As the fantasy season
has come to an end it’s important to evaluate each position gaining
understanding of their current value. Current season value and previous season
finishes are great evaluating factors to where each player should reside for
the upcoming season. This evaluation is based on a 16-game fantasy season PPR
custom format. Let’s review!
2017 Top 10 Fantasy
Football Wide Receivers:
DeAndre Hopkins (HOU)
2017 Points: 270.87 |
2016 Points: 167.60 | Net Gain/Loss: +103.27 (Rank #1)
What a fantastic
season in the books for the talented DeAndre Hopkins. His chase to beat out
Antonio Brown to become the top receiver in 2017 became viable after Brown
suffered a calf injury which gave Hopkins one extra contest to pad his stats. To
start, the expectations were low for a productive season for D-Hop, and rightly
so. The quarterback situation was a disaster from jump, as Coach Bill O’Brian
chose Tom Savage as his opening day starter. That decision didn’t last long as
rookie Deshaun Watson came in relief to finish week one and didn’t give the job
back - instantly lifting Hopkins value. We reflect what could’ve been for
Hopkins had Deshaun Watson not suffered a season ending ACL injury going into
week 9. By week 8, Hopkins had amassed a whopping 131.41 fantasy points coming
off a career high day against the Seahawks totaling 224 yards received. With
that said, the Texans continued to force feed D-Hop for the remainder of the
season understanding true playmakers need the ball. It was a welcome change to
Hopkins owners as he improved his totals from last year by 103 fantasy points.
With Watson ahead of schedule in his rehab, these two gifted athletes should
break records in 2018! Potential is extremely high moving forward!
Antonio Brown (PIT)
2017 Points: 266.20 |
2016 Points: 268.50 | Net Gain/Loss: -2.30 (Rank #2)
The great AB-84 was on
a masterful tear of potentially breaking the 2000 yard receiving mark before he
went down early against the Patriots in week 15. Brown again proved he is one
of the best, if not the best wide receiver in the NFL with his superb cyborg
like abilities. It was unfortunate for Brown owners as his calf injury forced
him out in the most important time of the fantasy season. Brown has never
really seen the medical room for an extended period of time making his value
extremely high every season. This year the anomaly of Antonio missing the
fantasy semifinals and finals might have cost owners a right to get their
championship ring/trophy in 2017. Looking ahead to 2018, Brown’s value will be
somewhat in question, as we wait on Ben Roethlisberger to decide his NFL
future. Along with that, the possibility of LeVeon Bell having a new address
next season would add to the demise of Brown as he would become the single
major threat easy to double and triple cover. Depending on what happens in the
offseason, Brown might not be worth a top 5 selection even though he has many
years of elite level play left in him. This situation is one to watch this
offseason.
Keenan Allen (LAC)
2017 Points: 243.77 |
2016 Points: 10.20 | Net Gain/Loss: +233.57 (Rank #3)
Returning from a
season long injury in 2016, Keenan Allen compiled an all-star performance in
2017, placing him back among the top talent in the NFL. Allen has always been a
very reliable PPR producer, but finding the endzone this season became a
challenge. Keenan put it together during the fantasy playoff push from weeks 11
to 14 where he generated a whopping 102.77 fantasy points, very impressive. As
the Chargers 2017 playoff hopes hung in the balance, Allen seemed to be an
afterthought in the offensive scheme failing to produce more than nine points
for the fantasy semifinals and finals respectively. More than likely, Allen
would’ve been responsible in getting your teams into the fantasy playoffs, then
becoming the issue during crunch time. Moving forward to 2018, Allen will again
be a similar point producer as another year under Coach Lynn should improve the
chemistry and expectations for the Chargers. Key issues that could affect
Allen’s outlook are; the maturation of Mike Williams stealing targets and redzone
opportunities next season. There is a potential that Keenan is over drafted in
2018 based on his numbers this season. Allen should be a very reliable WR2
entering next year.
Larry Fitzgerald (ARZ)
2017 Points: 226.77 |
2016 Points: 209.70 | Net Gain/Loss: +17.07 (Rank #4)
It difficult to fathom
how the future Hall of Famer continues to produce at such a high level at the
age of 34. Larry Fitzgerald is truthfully one of the best and most consistent
wide receivers to ever play this game. Larry ended the 2017 season matching his
career high in receptions hauling in 109 catches. More impressively, Larry
completed this feat with three quarterbacks starting for the Cardinals,
(Palmer, Gabbert, and Stanton). Adding to that, losing David Johnson in week 1
looked to derail Fitzgerald’s value as teams could focus on stopping the pass
with no worry of a run game. Still Larry prevailed. 2017 marked the fifth time
Larry amassed 100 or more receptions in a season, extremely impressive noting
the caliber of quarterbacks he’s played with over his long career. It’s become
very evident during the Bruce Arians era in Arizona, that when the chips are down
and backup quarterbacks start games, the game plan is to just throw to Larry.
Impressively, Fitz gained almost 20 more fantasy points this season making him
the best value pick at WR in the fantasy draft. As we enter the 2018 discussion
for Fitzgerald, many things may cause him to revaluate his desire to return for
another season. First, Head Coach Bruce Arians has called it a career retiring
from the NFL after a positive run in the desert. Second, starting quarterback
Carson Palmer has also called it quits, leaving Larry again to start anew. It’s
unfortunate to see one of the all-time greats possibly ride off into the sunset
without winning a title being so deserving of one. Unless the Cardinals sign a
top flight quarterback, ADF envisions Larry to hang up the cleats and move on
from football. The situation is one to watch.
Jarvis Landry (MIA)
2017 Points: 226.10 |
2016 Points: 198.43 | Net Gain/Loss: +27.67 (Rank #5)
Landry, much like
Keenan Allen, is one of the best PPR wide receivers in the NFL. In his four
year career in Miami, Jarvis has amassed an astonishing 400 receptions in that
time. In 2017 Landry hit a career high, hauling in 112 catches to lead the NFL
in that category. Surprisingly, Landry didn’t hit the 1000 yard receiving mark
this season falling 13 yards shy. Equally impressive for the 2017 campaign was Jarvis’
ability to find the endzone with regularity, scoring 9 touchdowns for the
Dolphins, another career high. Landry was absolutely money in the bank week in
week out for his owners where he rarely disappointed. Heading into a contract
year, Landry again proved his reliability challenging the critics in being a
top five NFL receiver. Looking to 2018, Landry has a very interesting
situation. The Dolphins refused to work a deal in the offseason to keep the
star receiver in South Beach. Betting on his abilities Jarvis is poised to cash
in on the open market to the highest bidder line his pockets. All signs point
to Landry moving on from the team that drafted him four years ago, as replacement
parts have been attained by Miami. With DeVante Parker and young speedster Jakeem
Grant looking to take on bigger roles, Landry should be employed elsewhere. A
team that has been rumored to have keen interest in Landry is the 49ers! That
could be a pretty situation as San Fran has money to burn under the cap and a potential
franchise quarterback in Jimmy Garoppolo. If Landry gets himself a top flight
quarterback in 2018, ADF would have no issue endorsing a high pick for Jarvis.
Michael Thomas (NWO)
2017 Points: 219.00 |
2016 Points: 220.80 | Net Gain/Loss: -1.80 (Rank #6)
ADF preached before
the 2017 season began, Michael Thomas was virtually bust proof in fantasy
football this season. In PPR formats this was exactly the case. Thomas finished
the year third overall in receptions pulling in 104 catches, a new career high.
The biggest decline in Thomas’ game was the loss of touchdown production as he
failed to match his 2016 totals by four scores. Many factors came to play for
Thomas not achieving career highs in all statistical categories this season.
The Saints adjusted their offensive scheme post week two as they started the
year 0-2. Coach Payton chose to boast a run heavy attack as the apparent
decline of the great Drew Brees seemed to be accelerating. As the passing opportunities
minimized, Michael Thomas’ redzone opportunity also fell. With that said,
Thomas still posted primetime numbers placing his rank for fantasy receivers at
six! As for his outlook in 2018, the Saints situation is definitely one to
watch. Strapped against the cap, the New Orleans brain trust will have to get
creative in how they move money around to remain competitive. The potential for
Brees and Ingram to no longer be a part of the squad would drastically lower
Thomas’ value. This situation is a must follow.
Julio Jones (ATL)
2017 Points: 209.77 |
2016 Points: 221.93 | Net Gain/Loss: -12.16 (Rank #7)
With the departure of Kyle Shanahan to San
Francisco, the Falcons were prime to take a massive step backward. Matt Ryan
struggles with new concepts in the inaugural season of implementation with a
new offensive coordinators. The same was apparent in 2015 when Shanahan took
over as OC for the Falcons. Julio Jones suffered immensely in a system that
chose to not throw him the ball in the redzone. Julio posted a career low in
touchdowns (3), this season as Coordinator Steve Sarkisian struggled to figure
out how to use the all-star talent. Julio did have flashes this season, which
is to be expected of a player of his caliber - but the ceiling wasn’t achieved
for Jones in 2017. The Falcons are an interesting group and one wonders how
they will improve offensively in 2018. With that said, Julio should see a
slight drop in value come draft time, but will continue to be a top fantasy
producer next season.
Tyreek Hill (KC)
2017 Points: 209.77 |
2016 Points: 197.23 | Net Gain/Loss: +12.54 (Rank #8)
The Chiefs season
started with such promise as they looked to dominate all competition and Hill
was taking charge. Hill definitely impressed in his first full season as a
starting wide receiver posting over 200 fantasy points. As the season wore on,
the Chiefs began to falter and Hill disappeared in contests leaving many points
off his totals frustrating his owners. During crunch time however, Tyreek
charged back in his last six games posting an impressive 95.53 fantasy points.
He definitely showed his value to his owners late in the season. For 2018,
Kansas City will look to make a change at quarterback allowing Alex Smith to
walk, installing Patrick Mahomes under center. The hype remains real on the strong
armed passer to provide a youth movement big three with Kareem Hunt and Tyreek
Hill rounding out the trio. The potential for consistent deep shots down field would
increase Hill’s value for the 2018 season! His ability to burn past defenders
could make him a top flight receiver in the NFL next year. Tyreek did struggle
with dropped passes at times but looked to have cleaned it up as the season
wore on. ADF likes the upside in Hill moving forward.
Adam Thielen (MIN)
2017 Points: 200.17 |
2016 Points: 167.97 | Net Gain/Loss: +32.20 (Rank #9)
One of the highest
value picks this season was the Vikings Adam Thielen. This man took his game to
another level in 2017 providing consistent production on an increase role.
Generating an additional 32 fantasy points taking his totals over the 200 point
mark is nothing to overlook. Thielen became the safety blanket for Case Keenum
this season hauling in 91 receptions for over 1200 yards, quite impressive. The
aspect that limits Adam’s ceiling is the lack of touchdown production in the
offense. First looks in the redzone go to Stefon Diggs followed by Kyle Rudolph
limiting his ability to generate further production. 2018 will be very
interesting for the Vikings as all three of their rostered quarterbacks will
become free agents. As well as Keenum has played this season, the feeling
suggests the Minnesota brain trust isn’t 100% sold on the journeymen passer.
With that said, it seems Thielen has proven he belongs in the category of top
receivers in the game. His value should increase for the upcoming draft, but
should remain higher in PPR leagues as his touchdown ceiling remains low.
Devante Adams (GB)
2017 Points: 194.00 |
2016 Points: 214.47 | Net Gain/Loss: -20.47 (Rank #10)
2017 became the lost
season for the Packers once Aaron Rodgers went down with a broken collarbone
back in week 6. It was clear that every offensive weapon would take a massive
step backward without Aaron throwing the ball, which indeed was the case,
except for Adams. Devante developed an instant chemistry with Brett Hundley generating
113.20 fantasy points from weeks 6 thru 14. His fantasy relevance took no hit
at the expense of the rest of his teammates, (Nelson, Cobb). Adams has been one
of the best touchdown producing receivers in the NFL over the past two seasons,
and was rewarded with a contract extension at seasons end. 2018 should have intrigue
in Green Bay, as the management will be forced to release Nelson and/or Cobb in
not keeping three high priced receivers on the roster. This bodes very well for
Adams 2018 outlook and value. He again should be a top receiver next season.
2017 Top 5 Failed
Value Wide Receivers:
Jordy Nelson (GB)
2017 Points: 121.13 |
2016 Points: 267.80 | Net Gain/Loss:
-146.67 (2016 Rank #2)
The largest drop in
production came from Jordy Nelson in 2017. Once Rodgers found his way into the
medical room, Nelson completely fell off a cliff. Unable to gain any chemistry with
Brett Hundley, Nelson never posted more than 7 fantasy points after week six.
The lost production equated to 147 fantasy point reduction for the once
dominate Packer receiver. Jordy could very well have a different home in 2018
which could potentially bring back some lost value. If he remains in Green Bay,
Rodgers will also recreate the lost value even with Adams taking on the lead
role. Difficult to predict in January as many moving parts will dictate his
future.
Mike Evans (TB)
2017 Points: 169.73 |
2016 Points: 264.07 | Net Gain/Loss: -94.34 (2016 Rank #3)
Absolutely crushing disappointment
can be terms used to describe the failed season for Mike Evans and the Tampa
Bay Bucs. As the season began, so much promise was predicted for Winston and
company to take the next step in their progression which never materialized.
Evans saw career lows in almost every statistical category for receivers,
completing his worst season since entering the NFL. Not finding the endzone
torched fantasy owners as they likely went down with the skinning ship. Tampa
Bay will be a huge question mark heading into 2018 as they retained Coach Dirk
Koetter and the same scheme. With that said, Evans should be able to improve on
his 2017 numbers.
Odell Beckham Jr.
(NYG)
2017 Points: 63.93 |
2016 Points: 256.03 | Net Gain/Loss: -192.10 (2016 Rank #4)
The New York Giants seemed to be cursed in
2017, as anything that could happen pretty much did happen to the Big Blue.
Start receiver Odell Beckham got his ankle rolled in a gruesome injury forcing
him to miss majority of the season. Not much could’ve been done for fantasy
owners as an injury like this is pure bad luck. As OBJ continues his rehab ADF
fully expects the super-star receiver to come back in full force for 2018. As the
Giants situation looks to regain stability, Beckham should be a major part of
the team’s plans moving forward. Newly hired GM (Gettleman), has stated there
is no rush to resign OBJ as he has one year left on his rookie contract. The
biggest concern for Beckham’s value in 2018 is if he decides to hold out
forcing the hand of the Giants management to fork out well deserved cash his
way. OBJ should get back to form next season, value still very high.
TY Hilton (IND)
2017 Points: 146.40 |
2016 Points: 231.53 | Net Gain/Loss: -85.13 (2016 Rank #5)
Another season thrown
down the pipes for a top NFL caliber wide receiver with a circumstantial
situation dictating the outcome before it began. Hilton’s season was poised to fail
once Andrew Luck was forced to remain on the sideline due to injury. The Colts
brass made every attempt to remain competitive this season in acquiring third string
quarterback Jacoby Brissett from the Patriots. While Brissett seemed to
progress game after game, the overall team dynamic for the Colts was built of
failure. 2018 will again poise many questions to the future of the Colts
franchise. The health of their franchise quarterback will again dictate the
value of TY Hilton. Dropping 85 fantasy points for any player isn’t a good
look, but if the situation improves in Indy, Hilton should reap the benefits.
Terrelle Pryor Sr.
(WAS)
2017 Points: 42.00 |
2016 Points: 181.60 | Net Gain/Loss: -139.60 (Rank #21)
Colossal bust is the
best way to describe the free agent pickup for the Redskins in 2017. Terrelle
Pryor left Cleveland with high hopes teaming up with the likes of Kirk Cousins
looking to generate massive stats and victories for Washington, which didn’t happen.
The fundamental issue in Pryor’s game should be recognized that in Cleveland
his route tree was extremely simple, as he let his athletic ability create
plays. In Washington, a lot more was expected from the potential star, which didn’t
materialize. Never finding chemistry with his quarterback while running incorrect
routes doubled his chances of failure as the season went on. By week 10
Terrelle was shut down and sent to injured reserve with a hobbled ankle. 2018 shouldn’t
expect much of a resurgence from Pryor, as Kirk Cousins should be playing
elsewhere and the instability at quarterback for the Skins will dictate
seasonal success. He will be off the radar unless they replace Cousins
properly.
2018 Top Potential Wide
Receivers:
JuJu Smith-Schuster
(PIT)
2017 Points: 170.13 |
2018 Projected Points: 160-200
The scouting report coming into the draft had JuJu as a potential playmaker
with size-able downfalls, safe to say they got that report wrong. Smith-Schuster
took the NFL by storm over producing once he got his opportunity from the
coaching staff. Putting up a whopping 170 points for a secondary rookie wide
receiver is extremely impressive. It definitely helps the cause for JuJu
playing alongside the great Antonio Brown pulling coverage providing openings.
Like most Steelers player evaluations in 2018, their success with be determent
on the status of Ben Roethlisberger. As of now ADF will project 2018 assuming
Ben will return.
Josh Gordon (CLE)
2017 Points: 47.33 |
2018 Projected Points: 150-200
The seemingly eternal struggle wondering if
Gordon would ever play another down in the NFL due to substance abuse was
rectified as he again was reinstated by league officials. Gordon showed his abilities
right out of the gate proving a long lay-off couldn’t stop the young talent. Suiting
up in four games for the fantasy season, Gordon was able to produce modest
numbers in a terrible offense. Josh averaged 11.83 points over his four contests
proving he is more than capable to handle WR1 duties. If the Browns can finally
solve their quarterback situation and add adequate depth to the offensive line
and run game, Gordon could be in for a very good year. The added factor of his
substance abuse issues could always come back into play, leaving Gordon as a
very risky draft pick in 2018.
Robert Woods (LAR)
2017 Points: 139.27 |
2018 Projected Points: 150-170
Robert Woods has always been known for his
fantastic blocking ability and firm route running skill to go along with sure
hands. But like most experts, nobody could’ve predicted the breakout season
Woods put together. Starting the season as most expected, Woods took off in
week 9 basically taking over the number one receiving duties. Woods did lose
time to a shoulder injury in crunch time which more than likely affected his
owners. In 13 games played this season, Woods averaged 10.71 points per game placing
him in a viable start category for next season. Woods value could decrease if
Sammy Watkins chooses to test the open market, as he was responsible for
drawing coverage his way leaving Woods to battle single coverage regularly.
Either way, Woods value is on the rise.
Keelan Cole (JAX)
2017 Points: 108.87 |
2018 Projected Points: 140-160
As the season wore on, Cole continued to play
a reserve role not finding his way onto the field with any regularity. Entering
week 13 with a receiving core decimated by injury, the Jaguars seemingly struck
gold with undrafted free agent rookie Keelan Cole. Once given the opportunity,
Cole flashed his speed and playmaking ability proving he is a valuable weapon
for the Jags offense. Keelan put up 68.47 points in his last four contests, averaging
out to a fantastic 17.12 points per game. With Allen Robinson unlikely to be
resigned by Jacksonville, Cole should have an expanded role with a youthful
receiving core for the Jaguars. Cole will be on the radar for next year’s
draft.
Jakeem Grant (MIA)
2017 Points: 39.73 |
2018 Projected Points: 120-160
With rumor that
Jarvis Landry has played his last down in Miami, Jakeem Grant gets an instant
uptick in value. Coach Gase understood he required more tape and experience for
the young receiver, to which got him more offensive snaps. Grant generated a
nice 10.6 point average over his last three games of the season, placing his
value as good potential for the upcoming season. Grant is a speedster who
posted a 4.34-40 time coming out of college and showed that ability on plays
this year. Don’t overlook Grant in 2018 with Ryan Tannehill on the mend and
ready to retake his position as the Dolphins signal caller. It’s very possible
Grant assumes Landry’s role in this offense. 
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