usage is through the roof, a top buy-low.

Tier 9
23. Antonio Brown(22)
24. Adam Thielen(23)
25. Robert Woods(25)
26. Tyler Lockett(24)
27. Brandin Cooks(26)
28. DeVonta Smith(27)

Tier 10
29. Courtland Sutton(29)
30. Chase Claypool(30)
31. Jerry Jeudy(33)

Tier 11
32. Emmanuel Sanders(28)...living off TDs a bit. Expecting some regression and possibly more running game with Bills cakewalk schedule.
33. Christian Kirk(NR)...very inconsistent, but upside is too high to have lower. Cards offense is likely best in NFC.
34. Michael Pittman(36)
35. Marvin Jones(35)
36. Jaylen Waddle(37)
37. Laviska Shenault(39)

Tier 12
38. Corey Davis(40)
39. Sterling Shepard(31)...history of hamstring issues, suffers hamstring injury, who knows when Jones favorite target will be play next.
40. Henry Ruggs(NR)
Dropped out: Odell Beckham(banged up in low volume offense), Kadarius Toney(proceeding as if he'll be out until week 11)
 

 

[travdogg]

TE:

Tier 1
1. Travis Kelce(1)

Tier 2

2. Kyle Pitts(5)...generation player is right. This guy looks like nobody else at his position. If he keeps improving, Kelce isn't unassailable. 
3. Darren Waller(2)

Tier 3
4. Mark Andrews(3)

Tier 4
5. TJ Hockenson(4)
6. Dallas Goedert(6)
7. Mike Gesicki(12)...like Pitts, he's a TE in designation only. Been much more involved since Tua came back, especially on downfield passes. 
8. George Kittle(7)

Tier 5
9. Logan Thomas(11)
10. Noah Fant(10)

Tier 6
11. Tyler Higbee(13)

Tier 7
12. Hunter Henry(14)
13. Zach Ertz(NR)...Like Kirk, he'll be inconsistent, but this offense is going to produce and he'll get his. 
14. Jared Cook(15)
15. Tyler Conklin(NR)
Dropped out: Rob Gronkowski(still hurt, and beginning to think he'll be a part time player upon return to preserve health for playoffs), Dawson Knox(injured)

 

[jtd13]

Thanks for sharing. Good list. Can't say I disagree strongly anywhere.

I'll take Kupp over any other WRs ROS, and I think I would reverse the order you have on the TB WRs. I would go AB -> Godwin -> Evans if all 3 are healthy. 

 

[travdogg]

Thanks for sharing. Good list. Can't say I disagree strongly anywhere.

I'll take Kupp over any other WRs ROS, and I think I would reverse the order you have on the TB WRs. I would go AB -> Godwin -> Evans if all 3 are healthy. 

Why would you reverse the TB WR's? Especially Evans last? 

 

[jtd13]

Why would you reverse the TB WR's? Especially Evans last? 

When all 3 play that has seemed like the pecking order, but it's a small sample size. That's the order just based on how confident I feel starting them for the rest of the year. They are all close, and I might be nit picking. 

I guess if you have gronk out for a while or being more of a part time player to keep him healthy down the stretch, that helps Evans. 

 

[jobarules]

Thanks for sharing. Good list. Can't say I disagree strongly anywhere.

I'll take Kupp over any other WRs ROS, and I think I would reverse the order you have on the TB WRs. I would go AB -> Godwin -> Evans if all 3 are healthy. 

Yep agreed

 

[joey]

TE:
1. Travis Kelce(1)
2. Kyle Pitts(5)...generation player is right. This guy looks like nobody else at his position. If he keeps improving, Kelce isn't unassailable. 
3. Darren Waller(2)
4. Mark Andrews(3)
5. TJ Hockenson(4)
6. Dallas Goedert(6)
7. Mike Gesicki(12)...like Pitts, he's a TE in designation only. Been much more involved since Tua came back, especially on downfield passes. 
8. George Kittle(7)
9. Logan Thomas(11)
10. Noah Fant(10)
11. Tyler Higbee(13)
12. Hunter Henry(14)
13. Zach Ertz(NR)...Like Kirk, he'll be inconsistent, but this offense is going to produce and he'll get his. 
14. Jared Cook(15)
15. Tyler Conklin(NR)
Dropped out: Rob Gronkowski(still hurt, and beginning to think he'll be a part time player upon return to preserve health for playoffs), Dawson Knox(injured)

No Dalton Schultz (my TE-premium free agent pick up of the year in one dynasty league!  )? 
I assume it’s an oversight since he's TE4 ppg, in TE premium at least.

GREAT thread. I love reading it every week. Thanks. 

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

Minor quibble:  I didn’t see Dalton Schultz listed at TE.  Do you think he turns into a pumpkin when Gallup returns?

 

[travdogg]

No Dalton Schultz (my TE-premium free agent pick up of the year in one dynasty league!  )? 
I assume it’s an oversight since he's TE4 ppg, in TE premium at least.

GREAT thread. I love reading it every week. Thanks. 

Minor quibble:  I didn’t see Dalton Schultz listed at TE.  Do you think he turns into a pumpkin when Gallup returns?

Pretty much. I think Gallup starts being the deep threat, and Cooper goes back to being the more short range target, which had been Schultz territory. Schultz will likely still have some value, but I think he was a prime sell high a week ago. 

 

[joey]

Pretty much. I think Gallup starts being the deep threat, and Cooper goes back to being the more short range target, which had been Schultz territory. Schultz will likely still have some value, but I think he was a prime sell high a week ago. 

Interesting. Thanks for the reply. 

 

[travdogg]

When all 3 play that has seemed like the pecking order, but it's a small sample size. That's the order just based on how confident I feel starting them for the rest of the year. They are all close, and I might be nit picking. 

I guess if you have gronk out for a while or being more of a part time player to keep him healthy down the stretch, that helps Evans. 

I think Brown looks like TB's best WR, but they seem pretty committed to him being their #3, at least when it comes to playing time. 

I think Evans has had 2 bad matchups with Dallas and Philly, as both teams have 1 great CB(Diggs and Slay respectively) and they locked on Evans, and so Brady took the other matchups. Other than the Saints and Bills, nobody else on TB's schedule fits those specific coverage styles.  Evans has seemed like the #1 in every game other than those 2.  

 

[zoonation]

Kamara is too low.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I still think Hurts is too high & Stafford too low, but good effort! 

 

[SproutDaddy]

Kamara is too low.

And Chubb 

 

[jtd13]

I still think Hurts is too high & Stafford too low, but good effort! 

Hurts seems a lot like Jameis that year when he was either going to be a QB1 or get benched any given game.

I think Brown looks like TB's best WR, but they seem pretty committed to him being their #3, at least when it comes to playing time. 

I think Evans has had 2 bad matchups with Dallas and Philly, as both teams have 1 great CB(Diggs and Slay respectively) and they locked on Evans, and so Brady took the other matchups. Other than the Saints and Bills, nobody else on TB's schedule fits those specific coverage styles.  Evans has seemed like the #1 in every game other than those 2.  

I see where you're coming from. Looks like it'll be moot with AB probably missing more time, from the sounds of it.

 

[travdogg]

Kamara is too low.

In full PPR I'd agree. I think the offense just isn't good enough for him to be fully trustable against anybody good, and the defense is too good for there to be garbage time points weekly(ala Swift) Seattle seemed to go out of their way to not cover Kamara on Monday, I doubt most teams will be that stupid.

I would feel better if Michael Thomas comes back soon, but I haven't heard a single positive thing on that front, which is also why I am not ranking him yet.

I still think Hurts is too high & Stafford too low, but good effort! 

Hurts is the only QB who doesn't have a single week outside the top-12 this season. He's actually been the most consistent fantasy QB this season. I don't see the case for Stafford over him, unless Hurts gets benched, which I don't see as a real threat at the moment. 

I actually am closer to moving Stafford down than up. I was pretty 50-50 on Stafford/Dak, and Burrow isn't far off either. 

And Chubb 

I don't think Chubb is going to get the backfield to himself like everyone hoped when Hunt went down. I think Johnson will be very involved, and the offense in general likely won't be as productive, as the passing threat is mostly non-existent.

I think the Browns are going to play it pretty safe with Chubb these next few weeks. I don't think he's going to be seeing 25+ touch games at all. 

I see where you're coming from. Looks like it'll be moot with AB probably missing more time, from the sounds of it.

The curse of doing these on Tuesdays. 

 

[fightingillini]

Great job by travdogg.

I suggest not only on rankings, but tier the players.  Would be interested to see how your tiers would be.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Hurts is the only QB who doesn't have a single week outside the top-12 this season. He's actually been the most consistent fantasy QB this season. I don't see the case for Stafford over him, unless Hurts gets benched, which I don't see as a real threat at the moment. 

And yet Hurts might get benched any given Sunday. His FF stats are pretty - his  RL games look fugly. I feel like Mishew madness isn't far off, and there's simply no way Stafford has any sort of short leash whether he puts up a stinker or not. 

Given that seemingly realistic risk for Hurts, I don't see how Hurts can sit so high in ROS rankings, or be ahead of Stafford in general. Even if he isn't benched, his OL and weapons are inferior. It's just his legs that keep his FF value high, and that exposes him to greater risk.  

I actually am closer to moving Stafford down than up. I was pretty 50-50 on Stafford/Dak, and Burrow isn't far off either. 

Criminally underrating Stafford. He's been better than ranked literally all season, and that includes a game he spent the entire 4th quarter on the bench in a complete blowout.  And I am of the belief that we haven't even seen the best of Stafford yet - he has yet to really utilize Robert Woods, and I feel like that breakout is coming. With 3 legitimate weapons and an occasional pop game from DJax, plus a RB who can catch the ball well, IMO Stafford is more likely to finish top 5 than Hurts is to start 3 more games in the NFL this year. 

Dak has a calf strain, so I could see him being bumped down IF that hinders his play, or keeps him off the field for any games. But he's also getting chain-mover Gallup back likely this week (if not, next week) and has arguably the best WR trio in the game at that point (note: because AB is likely to miss a few weeks or more) plus 2 capable receiving threats at TE and Pollard/Zeke. Unless the calf diminishes his play or causes him to miss time, I wouldn't bump him down. The Dallas defense being better than expected is really the only thing holding Dak back a bit. 

 

[higgins]

Shocked to see Pittman ranked at #34…. 

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

Shocked to see Pittman ranked at #34…. 

That does seem a smidge low. 

 

[RealReactions]

And yet Hurts might get benched any given Sunday. His FF stats are pretty - his  RL games look fugly. I feel like Mishew madness isn't far off, and there's simply no way Stafford has any sort of short leash whether he puts up a stinker or not. 

Given that seemingly realistic risk for Hurts, I don't see how Hurts can sit so high in ROS rankings, or be ahead of Stafford in general. Even if he isn't benched, his OL and weapons are inferior. It's just his legs that keep his FF value high, and that exposes him to greater risk.  

Majority of Philly fans are calling for benching as well. Go to a bar during the game and nobody wants Hurts in anymore. He looks like straight garbage for a NFL QB. 97.5 the fanatic (Sports Radio talk)  has also been saying this could be his last week as starter if he losses to Detroit.

Just saying I agree that Hurts is ranked way to high as he could be on the bench as early as next week.

Also want to add how do you bump up Chase talking about setting records and then not have Kupp #1 when Kupp is on pace to break Randy Moss 07 stats and Calvin Johnsons' receiving record?

 

[Team Smokin']

Shocked to see Pittman ranked at #34…. 

Looking like Pittman is trending up and he passes the test. Making the case for the teams #1 WR.

That does seem a smidge low. 

Seems like WR's 24-36 are all grouped together with similar production. On any given Sunday or matchups Pittman could be a top 12 producer or 36. You can say that about any of those WR's. Consistency of 5-6 catches / 8-10 targets, and 60+ yards with .5 - .7 TD's would move him up a tad more. I'm buying and getting more confidence in putting him in my line up.

 

[travdogg]

And yet Hurts might get benched any given Sunday. His FF stats are pretty - his  RL games look fugly. I feel like Mishew madness isn't far off, and there's simply no way Stafford has any sort of short leash whether he puts up a stinker or not. 

Given that seemingly realistic risk for Hurts, I don't see how Hurts can sit so high in ROS rankings, or be ahead of Stafford in general. Even if he isn't benched, his OL and weapons are inferior. It's just his legs that keep his FF value high, and that exposes him to greater risk.  

Criminally underrating Stafford. He's been better than ranked literally all season, and that includes a game he spent the entire 4th quarter on the bench in a complete blowout.  And I am of the belief that we haven't even seen the best of Stafford yet - he has yet to really utilize Robert Woods, and I feel like that breakout is coming. With 3 legitimate weapons and an occasional pop game from DJax, plus a RB who can catch the ball well, IMO Stafford is more likely to finish top 5 than Hurts is to start 3 more games in the NFL this year. 

Dak has a calf strain, so I could see him being bumped down IF that hinders his play, or keeps him off the field for any games. But he's also getting chain-mover Gallup back likely this week (if not, next week) and has arguably the best WR trio in the game at that point (note: because AB is likely to miss a few weeks or more) plus 2 capable receiving threats at TE and Pollard/Zeke. Unless the calf diminishes his play or causes him to miss time, I wouldn't bump him down. The Dallas defense being better than expected is really the only thing holding Dak back a bit. 

I 100% disagree with the bolded. I really don't think Hurts is anywhere near being benched(barring a surprise trade for Watson) I'd also argue he isn't even playing poorly. Minshew's best case is being as good as Hurts is right now. Its like people have forgotten who Minshew is. I would also disagree that Stafford has a bunch of upside from here. I think what we've seen is what he is. 

The calf is pretty much the main reason Stafford is ahead of Dak. They've been pretty much interchangeable so far, and Dak has a better weapons, and a better track record. 

Majority of Philly fans are calling for benching as well. Go to a bar during the game and nobody wants Hurts in anymore. He looks like straight garbage for a NFL QB. 97.5 the fanatic (Sports Radio talk)  has also been saying this could be his last week as starter if he losses to Detroit.

Just saying I agree that Hurts is ranked way to high as he could be on the bench as early as next week.

Also want to add how do you bump up Chase talking about setting records and then not have Kupp #1 when Kupp is on pace to break Randy Moss 07 stats and Calvin Johnsons' receiving record?

The most popular guy in Philly is always the backup QB. Plenty wanted Foles over Wentz too. I would strongly disagree that Hurts has looked like garbage. He looks average as a passer, an elite as a runner. He played poorly against TB and Carolina, but great against KC and Atlanta. 

I doubt Kupp keeps up this pace, teams will change how they cover him. I've got him ahead of Chase, but its really hard to move him ahead of guys like Hill or Adams. 

 

[travdogg]

Shocked to see Pittman ranked at #34…. 

He's a guy I'd like to have higher, but there is only so much upside with Wentz. He's been WR28 per game so far, and that has been without Hilton and in games where Indy has mostly been chasing. Pittman has 15 targets in Indy's 3 wins, and the gamescript likely doesn't have much chasing involved other than TB and Buffalo. 

I've been impressed with Pittman, but I just think he's a WR3, unless the Colts majorly change what they want to do on offense. 

 

[travdogg]

Great job by travdogg.

I suggest not only on rankings, but tier the players.  Would be interested to see how your tiers would be.

I'll do that.

 

[Hot Sauce Guy]

I 100% disagree with the bolded. I really don't think Hurts is anywhere near being benched(barring a surprise trade for Watson) I'd also argue he isn't even playing poorly. Minshew's best case is being as good as Hurts is right now. Its like people have forgotten who Minshew is.
 

Time will tell. 

Interestingly, Stafford just carved up DET, so if Hurts goes in there & sucks out loud, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a changing of the guard. 

either way, we should be able to determine who belongs higher on your list since it’s the same opponent. 

 

[Stat Correction]

Like everyone else, enjoy the list each week.

JRob continues to be undervalued at RB#12. He is currently ranked RB#10 in my non-ppr league, but that's with a bye-week thrown in. Additionally, it took Myers two weeks to figure out that JRob was da man, and he hasn't looked back since. In fact, he's averaged 19 ppg the last 4 weeks....again, that's even non-ppr.

If you switched him and A. Jones out, that would seem reasonable. 

 

[jobarules]

He's a guy I'd like to have higher, but there is only so much upside with Wentz. He's been WR28 per game so far, and that has been without Hilton and in games where Indy has mostly been chasing. Pittman has 15 targets in Indy's 3 wins, and the gamescript likely doesn't have much chasing involved other than TB and Buffalo. 

I've been impressed with Pittman, but I just think he's a WR3, unless the Colts majorly change what they want to do on offense. 

IMO he belongs in your Tier 9

 

[fightingillini]

I'll do that.

Thanks.  Now how do you define a tier break?  I am a little confused why Adams, Hill, Jefferson, Kupp, Chase and Diggs are not in one elite WR tier.

 

[travdogg]

Like everyone else, enjoy the list each week.

JRob continues to be undervalued at RB#12. He is currently ranked RB#10 in my non-ppr league, but that's with a bye-week thrown in. Additionally, it took Myers two weeks to figure out that JRob was da man, and he hasn't looked back since. In fact, he's averaged 19 ppg the last 4 weeks....again, that's even non-ppr.

If you switched him and A. Jones out, that would seem reasonable. 

I don't Robinson has the blowup upside of the guys above him. Its hard to see him getting much better than he is now. I'd have a really hard time ranking him ahead of Jones right now. 

IMO he belongs in your Tier 9

He could certainly get there, if the Colts start opening up their offense when they aren't trailing. 

Thanks.  Now how do you define a tier break?  I am a little confused why Adams, Hill, Jefferson, Kupp, Chase and Diggs are not in one elite WR tier.

Basically anybody in a tier I view to be interchangeable. So I can see a case for a tier being in any order, and what separates them is more gut feel, than anything concrete.

So basically, I have Adams, Hill, Jefferson as 1-3 with a decent drop off from each to the next, but view Kupp, Chase, and Diggs as tossups, but clearly behind Jefferson to me. That's why there are very small tiers, as small as one plyer in a lot of spots. 

 

[kface]

I love your updates.  Great stuff

 

[The Show]

Love and look forward to this weekly as well. Very nicely done. There are a few I’d move around but I agree with most. 
 

I’m more so looking to chime in and comment and back you on Lamar Jackson and his ranking. You must be watching Raven games. Lamar’s lack of TDs this year is absolutely criminal. He has driven them up and down the field all season long on his own back only to lose out in the red zone to characters like Bell, Freeman, and Murray. I can’t imagine this bad luck to continue all season long. I wouldn’t quite be prepared to put him in front of Kyler or Josh but he’s right there with them. I would also advise any people out there who are able to attain Lamar now to do so. He should easily have 6-8 more TDS this year and I’m being conservative with this. 

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

If Kadarius Toney gets the green light to play this week, where would he land in the rankings?

 

[travdogg]

If Kadarius Toney gets the green light to play this week, where would he land in the rankings?

In tier 11. He was very impressive and seemed like he could be a focal point of the offense. On the other hand, all of his production came without Saquon Barkley, Kenny Golladay, or Sterling Shepard. So its possible he was just the last man standing so to speak. 

I'm interested, but cautious.

 

[Ted Lange as your Bartender]

In tier 11. He was very impressive and seemed like he could be a focal point of the offense. On the other hand, all of his production came without Saquon Barkley, Kenny Golladay, or Sterling Shepard. So its possible he was just the last man standing so to speak. 

I'm interested, but cautious.

Understood on the other players missing.  Based on the eye test he brings a dynamic that no on else on that offense provides.  Before getting hurt again he was looking like he was going to light up the Rams, which is eye-opening.

 

[kface]

Love and look forward to this weekly as well. Very nicely done. There are a few I’d move around but I agree with most. 
 

I’m more so looking to chime in and comment and back you on Lamar Jackson and his ranking. You must be watching Raven games. Lamar’s lack of TDs this year is absolutely criminal. He has driven them up and down the field all season long on his own back only to lose out in the red zone to characters like Bell, Freeman, and Murray. I can’t imagine this bad luck to continue all season long. I wouldn’t quite be prepared to put him in front of Kyler or Josh but he’s right there with them. I would also advise any people out there who are able to attain Lamar now to do so. He should easily have 6-8 more TDS this year and I’m being conservative with this. 

Maybe they have decided to try and limit the number of times their qb takes bone crushing hits?