[Vengeance]

Stalker :


your grade:

B+


"trusting NFL draft pedigree"
This team is built around strong quarterback play. Despite not being strong at running back and receiver, we think this team should be above average.

Nevertheless, we feel compelled to mention that the RB and WR positions make us a bit nervous and are likely to require some attention throughout the year. We'd feel much better if we knew you were committed to scooping up 2023's breakout players at RB and WR. Getting one or more of these would take this team to the next level.

Players we particularly like on this team (and there's a lot to like here) include Tony Pollard, Travis Etienne Jr., Mike Evans, Daniel Carlson, and Alexander Mattison. We have all these guys ranked ahead of where they're typically being drafted.

With great inseason management, we think you have about a 99 percent chance of making the playoffs. Our Matchup and Waiver Wire tools at Footballguys.com would be a great place to start!

With good inseason management, we think you have about a 90 percent chance of making the playoffs.

With average inseason management, we think you have a 82 percent chance of making the playoffs.

Quarterbacks
Patrick Mahomes
Patrick
Mahomes
KC
Lamar Jackson
Lamar
Jackson
BAL
Patrick Mahomes is clearly a great anchor in a start-two-QB league. We have him ranked 1st among quarterbacks and estimate him at about 3.21 points per game better than an average QB1 in this league.

Lamar Jackson should be an adequate second quarterback. We'd strongly advise you to consider adding some depth here.

Running Backs
Tony Pollard
Tony
Pollard
DAL
Travis Etienne Jr.
Travis
Etienne Jr.
JAX
Alexander Mattison
Alexander
Mattison
MIN
Alvin Kamara
Alvin
Kamara
NO
AJ Dillon
AJ
Dillon
GB
We like Tony Pollard as a 1st RB, but we consider your starting Running Backs, as a group, to be a little below par. Our projections have Pollard ranked at #6 and Travis Etienne Jr. ranked at #13.

Alexander Mattison should serve as a very solid 3rd Running Back; he's a likely flex starter. Alvin Kamara should also be solidly above average at RB4.

AJ Dillon is a solid depth pick.

Wide Receivers
Chris Olave
Chris
Olave
NO
Terry McLaurin
Terry
McLaurin
WAS
Mike Evans
Mike
Evans
TB
Jerry Jeudy
Jerry
Jeudy
DEN
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Jaxon
Smith-Njigba
SEA
We like Chris Olave as a 1st WR, but we consider your starting Wide Receivers, as a group, to be a little below par. Olave is our #12 ranked Wide Receiver, Terry McLaurin is #27, Mike Evans is #29, and we have Jerry Jeudy 31st.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba is a little below average as a 5th Wide Receiver.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by our consensus projections. Others have different takes:

Chris Olave is ranked #8 by some of our writers, which would make him a fine 1st Wide Receiver. Andy Hicks reasons, "

One of the better rookie seasons at wide receiver in 2022 came from Chris Olave. On a Saints team struggling on offense, Olave still managed to record a 1000-yard season and with better quarterback play he should see a big increase in numbers in 2023, especially touchdowns. Olave never had a game with less than three receptions and forty yards, making a solid floor. The ceiling is where he earns a high ranking. Highly drafted second-year receivers with his skillset turn into elite fantasy receivers quickly and he checks every box

"
Some of our staffers have Mike Evans as high as #19, which would make him an above average 3rd Wide Receiver. Andy Hicks's take: "

Mike Evans has a string of 1000 yard seasons to start his career that sets an NFL record. Nine consecutive seasons. Add in an average of nine touchdowns a season, as well as finishing as a fantasy WR1 in six of his nine seasons and WR2 in the other 3. I would rather bet on a 10th season than a fall at this stage

"
Some of our staffers have Jaxon Smith-Njigba as high as #35, which would make him an above average 5th Wide Receiver. Matt Waldman's take: "

Seattle added a Rams coach and drafted a second-round WR two years ago to run more 11 personnel, but it didn't work out. Smith-Njigba will be in the offense's Cooper Kupp. This could lead to a high volume of targets, occasional mismatches in the vertical game, and red-zone value.

After 20 years of analysis in this industry, it's still fascinating to see people cite "too many receivers" to earn fantasy value as a reason to be down on a prospect. Don't buy into it.

"
Tight Ends
T.J. Hockenson
T.J.
Hockenson
MIN
T.J. Hockenson should be above average as a starting tight end. We have him ranked 4th overall at the position.

Kickers
Daniel Carlson
Daniel
Carlson
LV
Anders Carlson
Anders
Carlson
GB
Daniel Carlson, our 8th ranked kicker, is below average but probably adequate.

Team DEF/STs
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco
49ers
SF
The San Francisco 49ers are our #4 ranked defense, so you're in good shape here.

[Vengeance]

HD :


your grade:

A-


"ground and pound"
You've put together a very interesting team here. Our numbers show it as being below average at all three core positions (QB, RB, and WR). And yet, somehow, we don't hate it. With proper care and feeding throughout the season, this team should be above average.

But your margin for error is probably slimmer than that of your fellow contenders. You're going to have to be diligent in your search for help through trades and the waiver wire.

Players we particularly like on this team (and there's a lot to like here) include Aaron Jones, DK Metcalf, Calvin Ridley, Christian Watson, Pat Freiermuth, Harrison Butker, and Dameon Pierce. We have all these guys ranked ahead of where they're typically being drafted.

With great inseason management, we think you have about a 99 percent chance of making the playoffs. Our Matchup and Waiver Wire tools at Footballguys.com would be a great place to start!

With good inseason management, we think you have about a 90 percent chance of making the playoffs.

With average inseason management, we think you have a 83 percent chance of making the playoffs.

Quarterbacks
Josh Allen
Josh
Allen
BUF
Justin Fields
Justin
Fields
CHI
Derek Carr
Derek
Carr
NO
Josh Allen is clearly a great anchor in a start-two-QB league. We have him ranked 2nd among quarterbacks and estimate him at about 2.31 points per game better than an average QB1 in this league.

But we're not so high on Justin Fields as a QB2. We have him ranked 7th.

Derek Carr is OK as a 3rd quarterback.

Running Backs
Josh Jacobs
Josh
Jacobs
LV
Aaron Jones
Aaron
Jones
GB
Dameon Pierce
Dameon
Pierce
HOU
James Cook
James
Cook
BUF
Zack Moss
Zack
Moss
IND
We like Josh Jacobs as a 1st RB, but we consider your starting Running Backs, as a group, to be a little below par. Our projections have Jacobs ranked 8th and Aaron Jones ranked 14th.

Dameon Pierce looks great as a 3rd Running Back; he's a likely flex starter. James Cook is also a very nice RB4.

Because you're not particularly strong overall at the position, adding some depth here was a good idea. But we're not convinced Zack Moss is the right player for the job. Check the end of the report for some alternative suggestions.

A quick note about the same-team Jacobs/Davante Adams and Jones/Christian Watson duos you've got here. Though the effect is probably negligible, this kind of pairing is likely to make your team more (not less) consistent than a comparable-scoring different-team pair.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by our consensus projections. Others have different takes:

Josh Jacobs is ranked #7 by some of our writers, which would make him a fine 1st Running Back. Andy Hicks reasons, "

Josh Jacobs is another highly ranked running back with a significant issue in contract negotiations. His situation is of concern as he seems more likely to play hardball. Another risky prospect

"
Wide Receivers
Davante Adams
Davante
Adams
LV
DK Metcalf
DK
Metcalf
SEA
Calvin Ridley
Calvin
Ridley
JAX
Christian Watson
Christian
Watson
GB
Michael Pittman Jr.
Michael
Pittman Jr.
IND
Your starting Wide Receiver group is a strength, particularly Davante Adams as a 1st Wide Receiver. Adams is our #8 ranked Wide Receiver, DK Metcalf is #14, Calvin Ridley is #17, and we have Christian Watson 19th.

Michael Pittman Jr. should be a good 5th Wide Receiver.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by our consensus projections. Others have different takes:

Davante Adams is ranked #6 by some of our writers, which would make him a fine 1st Wide Receiver. Matt Waldman reasons, "

If age were merely a number Adams would be neck and neck with the first three receivers in this tier. The Raiders' QB situation is also a question mark.

"
Tight Ends
Pat Freiermuth
Pat
Freiermuth
PIT
Pat Freiermuth is our #8 TE, so he'll do, but this position may be a sore spot for you this season.

Kickers
Harrison Butker
Harrison
Butker
KC
Harrison Butker, our 9th ranked kicker, is below average but probably adequate.

Team DEF/STs
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas
Cowboys
DAL
The Dallas Cowboys are our #3 ranked defense, so you're in good shape here.

[Vengeance]

Vengeance :


your grade:

B+

"shooting for 4-0"
Old school!

Make no mistake about it: this team is about strength at the running back position. And we think it will be a legitimate contender. Somewhere Emmitt Smith is smiling.

Nonetheless, we'd be remiss if we didn't at least mention the relative lack of strength at quarterback and receiver. These are usually survivable weaknesses, but we'd feel better if we knew you were committed to zealously scouring the waiver wire for this year's emergent players at QB and WR. Getting a breakout player at one or both of those positions would take your already-good team to the next level.

Players we particularly like on this team (and there's a lot to like here) include Joe Mixon, A.J. Brown, Deebo Samuel, Kyle Pitts, Matt Gay, the Patriots defense, and Cam Akers. We have all these guys ranked ahead of where they're typically being drafted.

With great inseason management, we think you have about a 99 percent chance of making the playoffs. Our Matchup and Waiver Wire tools at Footballguys.com would be a great place to start!

With good inseason management, we think you have about a 90 percent chance of making the playoffs.

With average inseason management, we think you have a 81 percent chance of making the playoffs.

Quarterbacks
Justin Herbert
Justin
Herbert
LAC
Russell Wilson
Russell
Wilson
DEN
Justin Herbert is clearly a great anchor in a start-two-QB league. We have him ranked 6th among quarterbacks and estimate him at about -1.09 points per game better than an average QB1 in this league.

We're not crazy about Russell Wilson as a second quarterback. Adding some depth here is crucial.

A quick note about the Herbert/Keenan Allen hookup you've got here: while we think the effect of the quarterback/receiver hookup has largely been exaggerated in fantasy football circles, it does have a tendency to make your team somewhat more inconsistent than comparable scoring duos from different NFL teams. But if you like the players at both ends of the connection, we do not see any need to make a change because of it.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by our consensus projections. Others have different takes:

Some members of our staff have Russell Wilson ranked as high as 14th, which would make him a fine 2nd Quarterback. Andy Hicks defends his high ranking as follows: "

Wilson is in a do or die season, regardless of his salary cap numbers in future years. A strong rapport with Sean Payton is vital. His days of strong rushing numbers are gone, so whether his free wheeling style is a fantasy benefit anymore is debatable. Probably has more downside than upside

"
Running Backs
Joe Mixon
Joe
Mixon
CIN
Rhamondre Stevenson
Rhamondre
Stevenson
NE
Cam Akers
Cam
Akers
LAR
David Montgomery
David
Montgomery
DET
Dalvin Cook
Dalvin
Cook
NYJ
We like Joe Mixon as a 1st RB, but we consider your starting Running Backs, as a group, to be a little below par. Our projections have Mixon ranked at #9 and Rhamondre Stevenson ranked 11th.

Cam Akers looks great as a 3rd Running Back; he's a likely flex starter. David Montgomery is also a very nice RB4.

Dalvin Cook is an excellent depth pick.

Wide Receivers
Justin Jefferson
Justin
Jefferson
MIN
A.J. Brown
A.J.
Brown
PHI
Deebo Samuel
Deebo
Samuel
SF
Keenan Allen
Keenan
Allen
LAC
Christian Kirk
Christian
Kirk
JAX
Your starting Wide Receiver group is a strength, particularly Justin Jefferson as a 1st Wide Receiver. We figure them at a combined 4.77 points per game better than an average opponent in this league. Jefferson is our #1 ranked Wide Receiver, A.J. Brown is #4, Deebo Samuel is #15, and we have Keenan Allen 20th.

Tough to do better than Christian Kirk at WR5.

Tight Ends
Kyle Pitts
Kyle
Pitts
ATL
Evan Engram
Evan
Engram
JAX
Kyle Pitts is just OK as a starting tight end (we have him ranked #6). So the pick of Evan Engram, who we see as a solid backup, was wise.

Kickers
Matt Gay
Matt
Gay
IND
At about 0.21 points per game above average, Matt Gay is our 2nd ranked kicker, so you're set here.

Team DEF/STs
New England Patriots
New England
Patriots
NE
We think the New England Patriots are the #2 defense in the league, at about 0.35 points per game above average.

[Vengeance]

Slow Ben :


your grade:

B+


"trusting NFL draft pedigree"
This team is built around strong quarterback play. Despite not being strong at running back and receiver, we think this team should be above average.

Nevertheless, we feel compelled to mention that the RB and WR positions make us a bit nervous and are likely to require some attention throughout the year. We'd feel much better if we knew you were committed to scooping up 2023's breakout players at RB and WR. Getting one or more of these would take this team to the next level.

Players we particularly like on this team (and there's a lot to like here) include Geno Smith, Jahmyr Gibbs, Miles Sanders, Ja'Marr Chase, and the Ravens defense. We have all these guys ranked ahead of where they're typically being drafted.

With great inseason management, we think you have about a 90 percent chance of making the playoffs. Our Matchup and Waiver Wire tools at Footballguys.com would be a great place to start!

With good inseason management, we think you have about a 85 percent chance of making the playoffs.

With average inseason management, we think you have a 79 percent chance of making the playoffs.

Quarterbacks
Trevor Lawrence
Trevor
Lawrence
JAX
Geno Smith
Geno
Smith
SEA
Jared Goff
Jared
Goff
DET
Trevor Lawrence is clearly a great anchor in a start-two-QB league. We have him ranked 8th among quarterbacks and estimate him at about -3.14 points per game better than an average QB1 in this league.

But we're not so high on Geno Smith as a QB2. We have him ranked 9th.

Jared Goff is fine as a 3rd quarterback.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by our consensus projections. Others have different takes:

Some of our staffers have Trevor Lawrence as high as #6, which would make him a fine 1st Quarterback. Andy Hicks's take: "

Lawrence is going to prove his generational talent in 2023. Last year was a strong development season with over 4000 passing yards and five rushing touchdowns. The addition of Calvin Ridley strongly portends better numbers as Jacksonville improve to become playoff contenders. His sixth finishing rank from 2022 seems a baseline and his upside is fantasy elite.

"
Running Backs
Jahmyr Gibbs
Jahmyr
Gibbs
DET
Miles Sanders
Miles
Sanders
CAR
James Conner
James
Conner
ARI
D'Andre Swift
D'Andre
Swift
PHI
We like Jahmyr Gibbs as a 1st RB, but we consider your starting Running Backs, as a group, to be a little below par. Our projections have Gibbs ranked 10th and Miles Sanders ranked 17th.

James Conner is a little below average as a 3rd Running Back; he's a likely flex starter. D'Andre Swift is also a fair-to-middlin' 4th Running Back.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by our consensus projections. Others have different takes:

Miles Sanders is ranked #14 by some of our writers, which would make him a fine 2nd Running Back. Andy Hicks reasons, "

After a career year with the Eagles, Sanders moved to Carolina with the expectation to be the focal point while the rookie quarterback found his feet. Only problem is Sanders has been absent with a groin issue. He should be fine to post good numbers this year, but groin issues can linger. Draft with caution

"
Some of our staffers have James Conner as high as #19, which would make him an above average 3rd Running Back. Jeff Bell's take: "

Conner should be a focal point of the Cardinals' offense. With injury concerns on Kyler Murray and changing scheme, that would mean volume but not necessarily efficiency. In my projections, he holds 48% of the team's rushing attempts and 8.5% target share, for 980 rushing yards and 250 receiving yards. That would be one of his better rushing seasons but a slight downtick in receiving yards.

"
Some members of our staff have D'Andre Swift ranked as high as 20th, which would make him a great 4th Running Back and even a legitimate RB3. Andy Hicks defends his high ranking as follows: "

On paper should be the back that leads the pack in Philadelphia, but they have Kenneth Gainwell, Rashaad Penny and Boston Scott available as well. The Lions gave up on Swift easily and he hasnt exactly grabbed the role in preseason. Talent should win out, but production matters more. Swift needs to produce

"
Wide Receivers
Ja'Marr Chase
Ja'Marr
Chase
CIN
Stefon Diggs
Stefon
Diggs
BUF
CeeDee Lamb
CeeDee
Lamb
DAL
Marquise Brown
Marquise
Brown
ARI
Jordan Addison
Jordan
Addison
MIN
Zay Flowers
Zay
Flowers
BAL
Your starting Wide Receiver group is a strength, particularly Ja'Marr Chase as a 1st Wide Receiver. We figure them at a combined 5.29 points per game better than an average opponent in this league. Chase is our #1 ranked Wide Receiver, Stefon Diggs is #5, CeeDee Lamb is #6, and we have Marquise Brown 33rd.

We see Jordan Addison as an average 5th Wide Receiver. Zay Flowers is also a fair-to-middlin' 6th Wide Receiver.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by our consensus projections. Others have different takes:

Some members of our staff have Marquise Brown ranked as high as 32nd, which would make him a fine 4th Wide Receiver. Ben Cummins defends his high ranking as follows: "

DeAndre Hopkins has been released, making Marquise Brown the clear WR1 on a team that projects to be the worst in the NFL. His volume is locked in since the Cardinals will have to throw playing from behind all season but the quality of his targets remain a question mark with Kyler Murray's health status still squarely up in the air.

"
Some of our staffers have Jordan Addison as high as #30, which would make him a great 5th Wide Receiver and even a legitimate WR4. Ben Cummins's take: "

Jordan Addison is Mr. Reliable. He can do everything. In his two seasons at Pittsburgh and his junior year at USC, Addison was deployed all over the field. He offers versatility and is a very good route runner. Addison landed in an ideal situation with a pass-first Vikings offense that ranked third in the NFL in pass attempts last season. He'll step seemlessly into Adam Thielen's role in the offense.

"
Tight Ends
Mark Andrews
Mark
Andrews
BAL
Mark Andrews should be above average as a starting tight end. We have him ranked 2nd overall at the position.

Kickers
Chad Ryland
Chad
Ryland
NE
With Chad Ryland, you should be above average at the position.

Team DEF/STs
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore
Ravens
BAL
The Baltimore Ravens are probably not a difference-maker at defense, but they should be OK.

[Vengeance]

Twelve :


your grade:

B+

"trusting NFL draft pedigree"
Quarterback and tight end are the strengths of this squad. Despite not being strong at running back and receiver, we think this team should be above average.

Nevertheless, we feel compelled to mention that the RB and WR positions make us a bit nervous and are likely to require some attention throughout the year. We'd feel much better if we knew you were committed to scooping up 2023's breakout players at RB and WR. Getting one or more of these would take this team to the next level.

Players we particularly like on this team include Mike Williams and Tyler Bass. We have both these guys ranked ahead of where they're typically being drafted.

With great inseason management, we think you have about a 90 percent chance of making the playoffs. Our Matchup and Waiver Wire tools at Footballguys.com would be a great place to start!

With good inseason management, we think you have about a 85 percent chance of making the playoffs.

With average inseason management, we think you have a 79 percent chance of making the playoffs.

Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow
Joe
Burrow
CIN
Dak Prescott
Dak
Prescott
DAL
Daniel Jones
Daniel
Jones
NYG
Joe Burrow is clearly a great anchor in a start-two-QB league. We have him ranked 4th among quarterbacks and estimate him at about 0.55 points per game better than an average QB1 in this league.

But we're not so high on Dak Prescott as a QB2. We have him ranked 11th.

Daniel Jones is good as a 3rd quarterback.

Running Backs
Bijan Robinson
Bijan
Robinson
ATL
Breece Hall
Breece
Hall
NYJ
J.K. Dobbins
J.K.
Dobbins
BAL
Brian Robinson
Brian
Robinson
WAS
Rashaad Penny
Rashaad
Penny
PHI
Your starting Running Backs should, as a unit, be adequate but not great. In particular we like Bijan Robinson as a 1st RB. Our projections have Robinson ranked at #4 and Breece Hall ranked at #18.

J.K. Dobbins should serve as a very solid 3rd Running Back; he's a likely flex starter. We also see Brian Robinson as an above average RB4.

Because you're not particularly strong overall at the position, adding some depth here was a good idea. But we're not convinced Rashaad Penny is the right player for the job. Check the end of the report for some alternative suggestions.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by our consensus projections. Others have different takes:

Some members of our staff have Breece Hall ranked as high as 10th, which would make him an above average 2nd Running Back. Ben Cummins defends his high ranking as follows: "

The signing of Dalvin Cook certainly hurts Breece Hall, but I can't rank him any lower than my RB9. He's simply too talented as a dual-threat RB. Hall was the RB8 in half-point PPR fantasy points per game (15.1) in the seven games he played before injury as a rookie. He was fantastic, excelling in various ProFootballFocus metrics in 2022, ranking first in elusive rating, first in yards after contact per attempt (4.13), third in explosive run rate (19%), and second in yards per route run (2.00) among eligible running backs. What do those statistics mean? Hall was one of the best running backs in the league in shedding tackles, breaking tackles and gaining additional yardage, ripping off big play runs, and being an efficient route runner and pass catcher immediately upon entering the NFL.

"
Some members of our staff have Rashaad Penny ranked as high as 35th, which would make him an above average 5th Running Back. Ben Cummins defends his high ranking as follows: "

Rashaad Penny is a talented rusher joining one of the best offenses and offensive lines in the NFL. His range of outcomes is extremely wide but that variance is built in to his ADP. He's a "better in best ball" player since we don't have to predict when his big games will occur while sharing a backfield with DAndre Swift, Kenneth Gainwell, and Boston Scott.

"
Wide Receivers
Jaylen Waddle
Jaylen
Waddle
MIA
Amari Cooper
Amari
Cooper
CLE
Mike Williams
Mike
Williams
LAC
DJ Moore
DJ
Moore
CHI
Gabe Davis
Gabe
Davis
BUF
We like Jaylen Waddle as a 1st WR, but we consider your starting Wide Receivers, as a group, to be a little below par. Waddle is our #11 ranked Wide Receiver, Amari Cooper is #18, Mike Williams is #22, and we have DJ Moore 25th.

Gabe Davis should serve as a very solid 5th Wide Receiver.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by our consensus projections. Others have different takes:

Some members of our staff have Amari Cooper ranked as high as 10th, which would make him an above average 2nd Wide Receiver. Matt Waldman defends his high ranking as follows: "

Cooper has always been a strong route runner. His approach has matured into that of a great professional on a team with weapons that should help him sustain WR1 value.

"
Tight Ends
Travis Kelce
Travis
Kelce
KC
As you are well aware, Travis Kelce is an elite tight end. We have him ranked 1st. He's about 3.7 points per game better than an average starting TE in this league.

Kickers
Tyler Bass
Tyler
Bass
BUF
Tyler Bass, our 5th ranked kicker, won't win the league for you, but he'll do.

Team DEF/STs
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota
Vikings
MIN
When you don't have an elite defense, one option is a committee approach. That is, try to get two cheap defenses whose schedules fit well together.

[Vengeance]

Tatts :


your grade:

B-


"primed for the playoffs"
Let's start by remarking that we appreciate your old-school leanings: you have a team marked by strength at the running back position. But with the quarterback and wide receiver both being less strong, you may need to do something to change the outlook of this team. Your deficiencies are likely to show themselves through the bye weeks, so try to manuever early in improving the quarterback and/or receiver positions before week four.

Keep an eye out for quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson from last season, Ben Roethlisberger from 2014, and Russell Wilson from 2012. All were available cheap in August, and all contributed to fantasy championship teams. Similarly, wide receivers like A.J. Brown were available after a lot of the drafts last season. Landing some of this year's top waiver players would be a huge help, so pay close attention to increased workloads, targets, injuries, etc.

Players we particularly like on this team include Nick Chubb, Garrett Wilson, Tyler Lockett, Brandon Aiyuk, and Younghoe Koo. We have all these guys ranked ahead of where they're typically being drafted.

With great inseason management, we think you have about a 80 percent chance of making the playoffs. Our Matchup and Waiver Wire tools at Footballguys.com would be a great place to start!

With good inseason management, we think you have about a 70 percent chance of making the playoffs.

With average inseason management, we think you have a 55 percent chance of making the playoffs.

Quarterbacks
Tua Tagovailoa
Tua
Tagovailoa
MIA
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron
Rodgers
NYJ
Tua Tagovailoa is our # quarterback and our projections say he's about -3.87 points per game better than an average QB1 in this league, so he's a good start to a QB corps.

We're not crazy about Aaron Rodgers as a second quarterback. Adding some depth here is crucial.

A quick note about the Rodgers/Garrett Wilson hookup you've got here: while we think the effect of the quarterback/receiver hookup has largely been exaggerated in fantasy football circles, it does have a tendency to make your team somewhat more inconsistent than comparable scoring duos from different NFL teams. But if you like the players at both ends of the connection, we do not see any need to make a change because of it.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by our consensus projections. Others have different takes:

Some of our staffers have Aaron Rodgers as high as #15, which would make him a fine 2nd Quarterback. Andy Hicks's take: "

Landing with the Jets Rodgers gets some of his friends in Allen Lazard and Randall Conb to help. When he totally locks in on his best receiver, Garrett Wilson will determine whether Rodgers can be a fantasy starter or not. Still has an aura, but for how long?

"
Running Backs
Nick Chubb
Nick
Chubb
CLE
Austin Ekeler
Austin
Ekeler
LAC
Jonathan Taylor
Jonathan
Taylor
IND
Isiah Pacheco
Isiah
Pacheco
KC
Khalil Herbert
Khalil
Herbert
CHI
Nice work here. We like both your starting Running Backs, as our projections indicate that they give you a combined 3.83 point-per-game advantage over an average opponent in this league. Our projections have Nick Chubb ranked 2nd and Austin Ekeler ranked 3rd.

Your bench doesn't look quite as strong. Jonathan Taylor should be a good 3rd Running Back; he's a likely flex starter. Isiah Pacheco should also be solidly above average at RB4.

Khalil Herbert is a solid depth pick.

Wide Receivers
Garrett Wilson
Garrett
Wilson
NYJ
Tyler Lockett
Tyler
Lockett
SEA
Brandon Aiyuk
Brandon
Aiyuk
SF
Drake London
Drake
London
ATL
Diontae Johnson
Diontae
Johnson
PIT
Nico Collins
Nico
Collins
HOU
We like Garrett Wilson as a 1st WR, but we consider your starting Wide Receivers, as a group, to be a little below par. Wilson is our #9 ranked Wide Receiver, Tyler Lockett is #21, Brandon Aiyuk is #24, and we have Drake London 32nd.

Diontae Johnson should serve as a very solid 5th Wide Receiver. Nico Collins, on the other hand, is an average-at-best 6th WR.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by our consensus projections. Others have different takes:

Garrett Wilson is ranked #7 by some of our writers, which would make him a fine 1st Wide Receiver. Ben Cummins reasons, "

Garrett Wilson was an elite early declare prospect selected tenth overall by the Jets one year ago and now has a massive quarterback upgrade in Aaron Rodgers. He's the clear alpha receiver surrounded by a bunch of average talents in Allen Lazard, Corey Davis, Mecole Hardman, Randall Cobb, and Tyler Conklin. And there are no questions about Wilson's transition to the NFL after he caught 83 passes for 1,103 yards as a rookie playing with Zach Wilson, Mike White, and Joe Flacco.

"
Some of our staffers have Drake London as high as #13, which would make him a great 4th Wide Receiver and even a legitimate WR2. Andy Hicks's take: "

Drake London is built to be an elite fantasy receiver. On a Falcons unit struggling last year, there were times when he was lost. Not surprisingly though he finished the season well. At least eight targets and five receptions in each of his last five games, averaging six receptions and 88 yards over this period. His quarterback situation is being held against him this year. That is a mistake. He will push elite fantasy ranking by the season's end

"
Some of our staffers have Nico Collins as high as #48, which would make him a fine 6th Wide Receiver. Jason Wood's take: "Someone in Houston will emerge, and Nico is my choice given pedigree."

Tight Ends
Dallas Goedert
Dallas
Goedert
PHI
Dallas Goedert is our #7 TE, so he'll do, but this position may be a sore spot for you this season.

Kickers
Younghoe Koo
Younghoe
Koo
ATL
With Younghoe Koo, you should be above average at the position.

Team DEF/STs
New York Jets
New York
Jets
NYJ
When you don't have an elite defense, one option is a committee approach. That is, try to get two cheap defenses whose schedules fit well together.

[Vengeance]

Brujah :


your grade:

A

"relying on the pass catching big guys"
You've put together a very interesting team here. Our numbers show it as being below average at all three core positions (QB, RB, and WR). And yet, somehow, we don't hate it. With proper care and feeding throughout the season, this team should be above average.

But your margin for error is probably slimmer than that of your fellow contenders. You're going to have to be diligent in your search for help through trades and the waiver wire.

Players we particularly like on this team (and there's a lot to like here) include Kirk Cousins, Derrick Henry, George Kittle, and Justin Tucker. We have all these guys ranked ahead of where they're typically being drafted.

With great inseason management, we think you have about a 99 percent chance of making the playoffs. Our Matchup and Waiver Wire tools at Footballguys.com would be a great place to start!

With good inseason management, we think you have about a 99 percent chance of making the playoffs.

With average inseason management, we think you have a 91 percent chance of making the playoffs.

Quarterbacks
Kirk Cousins
Kirk
Cousins
MIN
Deshaun Watson
Deshaun
Watson
CLE
In a start-two league, it's comforting to have at least one every-week guy, and Kirk Cousins is just that. He's our 10th ranked quarterback and our projections say he's about -3.5 points per game better than an average QB1 in this league.

We're not crazy about Deshaun Watson as a second quarterback. Adding some depth here is crucial.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by our consensus projections. Others have different takes:

Some members of our staff have Kirk Cousins ranked as high as 8th, which would make him a fine 1st Quarterback. Andy Hicks defends his high ranking as follows: "

Cousins gets an upgrade with the addition of Jordan Addison, but the loss of Dalvin Cook may be a net negative for the offense. The kind of fantasy quarterback you settle on, rather than desire

"
Running Backs
Christian McCaffrey
Christian
McCaffrey
SF
Derrick Henry
Derrick
Henry
TEN
Javonte Williams
Javonte
Williams
DEN
Rachaad White
Rachaad
White
TB
Your starting Running Back group is a strength, particularly Christian McCaffrey as a 1st Running Back. We figure them at a combined 3.7 points per game better than an average opponent in this league. Our projections have McCaffrey ranked 1st and Derrick Henry ranked 5th.

Javonte Williams is a little below average as a 3rd Running Back; he's a likely flex starter. But Rachaad White should be a fairly good RB4.

Note that the above "thoughts" were generated by our consensus projections. Others have different takes:

Some of our staffers have Javonte Williams as high as #16, which would make him a great 3rd Running Back and even a legitimate RB2. Jason Wood's take: "Williams is making excellent progress from his ACL and looks ready for Week 1."

Wide Receivers
Tyreek Hill
Tyreek
Hill
MIA
Amon-Ra St. Brown
Amon-Ra
St. Brown
DET
Tee Higgins
Tee
Higgins
CIN
Chris Godwin
Chris
Godwin
TB
Brandin Cooks
Brandin
Cooks
DAL
Courtland Sutton
Courtland
Sutton
DEN
Your starting Wide Receiver group is a strength, particularly Tyreek Hill as a 1st Wide Receiver. We figure them at a combined 2.44 points per game better than an average opponent in this league. Hill is our #3 ranked Wide Receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown is #10, Tee Higgins is #13, and we have Chris Godwin 28th.

Brandin Cooks should serve as a very solid 5th Wide Receiver. Courtland Sutton is also a very nice WR6.

Tight Ends
George Kittle
George
Kittle
SF
David Njoku
David
Njoku
CLE
George Kittle should be above average as a starting tight end. We have him ranked 3rd overall at the position. David Njoku is a nice backup.

Kickers
Justin Tucker
Justin
Tucker
BAL
At about 0.83 points per game above average, Justin Tucker is our 1st ranked kicker, so you're set here.

Team DEF/STs
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo
Bills
BUF
The Buffalo Bills are probably not a difference-maker at defense, but they should be OK.

[Slow Ben]

Vengeance, on 01 September 2023 - 04:36 PM, said:

Slow Ben :


your grade:

B+


"trusting NFL draft pedigree"
This team is built around strong quarterback play. Despite not being strong at running back and receiver, we think this team should be above average.

My WRs are Chase, Diggs, and Lamb…..

Classic Yahoo😆😆

[HoosierDaddy]

In the same vein:

"But we're not so high on Justin Fields as a QB2. We have him ranked 7th."


QB2 - Ranked 7th QB overall lol not good as QB2. What did they want QB 2 and QB3? Lol.

[Stalker]

Funny stuff from yahoo. Love that C- (looks like you did well per yahoo, HD!). Thanks for running the other scoring, Venge, and loading the teams.

[Tattersail_]

D- for me.. oh dear. Thanks for posting those profiles above Venge

[Vengeance]

Yeah yahoo with a D- is a joke. Pretty sure yahoo pays no attention to your league settings.

[twelve]

Yeah with my best grade means I'll finish with the worst overall record. Especially since my #1 pick didn't even play. UGH!!!!

[Tapper]

That Dallas defense… wild.

[Stalker]

No kidding. What a sad game for the Giants.

[Tattersail_]

Here's were I need to make changes but don't know what changes to make.

[Tapper]

Tattersail_, on 11 September 2023 - 04:33 PM, said:

Here's were I need to make changes but don't know what changes to make.

Just remember it’s only week 1. Although you might want to grab a QB somewhere this week…

[HoosierDaddy]

I'll trade you Derek Carr for your best player? Lol.

[Tattersail_]

I acquired Jordan Love.

Until Rodgers got injured I was going for Mostert but Orange and Black got there first

[Vengeance]

I get performance from my team and run right into Mostert having a monster game .... sigh