Annual Preseason Power Rankings

Massoud:

• The Good: Yes, I understand Pittsburgh’s o-line is awful, but there’s no denying how good Najee Harris is. They moved up to get him and he was incredible for Nick Saban in a brutal SEC. Bottom line: I think he’ll be an every week RB1 who will be relevant for not just big weeks, but also because of his heavy usage. Patrick Mahomes is getting all his toys back and he’s surely salty about how the super bowl went versus Brady, so expect another monster year. Robert Tonyan is an underrated tight end and assuming he’s evolved, he should be a steady recipient of Aaron Rodgers’ weekly dimes.
• The Bad: The names Julio Jones and Adam Thielen carry weight, but I don’t know that they’re worth their ADP. Julio is another year older, already has some injury stigma, and he’s no longer the alpha (I think it’s still A.J. Brown’s team). Also, Thielen got a good amount of TD’s last season, but the primary option (after Cook of course) is now Justin Jefferson and I see Thielen taking a dip. Shoot, I’ve been wrong many times before, and that may be the case here, but this is just my hunch as of now. We’ll see how it shakes out.
• Sleeper: James Conner. No, I don’t think Chase Edmonds is an every week NFL starter, and assuming Conner is healthy, he will get plenty of opportunities to shine (and score) on a good offense, with a great young qb, and with very little competition for his job. Assuming he stays healthy, Conner has a chance to rewrite his career in Sun Valley.

Akbar:

• The Good: Alvin Kamara, if healthy, is an every week stud for me. I’ve never had him before; hopefully he balls out. Also, I love that Justin Jefferson fell to me, and I have faith Darren Waller (#1 target in Vegas), Cooper Kupp (bye bye Jared Goff!) and Diontae Johnson (volume king in Pittsburgh, just don’t drop the ball!) will perform at their ADP’s this season. Also, I think Michael Pittman, Jr. has a chance to make a name for himself this season – assuming Wentz is good to go and Pittman gets enough looks to stay relevant.
• The Bad: Joe Burrow. He’s my dude and I’m riding with him. My concern is if he’s ready after last season’s catastrophic injury, and if the offensive line is improved (full disclosure: they PASSED on Penei Sewell in the draft in favor of Ja’Mar Chase – not sure that was wise). Anyhow, I think he has the ability to be a superstar, he just needs to show it and do so on a consistent weekly basis. I have faith in the young QB, he has weapons all around (and Mixon in the backfield), so now it’s time to prove it. Oh, and the AFC North is brutal (Cleveland, Baltimore, Pittsburgh….damn).
• Sleeper: Trey Sermon. Remember the name.

Mo:

• The Good: Balanced wide receiver corps. Corey Davis is the #1 for Zach Wilson at moment, Jerry Jeudy is currently outperforming Sutton, Hamler and Patrick in Denver, and Keenan Allen is Herbert’s #1 target in L.A. Other than Keenan, no superstar WRs on this squad, but all reliable/serviceable/startable options.
• The Bad: Not so much “bad,” per se, as it is a question mark. Nick Chubb is a transcendental talent and an every week start, but will he cede more goal-line work to Kareem Hunt this season, as well as ALL passing down running plays? The o-line is excellent in Cleveland, but the time-share (is it 60/40?) concerns me. Same thing with Josh Jacobs with Kenyan Drake on the squad. It could just prolong Jacobs’ efficiency and keep him healthy, but it could also limit his weekly fantasy upside. Like I said, it’s a question mark, and I could be dead wrong (which wouldn’t be the first time).
• Sleeper: Elijah Moore. Corey Davis is the current #1 for the Jets, but Moore’s freakish talents at Ole Miss remain legendary. If he gets up to speed, he’s a weekly starter. Also, I think Mike Davis is the only rb in ATL, so while he’s not technically a sleeper (we all know him), he should have a good season. But above all the others….it’s Juwante Williams time in Mile High. Melvin Gordon has a suspect groin and they just cut Royce Freeman. Translated: The rookie will own this backfield by Week 3 or 4. You should be able to start him every week by that fork in the road.

John:

• The Good: Excellent wide receiver group, and a legit balance between high ceiling (Amari Cooper, Mecole Hardman) and weekly consistency (Davante Adams, Chris Godwin).
• The Bad: The running backs. I think Cincy erred in drafting Ja’Mar Chase over Penei Sewell; they needed to shore up the offensive line. Translated: Joe Mixon will hopefully eat this season, but his ceiling is capped because their o-line is still trash. As for Chase Edmonds, I feel like we know who he is and he doesn’t scare anybody. Plus, James Conner is in town, and expect Kyler to also eat up rushing work. I do think Zach Moss is due for a resurgence (he’s the better option over Devin Singletary in Buffalo), but it ain’t happening Week 1 versus Pittsburgh.
• Sleeper: Jalen Reagor. He sucked last season and was reminded all year long by the Philly media that they drafted him over Justin Jefferson. He has to be motivated to rebound, and while Quez Watkins and Davante Smith will get lots of work, Reagor was a burner at TCU and Philly should look to use him as their DeSean Jackson 2.0. He’s got wheels.

Haroon:

• The Good: Derrick Henry’s life just got easier with Julio Jones and A.J. Brown forcing defenses to stop crowding the box, so assuming he stays healthy he’ll swiftly get back to devouring opposing defenses. Calvin Ridley’s had a phenomenal offseason and all signs point to a WR1 season. Damian Harris is the unchallenged RB1 for Belichik and with Mac Jones learning the ropes, expect a ton of run (plus, no more Cam to steal goal-line work). Finally, you got George Kittle AND Mark Andrews – and between all the ppr points you’ll eat with those 2 target hogs, your team’s weekly floor is raised with the potential for high flyer weeks on occasion.
• The Bad: While I expressed a lot of love for Ridley, your other 2 WRs are, at best, undetermined. Emmanuel Sanders didn’t really revive his career in New Orleans after Pittsburgh and San Francisco, and he’s just a journeyman now. And Mike Williams is a freakishly talented WR, but he has an issue staying healthy. I love his talent, but his durability is a concern (trust me, I couldn’t start him most weeks last season when he was on my squad).
• Sleeper: A.J. Dillon. Yes, I know it’s Aaron Jones’ backfield. But we also know Jones has trouble punching it in at the goal-line, so if Rodgers decides to finally stop throwing 1 yard slants at the goal-line to Devante Adams on every series, it could mean Dillon gets a lot of goal-line work and resulting TD’s. We’ll

Mike:

• The Good: We know Lamar will rebound this season with or without weapons. Rashad Bateman is hurt, Marquise Brown is too little, and it’s pretty much Sammy Watkins and Mark Andrews, but Lamar’s rushing alone makes him a threat. DeAndre Hopkins: Another year to bond with Kyler Murray, another year to improve and become the undisputed alpha weapon in Arizona. Also, assuming he’s lifted weights this off-season, Myles Gaskin should take control of Miami’s backfield. They have a great defense, so that’s usually a good sign for running backs. Let’s see if he takes the next step.
• The Bad: Other than DeAndre Hopkins, I’m not in on this wide receiver corps. Deebo is crazy good, but can’t stay healthy. Jarvis Landry is decent but can he be a true WR2 with Cleveland’s rush-oriented offense and Odell in tow? Also, I need to see more from Tyrell Williams (playing with Jared Goff in Detroit) before I can take him serious as a weekly starter.
• Sleeper: Bryan Edwards. All signs point to the South Carolina product dominating in Las Vegas. Waller is still the #1 option, but John Brown got his walking papers, Henry Ruggs has been relatively quiet, and I haven’t heard a peep about Hunter Renfrow. Edwards, however, has made several splash plays this offseason and is making noise, so it’s his job to lose.

Wizard:

• The Good: Yet another balanced wide receiver group. Robert Woods is the safer option in L.A. and Stafford will only raise his ceiling, DK Metcalf is a budding superstar, and Odell is due for a rebound after several years of injuries and subpar performances (plus he’s had more time to gel with Baker).
• The Bad: Saquan Barkley is amazing. We all saw him at Penn State. But he’s more injured than he has been healthy, and for a young guy, that’s concerning. I could care less how thick his quads are – I need to see results on the field. NY’s o-line sucks and Daniel Jones is suspect, plus Golladay is already sketchy in the health department. So thus far, I’m out on NY. As for Darnell Henderson, the offense in L.A. is excellent, McVay is innovative and fresh, but Henderson didn’t do enough with his opportunities last year which is why Akers took his spot. Plus, bringing in Sony Michel tells me McVay knows Henderson isn’t the answer. It’s put up or shut up time for Darnell this season. No excuses with the team he’s on.
• Sleeper: Jalen Hurts. He was a great rusher at Alabama and we saw shades of it last season when Wentz was out. Those rushing yards could make him a threat, like Kyler or Lamar – but he’s gotta’ prove it.

Aryan:

• The Good: Obviously, Dalvin Cook in a zone-blocking scheme will only pay dividends. Had him 2 years ago and every week was a gem (I’m sure Mike would say the same about last season). Chris Carson is seemingly healthy and we know Petey loves his RBs (plus, Rashad Penny, DeeJay Dallas and Travis Homer pose no real threat short of injury). Matthew Stafford finally has a proper team and should excel with Kupp/Woods, and Marvin Jones, Jr. is a sneaky savvy vet who seems to be bonding with Trevor Lawrence in Duval County. Also, Allen Robinson is the textbook definition of consistent and with Justin Fields destined to take the job, A-Rob could raise his weekly ceiling this season.
• The Bad: Don’t get me wrong, Tyler Lockett is NOT a liability. He’s good. But he’s too streaky. Consistency is a problem for him. Also, Giants just paid a boatload for Kenny Golladay and he’s already hurt? C’mon, Kenny – get it together.
• Sleeper: Michael Carter. Dude was a burner at (I think) North Carolina and his competition in NY is, drumroll please, Tevin Coleman and Ty Johnson. Need I say more? A changing of the guard is inevitable and it’s his backfield to lose.

Diz:

• The Good: Zeke’s slimmed down, Dak appears healthy, and the o-line is back….translated: Maybe we get a vintage Zeke season this year. I almost drafted him at the 3. Anyhow, I think he’s due this year. I like A.J. Brown but can’t love him until I know the knee is good to go, and I think D.J. Moore is talented but can you convincingly tell me he’s better than Robby Anderson? Still, he’s good and arguably an every week starter. Finally, I’m not worried about Ja’Mar Chase’s offseason struggles. He didn’t play for an entire season, and the last time he did play with his buddy Burrow they shined for LSU and Chase was the clear leader of the WRs (even over Justin Jefferson). Not sure he’s a start Week 1, but he’ll get his stride soon enough. Also, I love David Montgomery especially since it’s just a matter of time before Justin Fields gets the job and it’s his backfield with a talented QB running the show.
• The Bad: Cole Kmet. He’s decent and MAY excel with Fields in the Chi, but until it’s shown on a consistent basis, I’d be reticent to start him as my every week tight end. Also, Courtland Sutton is (finally) healthy and we know his penchant for acrobatic catches. Question is, is it Jerry Jeudy’s team now? I’m not out on Sutton, it’s just time for him to get his sh*t together and string together a complete season. It’s time, man, stop getting hurt so much or else you’re just Saquan Barkley: Crazy talented but not reliable to actually show up when it counts because of constant injuries.
• Sleeper: Ty’Son Wiliams. Harbaugh is high on this dude and I personally don’t think Gus Bus can be relied on for an every week role. Plus, Justice Hill (I think that’s his name) isn’t really reliable so far and that’s pretty much it for RBs in Baltimore. If the stars align, Williams could get a feature role. Also, Terrace Marshall, Jr. is a budding stud in Carolina and a big body wide receiver who’s made excellent strides. Depending on Darnold’s development, Marshall could be a factor as the season marches on.

Nico:

• The Good: Love Aiyuk as the emergent alpha on this SF team (Kittle will still get his, but Aiyuk should command the X go routes and get big yards, and Deebo is talented but his durability is an issue), and with Travis Etienne going down James Robinson should shine (no, I’m not worried about 31 year old Carlos Hyde). Also, you got Kareem Hunt at a discount and not only will he got some goal-line work, but he’ll also get some passing down work (they sometimes use him in the slot), and he’s got plenty of gas in the tank with Chubb ahead of him. Also, Justin Herbert is fantastic and has weapons.
• The Bad: Hear me out on this one. I get that Austin Ekeler has the chops to be a difference maker, and some fantasy heads are all about him being a game changer. So he could be. Not taking that away from him. My concern is that he consistently gets tackled for losses if he tries to rush as a conventional rusher in the A and B gaps; I just feel (perhaps incorrectly) that he has the build of a scatback or change of pace back. We’ll see. Like I said, LOTS of fantasy sources love him so I may be out to lunch on this one.
• Sleeper: Jonnu Smith. Yes, I realize Hunter Henry is there, but Jonnu is the elite player in my opinion, and with Mac Jones now running the show, Jonnu could have a great season. Look for him in the red zone. It’s either him or Damian Harris getting the valuable goal-line opportunities.

Edgar:

• The Good: Antonio Gibson – assuming the toe is good – will continue being groomed for a CMC-like workload for Ron Rivera. He was a wide receiver in college and only recently converted to running back, and has shown he can be the workhorse. Love the kid. Josh Allen – this guy has legs, a cannon arm, Stefon Diggs, and a good defense. While everyone bets on Lamar, Mahomes and Kyler, Josh Allen rarely gets the shine he deserves, especially considering his rushing ability. Bottom line, he’s excellent.
• The Bad: This isn’t so much “bad” as it is “show me.” I’m referring to Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Dude, you play for Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes. Do better. No excuses this season.
• Sleeper: Devanta Smith. Heisman Winner. Saban product. Alpha route runner. Need I say more? Once he gets the reigns, he should be the 1 in Philly (step aside Goeddert, Ertz, Reagor and Quez Watkins). Also, bonus sleeper: So long Mike Thomas is shelved, Marquez Calloway will be catching Jameis’ hail marys, and we know those pay dividends (remember Jameis and Mike Evans in Tampa?). Enjoy.

Mohmad:

• The Good: Excellently assembled squad. Right off the top, Aaron Jones is a stud in a high-octane system, Mike Evans isn’t a regular target hog but virtually all of his receptions are high value (i.e. long yardage and/or TD’s) so his value remains unperturbed, and, of course, you have Travis Kelce who is the top dog tight end and it’s not debatable. Finally, Kyler is clearly a threat as a rusher and as a passer, so you’re going to get buckets from him essentially every week. You’re locked and loaded in almost every aspect of your team.
• The Bad: Raheem Mostert is talented (and absurdly fast!), but his durability’s suspect and I think (hope) that Trey Sermon becomes the man in SF this season (I have Sermon). Also, Melvin Gordon is washed and I foresee him losing his job by Week 3 or 4 to Juwante Williams. If you had a better RB2, I likely would have made you this year’s Pre-Season #1 contender.
• Sleeper: In my opinion, JuJu is set to rebound in the slot after 2 disappointing seasons, and while Diontae will get the volume and Claypool the big shots in the end zone, JuJu has a chance for serviceable production in the slot. He’s a talented player and he’s due for a rebound.

Zayd:

• The Good: Obviously, Christian McCaffrey. I really don’t need to spell out why he’s amazing and transcendental. Beyond CMC, however, I love your receiver corps of CeeDee Lamb (he’s ready to be the #1 in Dallas), Terry McLaurin (has Fitzmagic slinging it this year), and Tee Higgins is the (current) #1 in Cincy for Joe Burrow. All 3 WRs are a murderers row to deal with.
• The Bad: Devin Singletary is awful. Zach Moss is the real #1, and I’d even go so far as to say Josh Allen is a better rusher than Singletary. I also think your bench is relatively weak, but your starters are bananas good.
• Sleeper: Laviska Shenault. He’s a true Swiss army knife. Loved him at Colorado. And while I understand Marvin Jones, Jr. and Chark are also in Duval County now, Leviska is the top dog in terms of efficiency. Deep routes, screens, rushing plays, he does it all. And with Trevor Lawrence at the helm, Leviska is the definition of a security blanket.

Arya:

• The Good: Tyreek Hill wants to redeem himself after Brady/Bucs humiliated him in the super bowl, Stefon Diggs is the undeniable #1 route runner in Buffalo with emergent superstar Josh Allen feeding him, and Antonio Brown is Brady’s favorite target (over Evans and Godwin) and yet you paid for him at a far lower ADP cost. Smart. Also, Dak (assuming he’s healthy) now has a slimmed down Zeke, a healthy offensive line, and not to mention CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup and Amari Cooper to sling it to. All 4 are formidable weapons. You have the makings of a weekly high ceiling squad for sure. Finally, Philly cut Kerryon Johnson, so Miles Sanders only has Kenneth Gainwell (rookie) and Boston Scott to worry about, and to a lesser extent Jalen Hurts. He should produce this season and you got him at a relative bargain.
• The Bad: Love Chase Claypool (even back at Notre Dame), but he’s just the big play weapon for now – need to see him get more regular targets as opposed to solely house calls with acrobatic catches. And while Baltimore didn’t bring anybody in after Dobbins went down, is Gus the Bus a legit RB2 for the long haul? Maybe he is – we will have to see.
• Sleeper: Tyler Boyd. Everybody knows about Ja’Mar Chase and Tee Higgins, but Boyd is the short yardage weapon who stands to get targeted all season (and in a half-point ppr league, that’s money). Joe Burrow is a smart player and will play the advantages he has. Defenses will invariably try to shut down Chase and Higgins, which leaves Boyd as the underneath man with high play potential. I predict weekly upside here.