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FFPC Draft Recap - July Standard League

This summer, we’re providing draft recaps from the Fantasy Football Players Championship (FFPC). Their format awards 1 PPR for RBs and WRs, and 1.5 PPR for TEs. The starting lineup requirements are as follows: 1 QB, 2 RBs, 2 WRs, 1 TE, 2 Flex, 1 kicker and 1 defense.

Our first installment went round-by-round and looked at picks that either earned a thumbs up or a thumbs down. The second installment examined how a team fared starting TE-TE. Then, we checked in on a team that started with a TE-QB combo.

All of those drafts used a Draft Masters format – otherwise known as a “best-ball” league. Drafters went 28 rounds (because there are no in-season pickups) and will have their optimal lineups set after the conclusion of each week’s games.

In this edition, we’ll go over a standard 20-round draft. And this time, we have a guest contributor who’ll provide a first-hand look at the draft.

Mike Sanda has played fantasy football since the late ‘80s. It’s his first year in the FFPC, but he’s already joined several leagues with plans for more. In total, Mike expects to be in about 20 leagues in 2014.

Mike held the 9^th pick in this draft. His team is bolded below. You can scroll past Round 20 for his analysis on all 12 teams. But first, I review the picks that stood out.

Round 1

1.01 – Jamaal Charles, RB, Chiefs
1.02 – LeSean McCoy, RB, Eagles
1.03 – Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings
1.04 – Calvin Johnson, WR, Lions
1.05 – Jimmy Graham, TE, Saints
1.06 – Demaryius Thomas, WR, Broncos
1.07 – Eddie Lacy, RB, Packers
1.08 – Matt Forte, RB, Bears
1.09 – Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys

1.10 – A.J. Green, WR, Bengals
1.11 – Gio Bernard, RB, Bengals
1.12 – Brandon Marshall, WR, Bears

- Forte’s a top-4 pick in the vast majority of drafts – regardless of format. To get him at #8 is borderline criminal. Some might be concerned about his workload catching up, but after carrying 316 times as a rookie, Forte’s averaged a manageable 247 rushes over the past 5 years. With a rock star supporting cast, I’ll bet against the 28-year-old showing signs of decline in 2014.

-The Jeremy Hill hype train hasn’t derailed Bernard’s 1^st-round outlook. And for good reason. Even if Hill approaches 200 carries, Bernard can still compile 275+ total touches – with perhaps 60-70 catches – in OC Hue Jackson’s run-focused offense.

Round 2

2.01 – Julio Jones, WR, Falcons
2.02 – Montee Ball, RB, Broncos
2.03 – Le’Veon Bell, RB, Steelers
2.04 – Arian Foster, RB, Texans
2.05 – Peyton Manning, QB, Broncos
2.06 – Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots
2.07 – Alshon Jeffery, WR, Bears
2.08 – DeMarco Murray, RB, Cowboys
2.09 – Doug Martin, RB, Buccaneers
2.10 – Jordy Nelson, WR, Packers
2.11 – Julius Thomas, TE, Broncos

2.12 –Marshawn Lynch, RB, Seahawks

- With deflated QB scoring (4 points per passing TD), it’s tough to grab Manning in Round 2. As we’ll see later on, the mid and late-round value at QB is astounding. Most FFPC drafts have viable QB1s available in the double-digit rounds of drafts.

- Gronkowski’s the ultimate boom-or-bust pick in 2014 drafts. If I’m drafting 2-3 FFPC teams this summer, I’m unlikely to roster him. But if I had 6-7+ teams, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to hold some shares of Gronk. As we’ve seen, he carries difference-making upside. Gronk finished 1^st in the FFPC’s format in 2011 and finished 5^th in 2012 despite missing 5 games.

Round 3

3.01 – C.J. Spiller, RB, Bills
3.02 – Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers
3.03 – Andre Ellington, RB, Cardinals
3.04 – Jordan Cameron, TE, Browns
3.05 – Pierre Garcon, WR, Redskins
3.06 – Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Vikings
3.07 – Randall Cobb, WR, Packers
3.08 – Keenan Allen, WR, Chargers
3.09 – Shane Vereen, RB, Patriots
3.10 – Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers
3.11 – Victor Cruz, WR, Giants
3.12 – Reggie Bush, RB, Lions

- Patterson over Cobb really jumps off the page. After Green Bay lost James Jones and (likely) Jermichael Finley this offseason, Cobb’s a candidate to lead the league in receptions. He’s playing alongside an elite QB, and he’s also playing for a new contract. Patterson’s a game-changing talent, but there are drawbacks surrounding QB play and a run-first offense.

Round 4

4.01 – Rashad Jennings, RB, Giants
4.02 – Greg Olsen, TE, Panthers
4.03 – Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals
4.04 – Jason Witten, TE, Cowboys
4.05 – Joique Bell, RB, Lions
4.06 – Vincent Jackson, WR, Buccaneers
4.07 – Dennis Pitta, TE, Ravens
4.08 – Andre Johnson, WR, Texans
4.09 – Zac Stacy, RB, Rams
4.10 – Drew Brees, QB, Saints
4.11 – Alfred Morris, RB, Redskins

4.12 – Michael Floyd, WR, Cardinals

- Whether you believe in Stacy or not, he’s a fine value near the end of Round 4. Despite the addition of rookie Tre Mason, Stacy’s expected to see the volume that’ll allow for a RB2 floor. You have to like the addition of 1^st-round guard Greg Robinson, too.

Round 5

5.01 – Vernon Davis, TE, 49ers
5.02 – Roddy White, WR, Falcons
5.03 – DeSean Jackson, WR, Redskins
5.04 – Toby Gerhart, RB, Jaguars
5.05 – Wes Welker, WR, Broncos
5.06 – Stevan Ridley, RB, Patriots
5.07 – Bishop Sankey, RB, Titans
5.08 – Chris Johnson, RB, Jets
5.09 – Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers
5.10 – Percy Harvin, WR, Seahawks
5.11 – Mike Wallace, WR, Dolphins
5.12 – Julian Edelman, WR, Patriots

- There’s a wide range of opinions on Sankey. I’ve seen some take him as early as the 3^rd – and others as late as the 6^th. A backfield comprised of Shonn Greene, Dexter McCluster and Jackie Battle isn’t exactly threatening. But we’ll see if new HC Ken Whisenhunt sticks to the committee approach that was so successful in San Diego last season.

Round 6

6.01 – Ryan Mathews, RB, Chargers
6.02 – Kendall Wright, WR, Titans
6.03 – Kyle Rudolph, TE, Vikings
6.04 – Trent Richardson, RB, Colts
6.05 – Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Broncos
6.06 – Jordan Reed, TE, Redskins
6.07 – Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints
6.08 – Ben Tate, RB, Browns
6.09 – T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts
6.10 – Martellus Bennett, TE, Bears
6.11 – Eric Decker, WR, Jets

6.12 – Torrey Smith, WR, Ravens

- Plenty to love in this round, from bounce-back candidates Rudolph and Richardson to steady performers Wright and Thomas. Ben Tate's the biggest question mark, as he'll battle rookie Terrance West for playing time.

Round 7

7.01 – Robert Griffin, QB, Redskins
7.02 – Andrew Luck, QB, Colts
7.03 – Lamar Miller, RB, Dolphins
7.04 – Marques Colston, WR, Saints
7.05 – Matthew Stafford, QB, Lions
7.06 – Rueben Randle, WR, Giants
7.07 – Reggie Wayne, WR, Colts
7.08 – Jeremy Maclin, WR, Eagles
7.09 – Golden Tate, WR, Lions
7.10 – Frank Gore, RB, 49ers
7.11 – Nick Foles, QB, Eagles
7.12 – Ray Rice, RB, Ravens

- Here come the QBs. Four went this round after 0 came off the board in the previous 2 rounds. All of these guys carry monster upside – particularly Griffin and Stafford. Griffin’s now healthy and has DeSean Jackson at his disposal. Stafford might have the deepest group of pass-catches in the NFL.

Round 8

8.01 – Sammy Watkins, WR, Bills
8.02 – Steven Jackson, RB, Falcons
8.03 – Tavon Austin, WR, Rams
8.04 – Terrance Williams, WR, Cowboys
8.05 – Darren Sproles, RB, Eagles
8.06 – Cam Newton, QB, Panthers
8.07 – Bernard Pierce, RB, Ravens
8.08 – Charles Clay, TE, Dolphins
8.09 – Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons
8.10 – Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants
8.11 – Dwayne Bowe, WR, Chiefs

8.12 – Kenny Stills, WR, Saints

- Nobody’s high on Steve Jax this year. He has a ton of mileage on his tires. He’s now 31. He played most of last season hurt. And the Falcons drafted his eventual replacement in Devonta Freeman. That’s a lot to dislike. Still, he enters training camp at full health in an offense that returns Julio Jones and added RT Jake Matthews. Jackson retains 250-touch upside and the potential to pop in 8 scores. In the 8^th round, that’s fine value.

Round 9

9.01 – Danny Woodhead, RB, Chargers
9.02 – Zach Ertz, TE, Eagles
9.03 – Darren McFadden, RB, Raiders
9.04 – Delanie Walker, TE, Titans
9.05 – Cecil Shorts, WR, Jaguars
9.06 – Heath Miller, TE, Steelers
9.07 – DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Texans
9.08 – Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers
9.09 – Tom Brady, QB, Patriots
9.10 – Carlos Hyde, RB, 49ers
9.11 – Brandin Cooks, WR, Saints
9.12 – Antonio Gates, TE, Chargers

- Walker is one of our favorite back-end TE1 options. After a solid 1^st season in Tennessee, he’s built up plenty of hype in summer practices.

- If Gronkowski can play 12+ games, Brady should have no trouble returning value. Of course, that’s a huge “if.” Either way, a healthy Shane Vereen and the development of young WRs like Aaron Dobson helps boost Brady’s outlook.

Round 10

10.01 – Ladarius Green, TE, Chargers
10.02 – Jeremy Hill, RB, Bengals
10.03 – Jonathan Stewart, RB, Panthers
10.04 – Terrance West, RB, Browns
10.05 – Danny Amendola WR, Patriots
10.06 – Devonta Freeman, RB, Falcons
10.07 – Lance Dunbar, RB, Cowboys
10.08 – Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Raiders
10.09 – Dwayne Allen, TE, Colts
10.10 – Eric Ebron, TE, Lions
10.11 – Seattle Defense

10.12 – Anquan Boldin, WR, 49ers

- Interesting to see an owner snag both Green and Gates. I think they’re ideal in a Draft Masters setup, but if injuries strike, it’s not crazy to think both guys find the starting lineup. We’ll see what Gates has left in the tank after compiling just 21 grabs, 208 yards, and 1 TD over the final 6 games of 2013.

Round 11

11.01 – Tyler Eifert, TE, Bengals
11.02 – Christine Michael, RB, Seahawks
11.03 – Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Panthers
11.04 – Colin Kaepernick, QB, 49ers
11.05 – Cincinnati Defense
11.06 – Justin Hunter, WR, Titans
11.07 – Marvin Jones, WR, Bengals
11.08 – Denver Defense
11.09 – Garrett Graham, TE, Texans
11.10 – DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers
11.11 – Jordan Matthews, WR, Eagles
11.12 – Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks

- And we’re back to the QBs. Wilson and Kaepernick have the rushing forte to overcome a tough divisional schedule and return QB1 numbers. Both guys are just hitting their stride as NFL passers, too.

Round 12

12.01 – Tony Romo, QB, Cowboys
12.02 – Jay Cutler, QB, Bears
12.03 – Fred Jackson, RB, Bills
12.04 – Mark Ingram, RB, Saints
12.05 – Coby Fleener, TE, Colts
12.06 – Tre Mason, RB, Rams
12.07 – Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers
12.08 – San Francisco Defenses
12.09 – Charles Sims, RB, Buccaneers
12.10 – Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers
12.11 – Knowshon Moreno, RB, Dolphins

12.12 – Riley Cooper, WR, Eagles

- Romo and Cutler are the last 2 QB1s I’d feel comfy with. Roethlisberger doesn’t have a desirable collection of pass-catchers beyond Antonio Brown. Rivers rebounded last year, but after losing his OC (Ken Whisenhunt) and witnessing the decline of Antonio Gates, a regression is likely. How rapidly Ladarius Green develops could make or break Rivers’ season.

Round 13

13.01 – Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals
13.02 – Jarrett Boykin, WR, Packers
13.03 – Carolina Defense
13.04 – Benny Cunningham, RB, Rams
13.05 – James Jones, WR, Raiders
13.06 – David Wilson, RB, Giants
13.07 – Aaron Dobson, WR, Patriots
13.08 – Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens
13.09 – Ryan Tannehill, QB, Dolphins
13.10 – Steve Smith, WR, Ravens
13.11 – New England Defense
13.12 – St. Louis Defense

- Tannehill’s a sleeper to highlight on your cheat sheet. New OC Bill Lazor – a Chip Kelly disciple – should increase the offense’s tempo and eliminate their predictable ways of 2013. O-line upgrades and another season alongside Mike Wallace provide further reasons for optimism.

Round 14

14.01 – Knile Davis, RB, Chiefs
14.02 – Tim Wright, TE, Buccaneers
14.03 – Tampa Bay Defense
14.04 – Cleveland Defense
14.05 – Kendall Hunter, RB, 49ers
14.06 – Khiry Robinson, RB, Saints
14.07 – Andre Holmes, WR, Raiders
14.08 – Andre Brown, RB, Texans
14.09 – Odell Beckham Jr., WR, Giants
14.10 – Markus Wheaton, WR, Steelers
14.11 – Brian Hartline, WR, Dolphins

14.12 – Rod Streater, WR, Raiders

- I mentioned Roethlisberger’s lack of weaponry earlier. But in the 14^th round, I won’t question the pick of Wheaton. While the 2^nd-year man played only 161 snaps as a rookie – partly due to a finger injury – he has the dynamic skill set to contribute in fantasy. Rookie Martavis Bryant provides his only competition for the #2 WR role.

Round 15

15.01 – Kansas City Defense
15.02 – Ahmad Bradshaw, RB, Colts
15.03 – Levine Toilolo, TE, Falcons
15.04 – Jordan Todman, RB, Jaguars
15.05 – Stephen Gostkowski, K, Patriots
15.06 – Pittsburgh Defense
15.07 – Arizona Defense
15.08 – Doug Baldwin, WR, Seahawks
15.09 – Andrew Hawkins, WR, Browns
15.10 – Josh Gordon, WR, Browns
15.11 – Matt Prater, K, Broncos
15.12 – Justin Tucker, K, Ravens

- Gordon’s all but certain to land a season-long suspension. He’s safe to cross off your cheat sheet entirely.

- History isn’t in the favor of severely undersized WRs – Hawkins stands 5’7, 180 pounds – but there’s a huge opportunity for him to emerge in Cleveland. He looks like a solid value at this point.

Round 16

16.01 – Donald Brown, RB, Chargers
16.02 – Chris Ivory, RB, Jets
16.03 – Marcus Lattimore, RB, 49ers
16.04 – Phil Dawson, K, 49ers
16.05 – Marquise Lee, WR, Jaguars
16.06 – Greg Jennings, WR, Vikings
16.07 – Denard Robinson, RB, Jaguars
16.08 – Jared Cook, TE, Rams
16.09 – Chicago Defense
16.10 – Dan Bailey, K, Cowboys
16.11 – James Starks, RB, Packers
16.12 – LeGarrette Blount, RB, Steelers

- Cook’s certainly deserving of criticism in fantasy circles. He’s a yearly underperformer, and it’s understandable if he’s not on your radar in 2014. Still, I like the upside in the 16^th. The Rams are still shallow at WR – especially with Stedman Bailey suspended for the first 4 games – while Sam Bradford enters camp healthy. Cook also remains in his prime years at 27.

Round 17

17.01 – Mason Crosby, K, Packers
17.02 – Robert Woods, WR, Bills
17.03 – Nick Novak, K, Chargers
17.04 – Malcom Floyd, WR, Chargers
17.05 – Mike Williams, WR, Bills
17.06 – Eli Manning, QB, Giants
17.07 – Andrew Quarless, TE, Packers
17.08 – Steven Hauschka, K, Seahawks
17.09 – Harry Douglas, WR, Falcons
17.10 – Dexter McCluster, WR, Titans
17.11 – Roy Helu, RB, Redskins
17.12 – Kenny Britt, WR, Rams

- McCluster is one of our favorite late-round PPR fliers. We’d prefer to see him listed as a RB, but there’s a chance he takes on the Danny Woodhead role in Ken Whisenhunt’s offense. While McCluster’s unlikely to approach 76 catches, 40-45 are well within reach.

Round 18

18.01 – Jermaine Gresham, TE, Bengals
18.02 – Jerick McKinnon, RB, Vikings
18.03 – Tennessee Defense
18.04 – Marquess Wilson, WR, Bears
18.05 – Houston Defense
18.06 – Carson Palmer, QB, Cardinals
18.07 – Adrien Robinson, TE, Giants
18.08 – C.J. Anderson, RB, Broncos
18.09 – Adam Vinatieri, K, Colts
18.10 – Jake Locker, QB, Titans
18.11 – Blair Walsh, K, Vikings

18.12 – Marcedes Lewis, TE, Jaguars

- I like Marcedes Lewis way more than I should. He’s a massive target on an offense that lacks pass-catchers behind Cecil Shorts. He also caught 1 TD in each game from Week 13 to Week 16 last season. After missing 5 weeks with a calf injury, the now-healthy Lewis is a sneaky low-risk pick in FFPC drafts.

Round 19

19.01 – Stevie Johnson, WR, 49ers
19.02 – Chris Polk, RB, Eagles
19.03 – Richard Rodgers, TE, Packers
19.04 – Johnny Manziel, QB, Browns
19.05 – Josh McCown, QB, Buccaneers
19.06 – Nick Folk, K, Jets
19.07 – Jerricho Cotchery, WR, Panthers
19.08 – Austin Seferian-Jenkins, TE, Buccaneers
19.09 – Shonn Greene, RB, Titans
19.10 – Nate Washington, WR, Titans
19.11 – Ka’Deem Carey, RB, Bears
19.12 – Jace Amaro, TE, Jets

- Nothing really stands out here. The 32-year-old Cotchery has gained some momentum of late as Carolina’s #1 WR. Carey looks like the clear #2 RB behind Matt Forte, so an injury should allow for RB1/2 upside.

Round 20

20.01 – Jermichael Finley, TE, UNS
20.02 – David Ausberry, TE, Raiders
20.03 – Sebastian Jaikowski, K, Raiders
20.04 – Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs
20.05 – Matt Bryant, K, Falcons
20.06 – Shayne Graham, K, Saints
20.07 – Martavis Bryant, WR, Steelers
20.08 – Ronnie Hillman, RB, Broncos
20.09 – Graham Gano, K, Panthers
20.10 – Vance McDonald, TE, 49ers
20.11 – San Diego Defense

20.12 – Buffalo Defense

- As perhaps the #3 option in Kansas City’s conservative passing game, Kelce’s a steal here. He’s recovering from a tough knee injury, but he’s cleared for camp and the risk is mitigated in the final round.

Mike’s Team (Picking 9^th)

QBs: Tom Brady, Ryan Tannehill

RBs: Arian Foster, Shane Vereen, Trent Richardson, Terrance West, Mark Ingram, Shonn Greene

WRs: Dez Bryant, Michael Crabtree, Golden Tate, Terrance Williams, Andrew Hawkins, Harry Douglas, Marquess Wilson

TEs: Jason Witten, Garrett Graham, Travis Kelce

Ks: Phil Dawson

DEFs: Cleveland

Mike's League Breakdown

Team 1: RGIII is just a low to mid-range QB1, but with great upside in the new Jay Gruden passing offense. Having two QBs is a good idea when your QB1 is a runner, but Dalton is a down-trending QB2 due to his new run-focused offense. Top three RBs are loaded with studs and upside, but the cliff is steep from there to the bench. WRs lack a true stud #1, but at least the top three have upside and the corps is seven deep. TE lacks star power in Davis, with so many healthy receiving options in SF, but both backups should see plenty of action, and Eifert could blow up if Gresham isn’t 100% healthy. KC DST likely won’t repeat the wild TD scoring from last year, and this team is likely to end up playing matchups with them and BUF. Mason is a kicker on a high-powered offense, but with some inaccuracy history.

Team 2: Luck is likely a top-five finisher in this format, with upside to inch up from there. RB corps has a stud and a high-upside backup in Michael, but the bench, while deep, may pose a challenge to produce during bye weeks and injuries. No real stud at WR, but a few great upside plays and a deep, solid bench of viable options. Thomas is a stud TE, but not quite at the level yet of Graham and Gronk. Ertz can breakout this year with DJax gone and Ertz being the tallest red zone option. Having only two TEs though reduces flex options during bye weeks. Stellar DSTs, but while kicker Walsh could improve with the new Norv Turner offense, he may struggle to break the top ten.

Team 3: Stud QB and decent backup. RB group is top-heavy with studs and upside, but lacks depth with just four (though I think it very likely that this team drops an extraneous TE early in the season for an extra RB). While many consider Nelson the last of the potential stud WRs, DJax could end up somewhere between his historical WR3 numbers and his breakout season last year. From there though, this WR group drops quickly, possibly making a tough go finding starters to fill-in during byes. TEs lack star power, with Bennett amongst a crowd for touches in CHI and the rookie Ebron unlikely to make a big splash. Even at five-deep, this could be a very inconsistent bunch. CAR DST will still be good, but hard to consider studly if their offense can keep them off the field. At kicker, Bailey has the chance to breakout this year, with how much DAL will move the ball – as long as they’re not playing from behind so much that field goals won’t help.

Team 4: While neither Ryan nor Kaepernick are considered true studs yet, either has the upside to make a leap this year – though it could be a challenge to choose the right one each week. Having Johnny Football as a QB3 is probably an unnecessary luxury that may only further confuse the start/sit decisions. RB group doesn’t have a definite stud, but top three possess great upside. Depth is questionable though with 5th and 6th almost unusable. Obvious stud WR, but just one more with upside in Hilton. Depth is very suspect with a rookie 5th and a very shaky 6th. TEs, while not possessing one of the few top studs, does have a close one, and with all three having a chance to overachieve. Rolling with the CHI DST could mean an early-season trip to the waiver wire for a better replacement. Vinatieri could score more than expected with all of the weapons in that IND offense.

Team 5: In this 4-point passing TD scoring format, what Stafford lacks in TD passes could be offset by his yardage total, assuming the new coaching staff still lets him sling it. Plus he has the upside to challenge for top three status. At RB, if Murray ever stays healthy for 16 games, he could flirt with top-five production. But Tate will need to hold off West for touches to deliver RB2 value and the bench is uninspiring. Not much chance of a stud WR coming out of this group, but top three are all solid weekly starters and likely all finishing between the top 10-25. But bench WRs are inconsistent TD-dependent types, probably better in draft expert formats (where owners don’t have to set weekly lineups and the software selects the optimum lineups). Behind the game’s best TE, having two more starters may have been overkill and perhaps one of those picks could have been better used at another position. Hands-down the best DST duo in the draft; but good luck deciding which one to start each week. Again, probably would’ve been better to throw some more darts at upside picks. One of the best kickers in the game.

Team 6: Not much chance of either QB cracking the top 10 (or even top 15?) and a probable weekly start/sit nightmare too. Not a stud RB in sight, but several with the upside to overachieve, given the flux of their team rushing situations. This team truly shines at WR, loaded with studs, oozing with upside, and deep enough to stay strong during bye weeks. Pitta could challenge for top five and Miller is a nice bounce-back backup; having a 3rd starter could help with weekly flex decisions. PIT is a huge leap of faith as a weekly starter DST. And Folk kicks in the windy Meadowlands for a team that doesn’t sustain enough drives to put him in field goal range enough.

Team 7: Cam can’t be considered the slam-dunk top-five stud he usually is, given the motley crew of WRs he now has. But between him and Palmer, there’s plenty of upside. Lacy should deliver RB1 numbers, but with this team’s next three RBs being rookies, it’s a tall order to ask for upside and depth, when some of them may struggle for touches. Though Cobb and VJax may not be in the same tier as the top WR options, they’ll likely deliver top-tier numbers on occasion and an overall low-end WR1 season. With healthy upside and depth, this team’s WRs should shine. Giving Gronk the benefit of the doubt yields a top-flight TE squad, with a very capable Gronk-sub in Reed, and a possible sporadic chip-in from a 3rd TE. Mediocre DST and kickers.

Team 8: Peyton plus whoever at backup is obviously the cream of the crop at QB. Forte falling to eight was a gift and an RB2/3 upside combo helps solidify this RB corps. Sproles could help out, but his age and a new system should temper enthusiasm on a return to full form. Hunter is a bye week desperation move only. Though light at WR star power, this team is deep in upside. TE is a glaring weak spot though, with only the timeshare Fleener and the ATL rookie, ASJ. Though neither DST is a probable top-three, both have the upside to overachieve. Two stud kickers could be anywhere from top-notch to mid-range, depending upon how well the start/sit decisions work out.

Team 9: We’ve seen the difference between Brady when Gronk plays and when he doesn’t. If he’s without Gronk again for some games this year and his rookies don’t make a nice sophomore progression, then this team could struggle at QB. But if all cylinders fire, there’s typical Bradyesque upside. Foster’s stud RB status certainly is dependent upon his health. Huge upside RB3 and 4, plus depth enough for marginal bye week subs. Dez shines among these WRs, and the next three all have top-twenty potential. Boring, but likely adequate, bench depth. Witten can still be a low-end TE1 as long as BFF Romo is at the helm. Other two TEs provide depth, but little upside. Below-average CLE DST does have upside at least, with the new coaching staff, players and mindset. Top-notch kicker on a perennial contender.

Team 10: With a week 9 bye for Rodgers, it’s understandable to not draft a QB2, as one can be obtained from the waiver wire later. Le’Veon may approach top-10 production, but the drop-off is steep from there. This type of RB squad construction might work better in a Draft Experts format, but in a Classic league, finding the right RB2 consistently will be a challenge. While deep, there just isn’t much upside here beyond the rookie Hyde. A couple top-10 candidates at WR are joined by a couple with some upside, then a boring bunch of bye week fill-ins. At TE, Rudolph possesses Cameron-style upside, but without even a second TE, there’s no depth and no TE option at 1.5 PPR flex. Hey, anything can happen at DST from year-to-year, but it’s unlikely this duo makes much noise consistently, and playing the matchups could be tough. Jano ain’t what he used to be as a kicker. But with the many improvements in the OAK offense, he could return to top-tier status.

Team 11: Great QB duo, both should be solid consistently and with lots of upside. Again though, not quite as good as having a bona fide stud to eliminate the weekly start/sit decision. The best RB corps in the draft, with two high-upside RB1s, plus a nice mix of steady vets and lottery ticket rookies on the bench. While WRs may lack a #1 stud, this team has a great mix of steady weekly contributors, plus a couple hot rookie prospects. That said, once they all start producing, there could be some start/sit headaches here – a good “problem” to have, I suppose, but not as desirable as a plug-n-play group. Very vanilla TE squad, headed by the steady Olsen, who will likely be Cam’s most reliable option by a wide margin. NE DST could return to form if the offense can sustain more drives and get them larger leads. Beast of a kicker (Matt Prater).

Team 12: Having two QBs ranked this close dictates playing the matchups. While either or both could finish in the top ten, the weekly decision on which to start may produce less than that if unlucky. Without a true RB1, this team will rely on its upside to try to find one. Too close a bunch though to make for easy weekly choices. Two absolute beast WRs, with a possible steady WR3 and a couple upside bench players. To have any shot at a TE stud will require Ladarius to deliver on the hype. The rest of the TE corps, while deep, lacks upside. STL DST and Tucker kicking can both flirt with top-five status.

Kevin English, Senior Analyst

Kevin brings 15 years of experience as a fantasy analyst and mid-stakes competitor across various formats (redraft, best ball, dynasty, DFS). His work has been featured on The Mercury News, Rotoworld, and FantasyPros.