Travdogg's positional rankings from week 5 onward (5 Viewers)

[travdogg]

QB
Tier 1:
1. Josh Allen (2), other than Jets game where he broke his nose, he's put 23+ every week, and he's done it games where other than week 1, he wasn't asked to do much. Could (should?) be even better in games Bills get challenged. Last 2 weeks have felt a little like they were playing with their food.
2. Jalen Hurts (3)
3. Jayden Daniels (4)

Tier 2:
4. Lamar Jackson (1), hamstring injury sounds like it could keep him out 2 weeks. He'd be #2 without it. Could potentially run less when he returns, but given defense issues, might be needed more than before.
5. Patrick Mahomes (5)
6. Caleb Williams (7)
7. Baker Mayfield (6)

Tier 3:
8. Justin Fields (10)
9. Brock Purdy (12), still nowhere near 100%, but should get Kittle back possibly next week, and Aiyuk sometime thereafter. Defense isn't as good without Bosa, so he may be needed more than ever. Don't love him against the Rams (if he even plays) but like him a lot going forward.
10. Justin Herbert (8)

Tier 4:
11. Drake Maye (11)
12. Jordan Love (13)
13. Daniel Jones (14)
14. Jared Goff (9), this is kinda the Goff experience because he doesn't run, and the Lions are run 1st. 1 great game, and 3 duds. Still, any given week can be 300-3, just mostly tough to guess. Get the feeling he's gonna bounce around this list all year again.
15. Bo Nix (15)

 

[travdogg]

RB
Tier 1:
1. James Cook (8), I've been very patient with him, but I'm out of reasons to be. He's not getting pulled at the GL, his snaps, carries, targets, and efficiency are all spiking, and the Bills offense is such that he's matchup proof.
2. Jonathan Taylor (1)
3. Bijan Robinson (2)
4. Christian McCaffrey (3)
5. Jahmyr Gibbs (4)
6. De'Von Achane (5)

Tier 2:
7. Josh Jacobs (11)
8. Bucky Irving (7)
9. Ashton Jeanty (12)
10. Omarion Hampton (15), still could a little boom/bust given OL injuries, but he doesn't come off the field, in a good offense, and Herbert is trusting him more in the pass game.
11. Saquon Barkley (6), on the one hand, he's 2nd in the NFL in touches, and is always one big play away from a big week. On the other, his tape looks a lot more like his Giants tape, where he's trying to hit big plays instead of taking what's there. Barkley is part of the problem with the Eagles offense right now, and while this is likely his floor, its a broken offense, and the solution isn't more Barkley.

Tier 3:
12. Derrick Henry (9)
13. Kyren Williams (10)
14. Javonte Williams (16)
15. Quinshon Judkins (22), very impressive week given the game script. He's the clear centerpiece of the offense, and while the Browns can't pass block, they run block pretty well. A little worried about the QB position, as I doubt rookies will be better, but how long does Flacco get?
16. Kenneth Walker (13)
17. Chuba Hubbard (14)

Tier 4:
18. JK Dobbins (21), he looks as healthy as ever. Has 100 yards or a TD in every game so far, in the old Mark Ingram role. Broncos OL is vastly underrated, its arguably as good as there is on the league right now.
19. Jaylen Warren (18)
20. Jordan Mason (17)

Tier 5:
21. Travis Etienne (20)
22. Chase Brown (19)
23. Cam Skattebo (23)
24. D'Andre Swift (27)
25. Breece Hall (29), I guess a slight bump with Allen hurt but could easily just see that bump going to Davis, as they feel committed to 2-RB system. Hall owners should hope for a trade, though Allen injury may complicate that.
26. Alvin Kamara (24)
27. Trey Benson (25)

Tier 6:
28. Tony Pollard (26)
29. RJ Harvey (NR), seems to have banished Badie back to the bench, making it a 2-man show in Denver. Looks good as a pass catcher, which is always a useful role in Payton offenses. I'm not 100% sure his heavier usage was opponent related. I think 45% of the work is doable.
30. TreVeyon Henderson (30)

Dropped off: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (28), I just don't see it happening. Its a RBBC in Washington and not a particularly compelling one.

 

[travdogg]

WR
Tier 1:
1. Puka Nacua (1)
2. Amon-Ra St. Brown (4), he's the same steady guy he's always been, while the position around him has gotten worse. Reliability goes a long way, I guess. Also feel like he's been getting the old LaPorta bunny TDs.
3. Justin Jefferson (3)
4. Ja'Marr Chase (2)

Tier 2:
5. Garrett Wilson (7), feels wrong to rank a Fields WR this high, but the guy has 82-1 in all but 1 game. At a certain point "garbage time" becomes reliable. Only Puka and Olave have more targets.
6. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (6)
7. Nico Collins (8)
8. Drake London (10)

Tier 3:
9. Rome Odunze (19), another guy I've been patient with, but he's proven he's the clear cut #1, and the guy Caleb looks for when plays break down. Current WR3 and he's left meat on the bone. Not sure I buy DJ Moore trade rumors, but Odunze could see an even bigger share if that happens.
10. Emeka Egbuka (14)
11. CeeDee Lamb (9)
12. AJ Brown (11)
13. Rashee Rice (13)

Tier 4:
14. Davante Adams (15)
15. Marvin Harrison (18)
16. Tetairoa McMillan (17)
17. Brian Thomas (12), he's just not the same player as last year, and unlike someone like McConkey where its more about other players around him than him, this is about Thomas. Plenty of time to turn it around, but this is a pretty clear sophomore slump. KC/Sea/LAR the next 3 are all rough matchups. Jags run game/defense are also much improved from last season.

Tier 5:
18. DK Metcalf (33), maybe the hardest WR for me to rank. He's getting in the endzone a lot, but the targets aren't really there, and I've not been impressed by Rodgers at all. Still, he's all they have, and targets could be there in games they fall behind in.
19. Deebo Samuel (20)
20. Zay Flowers (16)
21. Ladd McConkey (24)

Tier 6:
22. Quentin Johnston (39), current WR4, and he's doing it with manufactured stuff and deep balls. I'm still gonna be stubborn on McConkey for 1 more week, but its very possible (likely?) he's just the Chargers #1.
23. George Pickens (31), current WR5, he's a top-15 guy without Lamb, but Lamb didn't look like a guy that is gonna be out long the way he was jumping around on the sidelines. Might only be 1 more game as the #1. Pickens has earned a role even with Lamb there, but that's more on the WR2 border in my opinion.
24. Ricky Pearsall (25)
25. Jaylen Waddle (32), I've always liked Waddle, and he's a guy who wins at every level, with routes, YAC, and deep. If I had more confidence in the Dolphins offense, I'd have him around WR20.
26. Mike Evans (27)
27. Chris Olave (22)
28. Terry McLaurin (29)
29. Tee Higgins (23)

Tier 7:
30. Courtland Sutton (30)
31. Michael Pittman (37), pretty solid every week except the week he faced Surtain. He and Sutton are both the types that others will like more than me, as middling target guys who win with size.
32. Jameson Williams (26)
33. DJ Moore (28)

Tier 8:
34. Jordan Addison (38)
35. Jakobi Meyers (34)
36. Xavier Worthy (NR), shoulder looked ok to me. He was taking extra care not to get hit on it (some Lockett levels of finding a place to comfortably go down) but he's probably a top-25 guy the next 2 weeks, then a boom/bust guy when Rice is back.
37. DeVonta Smith (35)
38. Travis Hunter (36)
39. Wan'Dale Robinson (NR), highly likely to be the #1 minus Nabers, Robinson probably has low ceiling, but a solid enough floor. Like a guy like Meyers, but less proven.
40. Chris Godwin (NR), 10 targets 1st game back was nice to see. He's a top-25-ish guy with Evans out in my opinion, though I worry he could be clear #3 once Evans is back.

Dropped off: Malik Nabers (5), hate to see it, especially right as Dart is taking over. Hopefully its early enough an injury, that he's good for week 1 next year. Tyreek Hill (21), this injury sounds devastating, as in potentially career ending for a guy Hill's age. I'd bet against him being on the Dolphins next season, so offseason will be really interesting if he's even ready to go. Could be like Beckham back in 2021. Jauan Jennings (40), he and Keenan Allen were the last 2 cut downs. He's on the injury report with like 3 different things, and if he's out this week, Kittle could be back next week, and Jennings splits with/without Kittle are sizable.

 

[travdogg]

TE
Tier 1:
1. Trey McBride (1)
2. Brock Bowers (3), probably should have sat a week or 2 to get healthy. Still a good buy-low if people are getting impatient. Kolton Miller injury likely means more reliance on a shorter passing game.
3. George Kittle (2)
4. Tyler Warren (4)

Tier 2:
5. Tucker Kraft (5)
6. Jake Ferguson (10), a tier 1 guy without Lamb, he won't disappear when he's back either, even though they work similar areas of the field. TE is once again crazy thin. A guy catching 5+ passes every week is hard to rank much lower.
7. TJ Hockenson (6)

Tier 3:
8. Dalton Kincaid (8)
9. Sam LaPorta (7), this might be giving him too much respect. He's just not a priority unless they are trailing. He also isn't getting PA bunny TDs like he was as a rookie. He's too good to dump, but he's become kind of similar to Goedert, where he's TD or bust, unless one of the WRs go down.
10. Dallas Goedert (9)
11. Hunter Henry (11)

Tier 4:
12. Kyle Pitts (14)
13. Juwan Johnson (12)
14. Mark Andrews (15)
15. Brenton Strange (NR), sure feels like he's the guy Lawrence trusts the most. Until Thomas or Hunter play up to expectations (and that might not happen at all) he's startable with 6 catches each of the last 2 games.

Dropped off: Harold Fannin (13), just not enough room for him and Njoku right now, they are basically canceling each other out. A Njoku deadline deal would help both.

 

[IHEARTFF]

would rather have most of tier 5/6 RBs than Warren and probably prefer Gainwell to him
like your James Cook overreaction, but I still probably have 1. Bijan cuz yeah

 

[ttr001]

RB
Tier 1:
1. James Cook (8), I've been very patient with him, but I'm out of reasons to be. He's not getting pulled at the GL, his snaps, carries, targets, and efficiency are all spiking, and the Bills offense is such that he's matchup proof.
2. Jonathan Taylor (1)
3. Bijan Robinson (2)
4. Christian McCaffrey (3)
5. Jahmyr Gibbs (4)
6. De'Von Achane (5)

Tier 2:
7. Josh Jacobs (11)
8. Bucky Irving (7)
9. Ashton Jeanty (12)
10. Omarion Hampton (15), still could a little boom/bust given OL injuries, but he doesn't come off the field, in a good offense, and Herbert is trusting him more in the pass game.
11. Saquon Barkley (6), on the one hand, he's 2nd in the NFL in touches, and is always one big play away from a big week. On the other, his tape looks a lot more like his Giants tape, where he's trying to hit big plays instead of taking what's there. Barkley is part of the problem with the Eagles offense right now, and while this is likely his floor, its a broken offense, and the solution isn't more Barkley.

Tier 3:
12. Derrick Henry (9)
13. Kyren Williams (10)
14. Javonte Williams (16)
15. Quinshon Judkins (22), very impressive week given the game script. He's the clear centerpiece of the offense, and while the Browns can't pass block, they run block pretty well. A little worried about the QB position, as I doubt rookies will be better, but how long does Flacco get?
16. Kenneth Walker (13)
17. Chuba Hubbard (14)

Tier 4:
18. JK Dobbins (21), he looks as healthy as ever. Has 100 yards or a TD in every game so far, in the old Mark Ingram role. Broncos OL is vastly underrated, its arguably as good as there is on the league right now.
19. Jaylen Warren (18)
20. Jordan Mason (17)

Tier 5:
21. Travis Etienne (20)
22. Chase Brown (19)
23. Cam Skattebo (23)
24. D'Andre Swift (27)
25. Breece Hall (29), I guess a slight bump with Allen hurt but could easily just see that bump going to Davis, as they feel committed to 2-RB system. Hall owners should hope for a trade, though Allen injury may complicate that.
26. Alvin Kamara (24)
27. Trey Benson (25)

Tier 6:
28. Tony Pollard (26)
29. RJ Harvey (NR), seems to have banished Badie back to the bench, making it a 2-man show in Denver. Looks good as a pass catcher, which is always a useful role in Payton offenses. I'm not 100% sure his heavier usage was opponent related. I think 45% of the work is doable.
30. TreVeyon Henderson (30)

Dropped off: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (28), I just don't see it happening. Its a RBBC in Washington and not a particularly compelling one.

Save a spot in those rankings for Woody Marks because he'll be there shortly

 

[IHEARTFF]

Still a little too bullish on AJB even though I think he can bounce back some. Still too low on Worthy, but I understand the sentiment.

 

[IHEARTFF]

Thanks for these. Very good sentiment overall.

 

[Judge Smails]

Travis Hunter looks more like an outright cut vs deserving to be on this list. Just zero impactful routes or plays. And TLaw has been horrible against weak defenses to start the season. Now the waters get rougher

 

[FantasyGuru24]

Patty Mahomes is Tier 1, Brotha ..

 

[ttr001]

Patty Mahomes is Tier 1, Brotha ..

In fantasy football? Nah. One week against an absolutely awful defense that wouldn't be able to stop Gardner Minshew doesn't put him in the fantasy elite

 

[ponchsox]

Patty Mahomes is Tier 1, Brotha ..

In fantasy football? Nah. One week against an absolutely awful defense that wouldn't be able to stop Gardner Minshew doesn't put him in the fantasy elite

I think he will be tier 1 when Rice returns.

 

[ttr001]

Patty Mahomes is Tier 1, Brotha ..

In fantasy football? Nah. One week against an absolutely awful defense that wouldn't be able to stop Gardner Minshew doesn't put him in the fantasy elite

I think he will be tier 1 when Rice returns.

We'll see

 

[ponchsox]

RB
Tier 1:
1. James Cook (8), I've been very patient with him, but I'm out of reasons to be. He's not getting pulled at the GL, his snaps, carries, targets, and efficiency are all spiking, and the Bills offense is such that he's matchup proof.
2. Jonathan Taylor (1)
3. Bijan Robinson (2)
4. Christian McCaffrey (3)
5. Jahmyr Gibbs (4)
6. De'Von Achane (5)

Tier 2:
7. Josh Jacobs (11)
8. Bucky Irving (7)
9. Ashton Jeanty (12)
10. Omarion Hampton (15), still could a little boom/bust given OL injuries, but he doesn't come off the field, in a good offense, and Herbert is trusting him more in the pass game.
11. Saquon Barkley (6), on the one hand, he's 2nd in the NFL in touches, and is always one big play away from a big week. On the other, his tape looks a lot more like his Giants tape, where he's trying to hit big plays instead of taking what's there. Barkley is part of the problem with the Eagles offense right now, and while this is likely his floor, its a broken offense, and the solution isn't more Barkley.

Tier 3:
12. Derrick Henry (9)
13. Kyren Williams (10)
14. Javonte Williams (16)
15. Quinshon Judkins (22), very impressive week given the game script. He's the clear centerpiece of the offense, and while the Browns can't pass block, they run block pretty well. A little worried about the QB position, as I doubt rookies will be better, but how long does Flacco get?
16. Kenneth Walker (13)
17. Chuba Hubbard (14)

Tier 4:
18. JK Dobbins (21), he looks as healthy as ever. Has 100 yards or a TD in every game so far, in the old Mark Ingram role. Broncos OL is vastly underrated, its arguably as good as there is on the league right now.
19. Jaylen Warren (18)
20. Jordan Mason (17)

Tier 5:
21. Travis Etienne (20)
22. Chase Brown (19)
23. Cam Skattebo (23)
24. D'Andre Swift (27)
25. Breece Hall (29), I guess a slight bump with Allen hurt but could easily just see that bump going to Davis, as they feel committed to 2-RB system. Hall owners should hope for a trade, though Allen injury may complicate that.
26. Alvin Kamara (24)
27. Trey Benson (25)

Tier 6:
28. Tony Pollard (26)
29. RJ Harvey (NR), seems to have banished Badie back to the bench, making it a 2-man show in Denver. Looks good as a pass catcher, which is always a useful role in Payton offenses. I'm not 100% sure his heavier usage was opponent related. I think 45% of the work is doable.
30. TreVeyon Henderson (30)

Dropped off: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (28), I just don't see it happening. Its a RBBC in Washington and not a particularly compelling one.

Save a spot in those rankings for Woody Marks because he'll be there shortly

Justin Boone has him as RB24 this week

 

[ttr001]

RB
Tier 1:
1. James Cook (8), I've been very patient with him, but I'm out of reasons to be. He's not getting pulled at the GL, his snaps, carries, targets, and efficiency are all spiking, and the Bills offense is such that he's matchup proof.
2. Jonathan Taylor (1)
3. Bijan Robinson (2)
4. Christian McCaffrey (3)
5. Jahmyr Gibbs (4)
6. De'Von Achane (5)

Tier 2:
7. Josh Jacobs (11)
8. Bucky Irving (7)
9. Ashton Jeanty (12)
10. Omarion Hampton (15), still could a little boom/bust given OL injuries, but he doesn't come off the field, in a good offense, and Herbert is trusting him more in the pass game.
11. Saquon Barkley (6), on the one hand, he's 2nd in the NFL in touches, and is always one big play away from a big week. On the other, his tape looks a lot more like his Giants tape, where he's trying to hit big plays instead of taking what's there. Barkley is part of the problem with the Eagles offense right now, and while this is likely his floor, its a broken offense, and the solution isn't more Barkley.

Tier 3:
12. Derrick Henry (9)
13. Kyren Williams (10)
14. Javonte Williams (16)
15. Quinshon Judkins (22), very impressive week given the game script. He's the clear centerpiece of the offense, and while the Browns can't pass block, they run block pretty well. A little worried about the QB position, as I doubt rookies will be better, but how long does Flacco get?
16. Kenneth Walker (13)
17. Chuba Hubbard (14)

Tier 4:
18. JK Dobbins (21), he looks as healthy as ever. Has 100 yards or a TD in every game so far, in the old Mark Ingram role. Broncos OL is vastly underrated, its arguably as good as there is on the league right now.
19. Jaylen Warren (18)
20. Jordan Mason (17)

Tier 5:
21. Travis Etienne (20)
22. Chase Brown (19)
23. Cam Skattebo (23)
24. D'Andre Swift (27)
25. Breece Hall (29), I guess a slight bump with Allen hurt but could easily just see that bump going to Davis, as they feel committed to 2-RB system. Hall owners should hope for a trade, though Allen injury may complicate that.
26. Alvin Kamara (24)
27. Trey Benson (25)

Tier 6:
28. Tony Pollard (26)
29. RJ Harvey (NR), seems to have banished Badie back to the bench, making it a 2-man show in Denver. Looks good as a pass catcher, which is always a useful role in Payton offenses. I'm not 100% sure his heavier usage was opponent related. I think 45% of the work is doable.
30. TreVeyon Henderson (30)

Dropped off: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (28), I just don't see it happening. Its a RBBC in Washington and not a particularly compelling one.

Save a spot in those rankings for Woody Marks because he'll be there shortly

Justin Boone has him as RB24 this week

Too low

 

[Stoneworker]

Tier 7:
30. Courtland Sutton (30)

At this point the perpetual and irrational hate toward Courtland Sutton is almost comical. He's currently sitting 12th in PPR. Last year he was Top 10 from Week 5 on.

 

[Tau837]

21. Ladd McConkey (24)

Tier 6:
22. Quentin Johnston (39), current WR4, and he's doing it with manufactured stuff and deep balls. I'm still gonna be stubborn on McConkey for 1 more week, but its very possible (likely?) he's just the Chargers #1.

Your level of stubborness is impressive. In addition to what you wrote here, you continue to keep Allen out of your top 40. SMH

That said, I love the rankings, and I thank you for your effort.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

Dak should be on this list

I don't know how McCaffrey isn't #1 while healthy.

JaMarr Chase is way too high given the environment he is stuck in.

Hunter Henry is too low and Hockenson too high.

 

[Smack Tripper]

Solid

I think you're light on Maye

I dont know if I'd take Daniels over him right now

 

[rockaction]

I applaud your effort and I clearly react too much and need the strictures of dynasty to stop my mania, but I don't think you adjust your priors even close to adequately. Christian McCaffrey is on pace to destroy his 2019 season when he won people leagues at an absurd rate. I don't see how Ja'Marr and Justin Jefferson are 3 and 4. The Vikings are already about to put Carson Wentz in a pod and let him go to the moon, which means J.J. McCarthy—and that means a rough time ahead for J.J. Chase is pretty self-explanatory.

People keep saying things to make one feel good. They're saying Ja'Marr is downgraded but he will still have a couple of big games. I am not seeing it in the least.

Anyway, there are a ton of things I would change because it doesn't seem to process new information, but that's me.

To wit: I don't see how you can take Ladd McConkeys last eight or nine games from 2024 and think they're more significant that QJ's current four from 2025. It's not like either gives you an overwhelming or definitive answer, so it would seem their current situation should be taken into account more than it is. \

Anyway, thank you for publishing.

 

[Jewell]

Travis Etienne at RB 21 seems low.

Etienne is currently the 9th ranked RB in my .5 PPR league. While the Jags passing game hasn’t lived up to expectations, the Jags running game has and Etienne is the main cog. People speculated in the offseason that Liam Coen could potentially create another Bucky Irving type breakout season for an RB in Jacksonville, and it looks like he may be doing just that with Etienne.

 

[Bang Bang Niner Gang]

Patty Mahomes is Tier 1, Brotha m

For sure. He is #3 at the moment and has been playing without his main weapons most weeks.

 

[Bang Bang Niner Gang]

Travis Etienne at RB 21 seems low.

Etienne is currently the 9th ranked RB in my .5 PPR league. While the Jags passing game hasn’t lived up to expectations, the Jags running game has and Etienne is the main cog. People speculated in the offseason that Liam Coen could potentially create another Bucky Irving type breakout season for an RB in Jacksonville, and it looks like he may be doing just that with Etienne.

This +1. Key is staying healthy, but at the moment, he should be tier 3 for sure. I love me some Ken Walker, but in my league where I have ETN, Walker and Kyren. I am always rolling the dice which one to not roll with haha.

 

[The Dude]

I think you hate Sutton

 

[travdogg]

would rather have most of tier 5/6 RBs than Warren and probably prefer Gainwell to him
like your James Cook overreaction, but I still probably have 1. Bijan cuz yeah

I don't see Gainwell as threatening Warren's starting job at all. He had a nice game against a Vikings defense missing multiple front 7 starters. I fully think Warren would have too. When Warren is back (likely after the bye) I'm expecting about a 65-35 split in Warren's favor.

I've been about as patient as possible on Cook. I can see the case for Bijan ahead of him for sure. I don't know if others do rankings differently, but guys in the same tier are basically interchangeable to me. Its picking nits separating them.

 

[travdogg]

RB
Tier 1:
1. James Cook (8), I've been very patient with him, but I'm out of reasons to be. He's not getting pulled at the GL, his snaps, carries, targets, and efficiency are all spiking, and the Bills offense is such that he's matchup proof.
2. Jonathan Taylor (1)
3. Bijan Robinson (2)
4. Christian McCaffrey (3)
5. Jahmyr Gibbs (4)
6. De'Von Achane (5)

Tier 2:
7. Josh Jacobs (11)
8. Bucky Irving (7)
9. Ashton Jeanty (12)
10. Omarion Hampton (15), still could a little boom/bust given OL injuries, but he doesn't come off the field, in a good offense, and Herbert is trusting him more in the pass game.
11. Saquon Barkley (6), on the one hand, he's 2nd in the NFL in touches, and is always one big play away from a big week. On the other, his tape looks a lot more like his Giants tape, where he's trying to hit big plays instead of taking what's there. Barkley is part of the problem with the Eagles offense right now, and while this is likely his floor, its a broken offense, and the solution isn't more Barkley.

Tier 3:
12. Derrick Henry (9)
13. Kyren Williams (10)
14. Javonte Williams (16)
15. Quinshon Judkins (22), very impressive week given the game script. He's the clear centerpiece of the offense, and while the Browns can't pass block, they run block pretty well. A little worried about the QB position, as I doubt rookies will be better, but how long does Flacco get?
16. Kenneth Walker (13)
17. Chuba Hubbard (14)

Tier 4:
18. JK Dobbins (21), he looks as healthy as ever. Has 100 yards or a TD in every game so far, in the old Mark Ingram role. Broncos OL is vastly underrated, its arguably as good as there is on the league right now.
19. Jaylen Warren (18)
20. Jordan Mason (17)

Tier 5:
21. Travis Etienne (20)
22. Chase Brown (19)
23. Cam Skattebo (23)
24. D'Andre Swift (27)
25. Breece Hall (29), I guess a slight bump with Allen hurt but could easily just see that bump going to Davis, as they feel committed to 2-RB system. Hall owners should hope for a trade, though Allen injury may complicate that.
26. Alvin Kamara (24)
27. Trey Benson (25)

Tier 6:
28. Tony Pollard (26)
29. RJ Harvey (NR), seems to have banished Badie back to the bench, making it a 2-man show in Denver. Looks good as a pass catcher, which is always a useful role in Payton offenses. I'm not 100% sure his heavier usage was opponent related. I think 45% of the work is doable.
30. TreVeyon Henderson (30)

Dropped off: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (28), I just don't see it happening. Its a RBBC in Washington and not a particularly compelling one.

Save a spot in those rankings for Woody Marks because he'll be there shortly

Marks was among the final 3 cutdowns. I do want to be cautious that his breakout game happened against an awful Titans team missing their best run stopper and getting no help on offense. I didn't think Marks was impressive, just a little better than Chubb. The "this year's Bucky Irving" stuff I've been seeing the last 2 days is ludicrous to me. Tampa's OL even down 3 starters is still light years ahead of Houston's. I watched a ton of him at USC and was never impressed with him as a runner at all. I do think he's got a good pass catching skill set.

I'd describe my Marks opinion as mildly intrigued.

 

[travdogg]

Still a little too bullish on AJB even though I think he can bounce back some. Still too low on Worthy, but I understand the sentiment.

I'm pretty set on my Rice/Worthy expectations. Couple that with Worthy's shoulder, and I wonder if this 3-week stretch (4-6) is gonna be his peak. I've got shares of both Rice and Worthy (and Kelce for that matter) so I hope I'm too low on everyone.

I agree I'm bullish on AJ. Honestly, I think the solution to the Eagles offensive problems is AJ Brown. He's the guy they need to get going (particularly downfield) and he'll unlock everything else. That 2nd half of the Rams game should be their base offense. What they are doing right now isn't working. I know the logic of "they are 4-0 so its working" is the comeback there, but even digging just below the surface, the Eagles are lucky to not be 0-4 right now, and I think they know that 1 play has decided all 4 of their games so far, and its unsustainable for that to work in your favor all season. The offense is 30th in the NFL. They lead the league in 3 and outs. They aren't running the ball well. Getting the deep passing game going is the easiest fix to all their problems.

 

[travdogg]

Travis Hunter looks more like an outright cut vs deserving to be on this list. Just zero impactful routes or plays. And TLaw has been horrible against weak defenses to start the season. Now the waters get rougher

Its certainly a forward thinking rank. I wouldn't want to start Hunter right now. I'll admit to losing some faith/patience, but I still think the Jags will realize he can't seriously play both sides, and they need WR more than CB. I wouldn't cut him yet, but I get the frustration.

 

[travdogg]

Patty Mahomes is Tier 1, Brotha ..

He could get there when Rice is back, though I think he'd have to marry last weeks passing with his beginning of the season rushing, or have a massive passing spike, which could happen.

Its funny getting Mahomes is too low comments.

 

[travdogg]

Tier 7:
30. Courtland Sutton (30)

At this point the perpetual and irrational hate toward Courtland Sutton is almost comical. He's currently sitting 12th in PPR. Last year he was Top 10 from Week 5 on (STD).

I think you hate Sutton

I wouldn't say I hate him, but I do like him less than his production says I should, I'll freely admit that. I don't really like Nix, I do kinda like the young ancillary weapons, and I think they want to be a run 1st team with this defense. I don't love Sutton's targets (115 pace, well below last season) and they are tied with Franklin. I don't love how TD dependent he is, though I will also admit its been somewhat static since Payton got there.

I think he's a sell high.

 

[travdogg]

21. Ladd McConkey (24)

Tier 6:
22. Quentin Johnston (39), current WR4, and he's doing it with manufactured stuff and deep balls. I'm still gonna be stubborn on McConkey for 1 more week, but its very possible (likely?) he's just the Chargers #1.

Your level of stubborness is impressive. In addition to what you wrote here, you continue to keep Allen out of your top 40. SMH

That said, I love the rankings, and I thank you for your effort.

Allen's consistently among my last cuts though. He hasn't topped 68 yards in a game yet, and I'm someone who isn't a TD chaser typically, though its sometimes a tiebreaker at the top.

Its a bit of a tipping point for me this week. With the OL injuries, I'm expecting Herbert to be very quick about getting the ball out, which in theory should be a boon to McConkey, and its an excellent matchup against a Washington defense that just got lit up by Michael Penix. If its not this week, McConkey will drop. If Johnston is the clear #1 again, he could see another jump. He's led the team in yards every single week.

 

[travdogg]

Dak should be on this list

Hunter Henry is too low and Hockenson too high.

When Lamb is back, Dak will be right on the border. Fluke rush TD aside, he doesn't run, and the team is pretty run 1st at the GL. Dak had 3 TDs the 1st 3 weeks, before 4 last week. Also of note, Dak's home/road splits are pretty staggering. He has 54 points in 2 home games, and 21 in 2 road games, and that's just a so far this year metric.

Hockenson may absolutely be too high. He's another guy who is in a bit of a make-or-break week for me. Henry I don't see as too low. He had 1 great game, and an ok week 1. He has a 1 and 2 catch game so far. His TD last week was as fluky as it gets, where the Panthers stopped because they thought he stepped out of bounds. Henry is startable especially at a thin position but he's TD or bust. Maybe Hockenson isn't better, but his track record is.

I can see an argument tier 2 should just be 2 TEs deep.

 

[travdogg]

Solid

I think you're light on Maye

I dont know if I'd take Daniels over him right now

Maye was right on that tier 3/4 bubble for me. I do like him a lot. Having said that, I think you might be forgetting how good Daniels is. Daniels is an MVP level player, and I think Washington's defense is gonna need him in shootout mode.

 

[travdogg]

I applaud your effort and I clearly react too much and need the strictures of dynasty to stop my mania, but I don't think you adjust your priors even close to adequately. Christian McCaffrey is on pace to destroy his 2019 season when he won people leagues at an absurd rate. I don't see how Ja'Marr and Justin Jefferson are 3 and 4. The Vikings are already about to put Carson Wentz in a pod and let him go to the moon, which means J.J. McCarthy—and that means a rough time ahead for J.J. Chase is pretty self-explanatory.

People keep saying things to make one feel good. They're saying Ja'Marr is downgraded but he will still have a couple of big games. I am not seeing it in the least.

Anyway, there are a ton of things I would change because it doesn't seem to process new information, but that's me.

To wit: I don't see how you can take Ladd McConkeys last eight or nine games from 2024 and think they're more significant that QJ's current four from 2025. It's not like either gives you an overwhelming or definitive answer, so it would seem their current situation should be taken into account more than it is. \

Anyway, thank you for publishing.

I am expecting better QB play from the Bengals and Vikings. Injuries and bad matchups have made things look more dire than they are in my opinion. I'm not worried about Jefferson at all. Chase, I have mild concern, and he (and probably all the Bengals) are in a bit of a make or break week for me against a banged up Lions secondary. I'm not about to drop Chase out of the top-10 or something, but tier 1 I could.

I am someone who tends to stick to my priors a bit, and I'd rather underreact than overreact if it has to be one of the other. Ideally you'd react correctly every time, but hat's unreasonable.

McConkey (and how it relates to Johnston) is in a make-or-break week too. Its apparently a bit of a theme this week.

 

[travdogg]

Travis Etienne at RB 21 seems low.

Etienne is currently the 9th ranked RB in my .5 PPR league. While the Jags passing game hasn’t lived up to expectations, the Jags running game has and Etienne is the main cog. People speculated in the offseason that Liam Coen could potentially create another Bucky Irving type breakout season for an RB in Jacksonville, and it looks like he may be doing just that with Etienne.

I can see that argument. He was almost a tier higher. The main difference I see with him and Irving (and TB in general) is that the Jags aren't really throwing to Etienne. He's had some nice big plays, but I also worry Tuten gets more involved as the season goes on. Maybe not like 50-50, but a lot closer than the 70-30 it is right now.

I'll be really interested to see what Etienne (and the Jags offense as a whole) does these next 3 weeks. Its been an easy schedule so far, but now its KC/Sea/LAR these next 3.

 

[Tau837]

21. Ladd McConkey (24)

Tier 6:
22. Quentin Johnston (39), current WR4, and he's doing it with manufactured stuff and deep balls. I'm still gonna be stubborn on McConkey for 1 more week, but its very possible (likely?) he's just the Chargers #1.

Your level of stubborness is impressive. In addition to what you wrote here, you continue to keep Allen out of your top 40. SMH

That said, I love the rankings, and I thank you for your effort.

Allen's consistently among my last cuts though. He hasn't topped 68 yards in a game yet, and I'm someone who isn't a TD chaser typically, though its sometimes a tiebreaker at the top.

Its a bit of a tipping point for me this week. With the OL injuries, I'm expecting Herbert to be very quick about getting the ball out, which in theory should be a boon to McConkey, and its an excellent matchup against a Washington defense that just got lit up by Michael Penix. If its not this week, McConkey will drop. If Johnston is the clear #1 again, he could see another jump. He's led the team in yards every single week.

Fair enough, though I am surprised to see you talking about next week's matchup given you are discussing your rest of season rankings.

As for any matchup favoring quick passing, that favors Allen as much or more than McConkey.

On Allen, he is #9 in PPR, #11 in receptions per game, and #30 in receiving yards per game. Understand that is performance to date, not necessarily going forward, but unless he gets injured, I don't see him as out of top 40 rest of season. He is too good, and his chemistry with Herbert is too good.

 

[Monkian]

RB
Tier 1:
1. James Cook (8), I've been very patient with him, but I'm out of reasons to be. He's not getting pulled at the GL, his snaps, carries, targets, and efficiency are all spiking, and the Bills offense is such that he's matchup proof.
2. Jonathan Taylor (1)
3. Bijan Robinson (2)
4. Christian McCaffrey (3)
5. Jahmyr Gibbs (4)
6. De'Von Achane (5)

Tier 2:
7. Josh Jacobs (11)
8. Bucky Irving (7)
9. Ashton Jeanty (12)
10. Omarion Hampton (15), still could a little boom/bust given OL injuries, but he doesn't come off the field, in a good offense, and Herbert is trusting him more in the pass game.
11. Saquon Barkley (6), on the one hand, he's 2nd in the NFL in touches, and is always one big play away from a big week. On the other, his tape looks a lot more like his Giants tape, where he's trying to hit big plays instead of taking what's there. Barkley is part of the problem with the Eagles offense right now, and while this is likely his floor, its a broken offense, and the solution isn't more Barkley.

Tier 3:
12. Derrick Henry (9)
13. Kyren Williams (10)
14. Javonte Williams (16)
15. Quinshon Judkins (22), very impressive week given the game script. He's the clear centerpiece of the offense, and while the Browns can't pass block, they run block pretty well. A little worried about the QB position, as I doubt rookies will be better, but how long does Flacco get?
16. Kenneth Walker (13)
17. Chuba Hubbard (14)

Tier 4:
18. JK Dobbins (21), he looks as healthy as ever. Has 100 yards or a TD in every game so far, in the old Mark Ingram role. Broncos OL is vastly underrated, its arguably as good as there is on the league right now.
19. Jaylen Warren (18)
20. Jordan Mason (17)

Tier 5:
21. Travis Etienne (20)
22. Chase Brown (19)
23. Cam Skattebo (23)
24. D'Andre Swift (27)
25. Breece Hall (29), I guess a slight bump with Allen hurt but could easily just see that bump going to Davis, as they feel committed to 2-RB system. Hall owners should hope for a trade, though Allen injury may complicate that.
26. Alvin Kamara (24)
27. Trey Benson (25)

Tier 6:
28. Tony Pollard (26)
29. RJ Harvey (NR), seems to have banished Badie back to the bench, making it a 2-man show in Denver. Looks good as a pass catcher, which is always a useful role in Payton offenses. I'm not 100% sure his heavier usage was opponent related. I think 45% of the work is doable.
30. TreVeyon Henderson (30)

Dropped off: Jacory Croskey-Merritt (28), I just don't see it happening. Its a RBBC in Washington and not a particularly compelling one.

Thanks for the Judkins bump! Looks about right.

I think Marks will have to make the list sooner than later.

I appreciate the work! Enjoyable reading every week.

 

[Monkian]

TE
Tier 1:
1. Trey McBride (1)
2. Brock Bowers (3), probably should have sat a week or 2 to get healthy. Still a good buy-low if people are getting impatient. Kolton Miller injury likely means more reliance on a shorter passing game.
3. George Kittle (2)
4. Tyler Warren (4)

Tier 2:
5. Tucker Kraft (5)
6. Jake Ferguson (10), a tier 1 guy without Lamb, he won't disappear when he's back either, even though they work similar areas of the field. TE is once again crazy thin. A guy catching 5+ passes every week is hard to rank much lower.
7. TJ Hockenson (6)

Tier 3:
8. Dalton Kincaid (8)
9. Sam LaPorta (7), this might be giving him too much respect. He's just not a priority unless they are trailing. He also isn't getting PA bunny TDs like he was as a rookie. He's too good to dump, but he's become kind of similar to Goedert, where he's TD or bust, unless one of the WRs go down.
10. Dallas Goedert (9)
11. Hunter Henry (11)

Tier 4:
12. Kyle Pitts (14)
13. Juwan Johnson (12)
14. Mark Andrews (15)
15. Brenton Strange (NR), sure feels like he's the guy Lawrence trusts the most. Until Thomas or Hunter play up to expectations (and that might not happen at all) he's startable with 6 catches each of the last 2 games.

Dropped off: Harold Fannin (13), just not enough room for him and Njoku right now, they are basically canceling each other out. A Njoku deadline deal would help both.

Early thoughts on Waller? 3 catches, 2 TD, on only 16 snaps in his first game. Jonnu was elite, Top-3 over the 2nd half last year in this offense.

 

[Stoneworker]

Tier 7:
30. Courtland Sutton (30)

At this point the perpetual and irrational hate toward Courtland Sutton is almost comical. He's currently sitting 12th in PPR. Last year he was Top 10 from Week 5 on (STD).

I think you hate Sutton

I think they want to be a run 1st team with this defense.

Sutton put up 5/81/1 vs. CIN on a night when the Broncos had their first 100-yd rusher (Dobbins) in 38 games under Payton.

Payton doesn't want "run-first." He wants balance, which will only make Nix and the passing game more productive and efficient as the season progresses. And Sutton as the "X" will be the primary beneficiary.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

ETN is 10th overall at RB and you have him at 21 in Tier 5
For good reasons I'm sure but I see him up at least a tier up from there, you list him first in tier 5 but I see him more in the bottom of Tier 3 or middle Tier 4

-Great thread, I'm nitpicking, love to read these throughout the season

 

[stillfeelme]

Tier 7:
30. Courtland Sutton (30)

At this point the perpetual and irrational hate toward Courtland Sutton is almost comical. He's currently sitting 12th in PPR. Last year he was Top 10 from Week 5 on (STD).

At the end of the day everybody has to remember this is just his rankings. I do agree that Sutton is slept on so much and has been a WR 1(PPR) for 3 out of 4 games. To expect Sutton to be like WR3 terrority for rest of the season is crazy to me too. You would have to predicting a Bo Nix injury and out of the lineup to expect that or you expect soemone like Troy Franklin, or Evan Engram to be a target hoarder which I see those chances are slim.

I do enjoy these just to know how others perspective and point of view. Doing a rest of the season rankings is a hard task as too many things change week to week.

 

[travdogg]

TE
Tier 1:
1. Trey McBride (1)
2. Brock Bowers (3), probably should have sat a week or 2 to get healthy. Still a good buy-low if people are getting impatient. Kolton Miller injury likely means more reliance on a shorter passing game.
3. George Kittle (2)
4. Tyler Warren (4)

Tier 2:
5. Tucker Kraft (5)
6. Jake Ferguson (10), a tier 1 guy without Lamb, he won't disappear when he's back either, even though they work similar areas of the field. TE is once again crazy thin. A guy catching 5+ passes every week is hard to rank much lower.
7. TJ Hockenson (6)

Tier 3:
8. Dalton Kincaid (8)
9. Sam LaPorta (7), this might be giving him too much respect. He's just not a priority unless they are trailing. He also isn't getting PA bunny TDs like he was as a rookie. He's too good to dump, but he's become kind of similar to Goedert, where he's TD or bust, unless one of the WRs go down.
10. Dallas Goedert (9)
11. Hunter Henry (11)

Tier 4:
12. Kyle Pitts (14)
13. Juwan Johnson (12)
14. Mark Andrews (15)
15. Brenton Strange (NR), sure feels like he's the guy Lawrence trusts the most. Until Thomas or Hunter play up to expectations (and that might not happen at all) he's startable with 6 catches each of the last 2 games.

Dropped off: Harold Fannin (13), just not enough room for him and Njoku right now, they are basically canceling each other out. A Njoku deadline deal would help both.

Early thoughts on Waller? 3 catches, 2 TD, on only 16 snaps in his first game. Jonnu was elite, Top-3 over the 2nd half last year in this offense.

I doubt Waller can handle the usage Jonnu got, but I do think he'll be more of a redzone threat than Jonnu ever was. Waller was in the 20-15 cutdown, though closer to 20. I liked the move when Miami made it. There is certainly room for a 3rd pass catcher after Waddle and Achane. I think Malik Washington is more of a slot/gadget guy.