Time flies in a fantasy football draft, and being prepared is key. Relying solely on overall rankings can be limiting. You need context, understanding the relative value of each player and how they stack up against others. This is where tiered rankings come in, offering a clear framework for making informed decisions in the heat of the draft.
Tiered systems are essential for navigating the pressures of a draft, helping you identify players with similar value. This enables you to quickly assess supply and demand at each position, making decisive choices as the clock ticks down.
Here's one analyst's take on running back tiers for 10-team standard PPR leagues, constantly evolving based on news and developments. Remember, these are just suggestions, and you should always follow your own rankings and preferences.
Tier 1: First overall pick
1. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
Notes: A truly elite talent, McCaffrey is in a league of his own. The only question is whether he can stay healthy throughout the season.
Tier 2: Elite options
1. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
2. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
Notes: Ekeler is a proven commodity with a high floor and ceiling, while Robinson's rookie season is highly anticipated. Both are likely to be first-round picks.
Tier 3: Strong starters
1. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
2. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
3. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
4. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans
Notes: This tier features a mix of established veterans and emerging talents. Chubb and Henry are workhorse backs with proven production, while Barkley and Taylor have the potential to be dominant but are prone to injury concerns.
Tier 4: Solid starters
1. Dalvin Cook, New York Jets
2. Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots
3. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers
4. D'Andre Swift, Philadelphia Eagles
Notes: This group offers reliable fantasy options with consistent production. However, their upside may be limited by their roles within their respective offenses.
Tier 5: Flex or late-round picks
1. Jamaal Williams, New Orleans Saints
2. Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks
3. Breece Hall, New York Jets
4. Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars
Notes: This tier includes players with a range of potential outcomes. Some might break out, but others may struggle to establish a consistent role. They can be valuable flex options or late-round steals depending on their draft position.
Tier 6: Deep sleeper options
1. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
2. Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks
3. Devon Achane, Miami Dolphins
4. Sean Tucker, Indianapolis Colts
Notes: These players are high-risk, high-reward propositions. They might not see significant playing time early on, but could emerge as fantasy assets later in the season.
As we approach the draft, keep your eye on training camp reports and preseason games. These will provide valuable insights into player roles, potential injuries, and other factors that could influence their fantasy value. Remember, the best draft strategy is one that is adaptable and reflects your own understanding of the players and the game.