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2017 fantasy football rankings: Overall rankings in June

2017-06-06T08:21:24-04:00

Our updated ranking of the top overall fantasy football performers heading into the 2017 NFL season now that OTAs are in full swing.

David Johnson continues to be the man in demand. He remains at the top of our overall rankings following the NFL draft.

Johnson has set a high goal for 2017. He’s looking to surpass 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving. It would not be a surprise, since his 2,118 total yards in 2016 led all players in fantasy football.

I imagine he’ll be more consistent in his third season in the league. His 2016 season started relatively slow, as he never went over the 100 yard rushing mark until Week 5. For the season, he had only four 100+ yard games.

Our top 10 fantasy players overall has not changed much since April. The first three are the workhorse running backs in Johnson, Le’Veon Bell, and Ezekiel Elliott.

Bell will continue to push Johnson for the top spot, but concerns remain over his past suspensions. In addition, Pittsburgh drafted James Conner and he’s expected to seize the backup job behind Bell in 2017.

Elliott could potentially rise to the top of the list. His offensive system will remain exactly the same. The Dallas offense returns completely intact from last season. A small concern may be an increase in passing with Dak Prescott becoming more comfortable in his second season.

Our next five spots in our rankings are all wide receivers. Antonio Brown remains our No. 4 selection. His receiving yardage was down last season but that shouldn’t stop us from drafting him.

Julio Jones and Odell Beckham Jr. are next at No. 5 and No. 6, respectively. Jones missed a couple games in 2016 and is recovering from offseason surgery. His potential remains untapped, as his touchdown totals haven’t reached double digits since his second season. Beckham may lose some targets with Brandon Marshall and Evan Engram in the fold for 2017. That can also mean less attention and more room to run for one of the most dangerous receivers in the NFL.

Finishing out our top 10 were Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans, Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green, Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, and Bills running back LeSean McCoy.

Our first tight end overall remains Rob Gronkowski. His injury history remains a concern but his ceiling will keep us coming back for more. Hopefully he can stay healthy and produce another dominant season.

Our first quarterback overall is Aaron Rodgers. If he can put forth a complete season like 2011, watch out. His 2016 fantasy season was great but there just seemed to be something missing over the first half of the season. Let’s hope he carries over the urgency he played with at the end of the season.

Overall, June

(SK: Scott Kaliska, JG: Jeff Goldberg, JM: Jason Marcum)

2017 fantasy football rankings, June: Running backs for PPR leagues

2017-06-06T08:01:01-04:00

A look at the Top 50 running backs in PPR leagues as the countdown to NFL training camp begins in earnest.

With organized team activities beginning across the NFL, we here at SB Nation thought we’d get organized with some post-draft, pre-training camp fantasy football rankings. And though the regular season is still three months away, it doesn’t take a great deal of analysis to determine our top choice at running back in PPR leagues.

Le’Veon Bell was his usual dominant self in 2016, ranking third in rushing and fourth in overall touches from scrimmage, despite playing in just 12 games. Should he, for one of the rare times in his still-brief career, actually play in all 16 games, his numbers could shatter all previous standards for fantasy running backs.

David Johnson is still no slouch in Arizona, and he is just barely ahead of Bell in our overall rankings as the top player in all of fantasy football. But that list does not take into consideration the PPR effect, as Bell had just five fewer receptions than Johnson despite playing in four fewer games.

Dallas’ Ezekiel Elliott ranks third on our PPR list, just ahead of another second-year back, Melvin Gordon of the San, er, Los Angeles Chargers, and Buffalo’s LeSean McCoy.

Jordan Howard, DeVonta Freeman, DeMarco Murray, Jay Ajayi, and Todd Gurley rounded out our Top 10. In the next set of 10 we find the two rookie running backs expected to make an immediate impact in the NFL, especially as pass-catchers.

Leonard Fournette lands in a tremendous spot to gobble up receptions and rushing yards in Jacksonville, which has been searching for a solid lead back for years. Chris Ivory might be the veteran incumbent, but there’s every reason to believe Fournette will be the main man in this backfield right from the start.

Christian McCaffrey did everything for Stanford and now gets to work with Cam Newton as a runner and receiver. Jonathan Stewart is still in Carolina, so McCaffrey might be more of a third-down back, but if guys like Danny Woodhead can be fantasy studs in this league, there’s no reason to think McCaffrey can’t be equally as valuable in a somewhat limited role.

Running backs (PPR), June

(SK: Scott Kaliska, JG: Jeff Goldberg, JM: Jason Marcum)

2017 fantasy football rankings, June: Wide receivers for PPR leagues

2017-06-06T07:55:02-04:00

A look at the Top 50 wide receivers in PPR leagues as the countdown to NFL training camp begins in earnest.

Maybe at other positions, there are certain disagreements. In SB Nation’s OTA rankings of top fantasy running backs and quarterbacks, although there was little doubt of the order of the top three or four players, there was a bit of diversity in the individual selections of our experts.

Wide receiver was a different story altogether. There was no dissension when it came to the top three wide receiver targets in PPR leagues. And there was certainly no doubt who our No. 1 receiver is (again).

No one racks up the receptions, yards, and touchdowns quite like Pittsburgh’s Antonio Brown, and 2017 does not project to be an exception.

With any possibility of a contract distraction taken out of the mix in February with a five-year deal with the Steelers, Brown should be fully focused to continue his dominance of secondaries across the league. Even in what was somewhat of a down year in 2016, Brown still topped 100 receptions and hauled in double-digit touchdowns. Not just the first receiver off the board, he is very much in the top five overall pick discussion.

But the gap is definitely closing. Consensus No. 2 choice Julio Jones was hobbled by injuries all season, but right down to what probably should have been his Super Bowl-sealing circus catch against the Patriots, Jones has lost none of his ability to make big plays and dominate games. Jones had surgery on his troublesome toe this offeseason, so though he will not participate in OTAs, he should be good to go by the time training camp begins in July, and if he’s healthy, he could be in for a 110-catch, 1,600-yard season, which also makes him top five worthy in the first round of drafts.

Our unanimous No. 3 is Odell Beckham Jr., who overcame a shaky start to 2016 — on the field and on the sidelines — to post his usual array of massive performance, not better timed than his 11-catch, 150-yard game in Week 16, delivering a championship week performance that won his patient owners a title.

Now, with Brandon Marshall on his opposite side to draw away double-teams, Beckham is poised for perhaps his best season to date.

Another receiver expected to benefit greatly by the arrival of another solid No. 2 is Mike Evans. Our No. 4 pick — just slightly ahead of Cincinnati’s A.J. Green — is boosted by Tampa Bay’s acquisition of DeSean Jackson, who gives Jameis Winston another quality deep threat who can keep defenses honest, which makes Evans, who had 96 catches on 175 targets in 2016, a solid bet to break the century mark in 2017, making him an intriguing mid-to-late first round target.

Rounding out our top 10 are Jordy Nelson, another year removed from his knee injury in what remains a high-powered offense, T.Y. Hilton, Dez Bryant, Michael Thomas, and Amari Cooper.

Wide receivers (PPR), June

(SK: Scott Kaliska, JG: Jeff Goldberg, JM: Jason Marcum)

2017 fantasy football rankings, June: Tight ends

2017-06-06T07:50:01-04:00

With all 32 NFL teams now undergoing OTAs, it’s time for an updated ranking of the top fantasy tight ends for next season.

The NFL season can’t get here soon enough. The good news is all 32 clubs are going through OTAs right now, meaning that most players are practicing on an NFL field for the first time since last season.

That’s always good to hear, and it means football is getting closer to being back in our lives. That’s hopefully true of Rob Gronkowski, who has no trouble staying in the news with whatever wild and crazy venture he’s embarked on.

Unfortunately, Gronk wasn’t part of our fantasy football teams much last year. Injuries once again wiped out most of his season. He only appeared in eight games (six starts) while missing time early on due to a hamstring injury suffered in training camp. Gronk later underwent back surgery that cost him the final six games of the regular season, as well as the New England Patriots’ Super Bowl run.

The good news is Gronk is back on the field and reportedly practicing without any restrictions. As long as Gronk is healthy, he’s the No. 1 tight end in fantasy football, and that will remain true in 2017.

These type of injury updates are about the most fans can hope for in OTAs, which are really nothing more than glorified practices. Another notable guy who actually may not play in 2017 is Dennis Pitta, who went down with a bad hip injury recently.

The Baltimore Ravens were counting on Pitta to be their top tight end again this year, but his season and career could be over. That means someone like Crockett Gillmore or Maxx Williams is going to have a much bigger role this year than originally anticipated.

With that said, it’s time for an updated ranking of the top fantasy tight ends heading into the 2017 season:

Tight ends, June

(SK: Scott Kaliska, JG: Jeff Goldberg, JM: Jason Marcum)

2017 fantasy football rankings, June: Wide receivers for standard leagues

2017-06-06T07:45:01-04:00

The rise of Tyreek Hill is coming fast now that Jeremy Maclin has been released.

The NFL offseason is getting interesting now that OTAs have begun. All 32 clubs are getting a chance to do some light practicing on a football field for the first time in what feels like ages.

The big news thus far in OTAs has been the Kansas City Chiefs releasing Jeremy Maclin. The veteran wide receiver was once one of the better fantasy receivers, but injuries and age have slowed him in recent years. Even so, whoever signs Maclin will be getting a quality receiver who is still worth a late-round flier in your fantasy draft.

Maclin’s release also means that Tyreek Hill could be poised to become a WR1 this year after a breakout rookie season. Hill finished 15th in fantasy scoring among receivers in standard leagues last year. He actually ranked ninth over the last five weeks of the regular season, so expect him to have a big 2017 season now that he’s the No. 1 receiver in this offense.

The real advantage of OTAs for fans is getting to see new rookies for the first time on an NFL practice field. We’re getting a chance to see what guys like Corey Davis can do for the Tennessee Titans, even if it’s just a glorified practice session.

With OTAs in full swing, we decided to put out an updated ranking of the top fantasy wide receivers in standard leagues. Take a gander:

Wide receivers (standard), June

(SK: Scott Kaliska, JG: Jeff Goldberg, JM: Jason Marcum)

2017 fantasy football rankings, June: Running backs for standard leagues

2017-06-06T07:40:01-04:00

Our updated ranking of the top fantasy running backs heading into the 2017 NFL season now that OTAs are in full swing.

The NFL draft has come and gone, so we now have a good idea of what all 32 teams will look like this year. The 2017 season is still several months away, so for now, every club is in the midst of OTAs.

These serve as our first look at players on the field for some light practicing since last season ended. It’s the first time we’re seeing incoming rookies like Christian McCaffrey, Joe Mixon, Leonard Fournette, and Dalvin Cook on an NFL field, even if it is just glorified practices.

We’re also getting a look at old stars with new teams for the first time, including Adrian Peterson with the New Orleans Saints, Jamaal Charles with the Denver Broncos, Latavius Murray with the Minnesota Vikings, and LeGarrette Blount with the Philadelphia Eagles.

What better time than now for a fresh batch of fantasy football rankings for running backs in standard leagues. That’s what we’re here to offer you today, free of charge as always.

Running backs (standard), June

(SK: Scott Kaliska, JG: Jeff Goldberg, JM: Jason Marcum)

2017 fantasy football rankings: Quarterbacks in June

2017-06-06T07:35:01-04:00

Our updated ranking of the top fantasy quarterbacks heading into the 2017 NFL season now that OTAs are in full swing.

The NFL draft didn’t change our fantasy quarterback rankings very much. Some quarterbacks have added receivers or running backs to their offensive attack. Others were given an upgraded offensive line. This may have changed their ranking minimally.

The biggest question was the quarterback situation in Houston. The answer is DeShaun Watson. Watson was viewed as one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft. He has experience and has faced many of the top defenses in college football.

Houston has the pieces in place for a formidable offensive attack. They just needed a quarterback to lead that attack. Watson will be able to lean on Lamar Miller and D’Onta Foreman in the backfield. Both backs are capable of carrying a heavy load.

The receivers will love having a quarterback that can get them the ball downfield accurately. DeAndre Hopkins is a top 10 fantasy receiver, who struggled with Brock Osweiler manning the attack. Will Fuller and Braxton Miller will look to build on their rookie seasons. C.J. Fiedorowicz remains a steady option at tight end. I think Watson will be able to step right in and produce with these guys.

Watson does throw a few too many interceptions and there will be a learning curve. I expect a few rough games where he looks horrible. He doesn’t give up on himself though and often comes back with some amazing plays. His rushing ability is a bonus and greatly adds to his fantasy appeal.

Rookie quarterbacks DeShone Kizer and Mitchell Trubisky hold value only in keeper/dynasty leagues at this point. It remains to be seen whether either of them will begin the season as a starter.

Quarterbacks, June

(SK: Scott Kaliska, JG: Jeff Goldberg, JM: Jason Marcum)

2017 fantasy football rankings: Rookie tight ends

2017-05-15T07:50:01-04:00

We take a look at the top fantasy football tight ends who will be rookies in 2017.

Now that the NFL draft has concluded, we have a good idea of what the fantasy football landscape will look like in 2017.

At tight end, there will be a big shakeup thanks to a deep class of rookies here. There were three first-round picks and five top-50 selections used on tight ends in the draft, so you can bet they’ll be playing early and often as rookies.

Let's take a look at which rookie tight ends are in the best positions to make an impact in fantasy football this year.

1. David Njoku, TE, Cleveland Browns

While O.J. Howard is getting most of the hype as the best tight end in this class, David Njoku is in the best position to make an impact early and often in Cleveland. Shortly after Njoku was selected, Cleveland parted ways with Gary Barnidge, which assures the rookie of having a major role in 2017.

In college, Njoku had a decent 2015 season with 21 grabs for 362 yards (17.2 avg.) and one score in 10 games. He burst onto the national scene in 2016 with 43 grabs for 698 yards and eight touchdowns. He’ll look to be the latest star tight end in the long lineage of Miami Hurricanes at this position.

Njoku’s blocking does leave a lot to be desired, and that should prevent him from having a full-time role right away. But with the Browns being deep in a rebuild, they’ll let Njoku work through his weaknesses and have a major role in the passing game this season.

The fact that the Browns traded back into Round 1 to take Njoku with the 29th overall pick shows just how committed they are to him.

2. O.J. Howard, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

There was no question the best tight end in this year’s draft was Alabama’s O.J. Howard. Though he went a little lower than expected, Howard still went pretty high when the Bucs grabbed him with the 19th overall pick.

Howard emerged as a full-time starter in 2015 and went on to grab 83 passes for 1,197 yards and five scores over the next two seasons. However, Howard has some competition for reps in Tampa after Cameron Brate had a breakout 2016 season.

As good as Howard is, he won’t be the primary tight end in 2017 as often as a guy like Njoku will be.

3. Evan Engram, TE, New York Giants

The Giants surprised a lot of people when they took Evan Engram with the 23rd overall selection. Most experts pegged Engram as a second- or third-round pick, but the G-Men are apparently high on him.

At 6’3 and 234 pounds, Engram was used more like a wide receiver in Ole Miss’ offense, catching 65 balls for 926 yards and eight touchdowns in 11 games last season.

As good of a pass catcher as Engram is, he’s a terrible blocker who really looks like a receiver trying to block. That will likely keep him from having a full-time role as a rookie, at least right away, but you can bet he’ll get plenty of targets in the passing game.

After all, the Giants got little production at this position last year. It’s hard to see either Jerell Adams or Will Tye improving on their disappointing 2016 campaigns, which is great news for Engram and his fantasy owners.

4. Jordan Leggett, TE, New York Jets

The Jets badly needed tight end help coming into this draft, and they got a productive one in Clemson’s Jordan Leggett. One of the most dynamic tight ends in college football over the past two years, Leggett caught 86 passes for 1,261 yards and 15 touchdowns across 28 games since 2015.

That came in a loaded offense full of future NFL players like Mike Williams and Artavis Scott, so Leggett may actually be better than advertised coming into the NFL. With the Jets being weak at this position, expect Leggett to get a lot of reps as a rookie.

The question is, will he have an adequate quarterback throwing him passes?

5. Bucky Hodges, TE, Minnesota Vikings

Coming into the draft, Virginia Tech’s Bucky Hodges was viewed as one of the best tight ends in this class. Somehow, Hodges fell all the way into Round 6 before Minnesota grabbed him with the 201st pick.

While it’s hard to hype up a sixth-round pick, Hodges is a major playmaker who joins a Vikings offense that’s been devoid of them. During his 39 college games, Hodges racked up 133 grabs for 1,747 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Hodges will have to battle Kyle Rudolph for tight end snaps, but Minnesota will figure to use a lot of multi-tight-end sets for the short-throwing Sam Bradford. That should make Hodges a viable fantasy tight end at some point this season.

Four More To Watch:

Gerald Everett, TE, Los Angeles Rams
Adam Shaheen, TE, Chicago Bears
Jake Butt, TE, Denver Broncos
Michael Roberts, TE, Detroit Lions