• Skip to main content
dp2
  • HOME
  • RANKINGS
    • Dynasty Rankings
    • Superflex Dynasty Rankings
    • Rookie Dynasty Rankings
    • IDP Dynasty Rankings
    • Devy Rankings
  • DYNASTY TRADE VALUE CHARTS
    • Dynasty Trade Value Chart (Offense)
    • Dynasty Trade Value Chart (IDP)
  • ARTICLES
    • IDP Articles
    • Devy Articles
  • PODCASTS
    • The Dynasty Pros Fantasy Show
  • MERCHANDISE
  • MEMBER LOG IN

Startup Season: Higher and Lower

By Brian Ford

With the Super Bowl behind us (anyone else sick of Brady?), startup season will be in full swing soon -- if it isn’t already. I’ve been in a few startups recently and used my newly finished position rankings to guide my approach. Based on these drafts, conversations with other dynasty players, and referencing other rankings, I’ve noticed there are a few players at each position I’m higher and lower on than the apparent consensus. Below are my thoughts on one from each position group. I’ll be taking this information into consideration as I enter startups (and make trades in existing leagues). 

Quarterback

Higher: Russell Wilson (QB7)

He can disappoint late in seasons. He’ll be 33 in November. He gets sacked too much - sometimes by his own fault. But Russell Wilson is still a top choice at QB. He is an elite passer who still does just enough with his legs, and has Metcalf and Lockett to throw to. I don’t have Wilson in the top five, but this is more about having him ahead of young studs Joe Burrow (QB8) and Justin Herbert (QB9). I could see both those quarterbacks surpassing Wilson soon, but until they can show reliable production for a few years, at such an important position in a superflex format I’ll still take the last part of Wilson’s run. 

Lower: Lamar Jackson (QB6)

We all know about Lamar’s rushing ability and how it solidifies his fantasy floor, but, while the Ravens played better the second half of the season, I don’t think he has evolved enough as a passer to be in my top five. I saw him miss a number of throws competent NFL quarterbacks should make. Jackson had crazy touchdown efficiency in 2019, and once that regressed, we saw him exposed more. Lamar Jackson is probably better at throwing a football than I am at just about anything, but the running is only a cheat code if he can throw as well as he needs to in order to be an elite QB, and I just don’t see it. If the Ravens add a top WR in free agency or the draft, I might reevaluate my ranking, but for now he’s just behind Dak Prescott (QB5) and just ahead of Russell Wilson (QB7). I’m probably passing on him in the first round of superflex drafts.

Running Back

Higher: D’Andre Swift (RB5)

I’m a full-throated, card-carrying Swifter. A number of analysts had him as the top rookie RB going into the 2020 draft, and as his usage increased as last season progressed, there were impressive returns for Swift managers. He has elite skills, including good receiving ability, and should be getting increased touches next season, especially with a lesser QB in Jared Goff at the helm. I have him ranked just behind Alvin Kamara and just ahead of Dalvin Cook, whose age and mileage make him slightly less desirable than Swift. I’m happy to take Swift in the mid-second round of superflex startup drafts.

Lower: Antonio Gibson  (RB14)

Let me be clear: I love Antonio Gibson and am happy to have him on several of my dynasty teams. However, I seem to be lower on him than other dynasty managers. While Washington’s QB situation is shaky, my ranking was more about not being able to make the case to put him ahead of the backs in front of him. I might be too high on fellow 2020 rookies JK Dobbins (RB10) and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB11), but I can’t make the case to rank Gibson ahead of young stud Josh Jacobs (RB12), and bounce-back candidate Ezekiel Elliott (RB 13). Maybe I’m wrong, and a few of my teams hope I am, but I think I’m passing on Gibson as a top 10-12 RB.

Wide Receiver

Higher: Tyreek Hill (WR1)

It’s hard to be “too high” on a dynamic player like Hill, but the consensus WR1 seems to be Davante Adams, so I will make my case for Hill here. I think Hill has been more consistent and less boom-or-bust than he has been in the past, elevating his value, but has he surpassed Adams? Two factors made my decision for the top spot: age and quarterback. Hill will be turning 27 on March 1. Adams will be 29 in December. Hill is tied to the QB1, Patrick Mahomes, and that is a combo I see the Chiefs keeping together, whereas Adams is tied to a capable but aging Aaron Rodgers. Before his “f you” tour, there was good reason analysts were fading Rodgers entering the 2020 season. Could Adams still have 1 or 2 more years as the WR1? Perhaps, but if I’m planning a dynasty team over the long haul, give me Hill at WR1, as I’d rather be too early than too late.

Lower: Stefon Diggs (WR9)

Like with Antonio Gibson above, I’m comfortable with Diggs as part of my dynasty team and I wouldn’t quite call him a “sell,” but I’ve seen him higher in rankings than I have him and go sooner in drafts than I’d take him. Diggs will turn 28 in November, when choices like CeeDee Lamb (WR5), Justin Jefferson (WR6), and Calvin Ridley (WR7) are several years younger. Furthermore, I’m not fully sold on Josh Allen. His old erratic ways showed up at times last season -- including against the Chiefs in the playoffs -- and several analysts have pointed out that Brian Daboll hasn’t unlocked Allen so much as he’s simplified things enough for Allen to perform. And Gabriel Davis aside, the other Bills’ receivers like Beasley and Brown are north of 30, and leaning on Diggs more as a result might not work out. Diggs did not do very well in Minnesota when Adam Thielen was not in the lineup. Diggs is an elite route runner, which may help him stave off age-induced decline longer than some other receivers, but I can’t justify him as a top 5 choice, which is where many others seem to have him. 

Tight End

Higher: Cole Kmet (TE 15)

Tight end is a tough position to rank after the top four or five players. Every year, there are breakout candidates who underwhelm, and unless you are in a TE premium league (which I highly recommend), you could easily punt the position and throw a dart late. But when I think about “sophomores” who have a shot to break out in 2021, Cole Kmet, one of my top dynasty buys, comes to mind. He showed some very good flashes later in the season and has the size you want at this position. I have to think the Bears’ QB situation will improve over Trubisky, but even if it doesn’t, Kmet showed he can probably produce with a subpar quarterback. If you’re looking for a value play on a TE whose arrow is pointing up, Kmet is a good choice.

Lower: Evan Engram (TE13)

Evan Engram is a good athlete who has produced in the past and, as I mentioned above, there is a lot of parity at this position after the elite options, so can Engram surprise me next year? Sure. But I’m not betting on it when I could try my luck with other options like Jonnu Smith (TE10), Irv Smith, Jr. (TE11), or Austin Hooper (TE12). Without Eli Manning looking for a safety valve, and with Daniel Jones at QB, Engram’s volume won’t make up for what seems to be inadequate receiving ability, I’ve seen him ranked in the top eight or so tight ends, and I just don’t buy it. There’s a spot in drafts where just about anyone is a value play, but I’m trying to avoid Engram in startups this year. 

Follow me on Twitter @FFjunkie_

Brian Ford
Brian Ford

Dynasty Pros Football ™

Meet Our Team
Contact Us
Join Our Team
Advertising/Sponsor Us

Click Here to Log In