Wednesday, September 4th, 2019

Fantasy Land

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Fantasy Land

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If you’re still to hold your 2019 fantasy football draft, here are our rankings, brought to you in association with the number one platform, ESPN Fantasy Football

Quarterback

Regardless of how highly a league values passing touchdowns, there is no doubt that Mahomes mania has reached fantasy football, with the Chiefs chucker a consensus top pick. Andrew Luck would have edged Aaron Rodgers for second on our list due to his more established receiving weapons, but his unexpected retirement ends any arguement over should be higher. Uncertainty over targets suppresses Russell Wilson, while Jared Goff only just edges the likes of Carson Wentz and Ben Roethlisberger.

1. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)
2. Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers)
3. Deshaun Watson (Houston Texans)
4. Baker Mayfield (Cleveland Browns)
5. Cam Newton (Carolina Panthers)
6. Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons)
7. Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks)
8. Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints)
9. Jared Goff (Los Angeles Rams)
10. Carson Wentz (Philadelphia Eagles)

Running Back

The position that can really make or break your fantasy season is not short of stars, and there will be those who feel that either Ezekiel Elliott – if he ends his holdout – or Christian McCaffrey has legitimate claim on top ranking. The Giants offense is likely to flow through Saquon Barkley, however. Alvin Kamara should avoid the committee situation he endured in New Orleans last year, while Le’Veon Bell has had a year’s rest to bring to the Jets. Melvin Gordon’s inclusion naturally hinges on his current impasse with the Chargers.

1. Saquon Barkley (New York Giants)
2. Ezekiel Elliott (Dallas Cowboys)
3. Christian McCaffrey (Carolina Panthers)
4. Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints)
5, Le’Veon Bell (New York Jets)
6. James Conner (Pittsburgh Steelers)
7. Todd Gurley (Los Angeles Rams)
8. Joe Mixon (Cincinnati Bengals)
9. David Johnson (Arizona Cardinals)
10. Melvin Gordon (Los Angeles Chargers)

Wide Receiver

Like Mahomes and Barkley, DeAndre Hopkins is a unanimous number one here, but Davante Adams’ appearance at number two may surprise until one considers the Packers’ offensive options. OBJ gets the edge over Michael Thomas given that Baker Mayfield’s youthful vigour should outweigh Drew Brees’ declining arm. Tyreek Hill, meanwhile, is free to return after a controversial offseason, but has JuJu and AB hot on his heels.

1. DeAndre Hopkins (Houston Texans)
2. Davante Adams (Green Bay Packers)
3. Julio Jones (Atlanta Falcons)
4. Odell Beckham Jr (Cleveland Browns)
5. Michael Thomas (New Orleans Saints)
6. Tyreek Hill (Kansas City Chiefs)
7. JuJu Smith-Schuster (Pittsburgh Steelers)
8. Antonio Brown (Oakland Raiders)
9. Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
10. Keenan Allen (Los Angeles Chargers)

Tight End

A true stud TE can fortify a successful campaign and, until such time as Gronk decides to return, the top three names are locked in. Travis Kelce can dominate like the former Patriot, while Zach Ertz and George Kittle have shown valuable productivity. Hunter Henry returns from injury to sit above OJ Howard and Evan Engram, with the Giant’s production somewhat dependant on his QB…

1. Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs)
2. Zach Ertz (Philadelphia Eagles)
3. George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers)
4. Hunter Henry (Los Angeles Chargers)
5. OJ Howard (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
6. Evan Engram (New York Giants)
7. Jared Cook (New Orleans Saints)
8. Eric Ebron (Indianapolis Colts)
9. Vance McDonald (Pittsburgh Steelers)
10. David Njoku (Cleveland Browns)

Defense & Special Teams

Often overlooked as a fantasy contributor, defense and special teams remain a key component of any roster. Ranking them, however, can be something of a stab in the dark. The Bears, though, appear a solid number one selection, with the rest of the top seven all worthy of consideration. Patriots and Bills have the potential to surprise.

1. Chicago Bears
2. Los Angeles Rams
3. Baltimore Ravens
4. Los Angeles Chargers
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
6. Houston Texans
7. Minnesota Vikings
8. New England Patriots
9. Philadelphia Eagles
10. Buffalo Bills

Kicker

There are those who feel that kickers don’t deserve a place in fantasy football, but why discriminate when the likes of Greg Zuerlein, Justin Tucker, Harrison Butker and Wil Lutz can turn a match-up. The rest of the top ten is much-of-a-muchness and largely interchangeable, with Jake Elliott getting the nod for last spot in a tie-breaker over Brett Maher. Maybe avoid Bears kickers. ‘Nuff said…

1. Greg Zuerlein (Los Angeles Rams)
2. Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens)
3. Harrison Butker (Kansas City Chiefs)
4. Wil Lutz (New Orleans Saints)
5. Stephen Gostkowski (New England Patriots)
6. Ka’imi Fairbairn (Houston Texans)
7. Robbie Gould (San Francisco 49ers)
8. Adam Vinatieri (Indianapolis Colts)
9. Mason Crosby (Green Bay Packers)
10. Jake Elliott (Philadelphia Eagles)

Remember: Play fantasy football with the number one platform, ESPN. Create a league, invite your friends and hold your draft. Then gear up for a thrilling season….

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