Category: Fantasy Football

Want personalized lineup advice? Have start/sit questions? Want me to adjudicate dicey league disputes? Email mailbag@actionnetwork.com with your questions each week to be featured in this article and on Action’s Fantasy Flex podcast every Thursday hosted by yours truly. John writes: “Ja’Marr Chase, Marvin Jones, or DeVante Parker?” Samantha Previte: Chase, and it’s not particularly…

The long wait is over and the 2021 NFL season is finally upon us, which brings excitement and — unfortunately — injuries. Below is a recap of injuries around the NFL to fantasy-relevant players to help you set your lineups and dominate your leagues. I also included my very non-scientific “worry-o-meter,” which indicates on a scale…

“Streaming” quarterbacks, kickers and defenses has been a fantasy football strategy I’ve used successfully for years. I’ve parlayed that success into a series of weekly recommendations of the top streaming options at those three positions as well as tight end — a position I don’t recommend streaming week-to-week, though still offer recommendations for fantasy players…

The fantasy football community is at its best when it rallies around charitable causes. So, following the lead of Fantasy Cares creator Scott Fish and others, we rallied 12 analysts representing various sites across the industry for our first annual Action Charity Best Ball League. Action will donate $1,000 to the charity of the winner’s…

Editor’s note: The following analysis was written in June, but when coupled with the latest rankings and projections in our 2021 Fantasy Draft Kit, is still valuable research for your next draft. Koerner’s Final Fantasy Draft Tiers & Strategy GuideRead now Ezekiel Elliott Fantasy Rankings Overall 10 Positional 7 Consensus rankings via Sean Koerner and…

Saquon Barkley was being drafted as high as RB2 behind Christian McCaffrey earlier this offseason, but has fallen to RB7 since. The biggest factor driving Barkley’s descent down draft boards is the uncertainty surrounding the exact timing of his return from the ACL tear he suffered in Week 2 of last season — and, as…

Like Disney’s musical take on Hercules, the debate over the optimal fantasy draft strategy for running backs has gone from Zero to Hero. With Zero RB strategy, fantasy managers pass on RBs in the early rounds of a draft in order to prioritize elite pass catchers. And Hero RB is the antithesis — its a…

Life is full of big questions and fantasy football is full of even bigger ones. When it comes to contentious draft strategies, stud tight ends present an intriguing question: Should you go all in on a TE who is sure to bring points and fun or should you save your early picks for league-winning RBs and…

Fantasy football draft season is here. And whether you’re drafting for the first time or could use a refresher on the basics, our trio of analysts have you covered with how to use rankings and mock drafts to inform your strategy. How To Draft with Fantasy Rankings Chris Raybon: You have to factor in average…

Editor’s note: The following story was written before the news of J.K. Dobbins’ ACL tear broke, so Gus Edwards’ ADP has changed. The 2021 NFL season is quickly approaching, which means the window to prep for your final fantasy football drafts is shrinking, but don’t stress. Our analysts — including Sean Koerner, the No. 1…

Editor’s note: The following story was written before the news of J.K. Dobbins’ ACL tear broke, so Gus Edwards’ ADP has changed. Worried that you’re making a snap decision about your fantasy team’s depth at running back? Don’t worry, our trio of fantasy football analysts have your (full)back. Okay, we’ll stop with the puns now…

So, you’re not ready to spend an arm and a leg on a stud tight end like Travis Kelce or George Kittle. Don’t worry, we’ve still got you covered! Our trio of fantasy experts — including Sean Koerner, the No. 1 draft ranker of 2019 — break down just which TEs you should be watching…

We all know how valuable wide receivers are in fantasy — that’s nothing new. But finding WR value outside of the first few rounds is what separates the good teams from the great ones. Our trio of fantasy football analysts know this better than most, but fear not! They are here to share their favorite…

We all get tempted to spend big early on a show-stopping QB1 (looking at you, Patrick Mahomes), but knowing when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em is always a valuable skill in fantasy drafts. You might not get the QB1 of your dreams in every league, but our trio of fantasy analysts have…

Sean Koerner — FantasyPros’ No. 1 draft ranker of 2019 — breaks down how the Patriots’ release of Cam Newton and naming of rookie Mac Jones as their Week 1 starter impacts fantasy rankings for relevant players. Chris Raybon — the No. 4 in-season ranker of 2019 — also outlines his perspective on the impact…

Jameis Winston has edged out Taysom Hill — at least for Week 1. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported early Friday that Winston will start the Saints’ season opener against the Packers on Sept. 12, finally “ending” one of the most important quarterback battles heading into the 2021 NFL season. The kicker is that, while Winston has…

Chris Raybon walks you through the 14 core strategies he’s using in 2021 fantasy drafts. Become a PRO subscriber to access his real-time rankings and create custom cheat sheets based on his season-long projections with our 2021 Fantasy Draft Kit. 2021 Fantasy Draft Strategy 1. Employ Hero RB Strategy With A Top-Four Pick If I…

Editor’s note: The following analysis was written in June, but when coupled with the latest rankings and projections in our 2021 Fantasy Draft Kit, is still valuable research for your next draft. Koerner’s Final Fantasy Draft Tiers & Strategy GuideRead now Christian McCaffrey Fantasy Ranking Overall Ranking 1 Positional Ranking RB1 Consensus rankings via Sean…

With just days before the kickoff of the 2021 NFL season, it’s a critical time of year for cuts and moves as teams pare down their rosters to 53 players. Below, we examine seven roster moves over the past two days and how the aftermath from each could impact fantasy football. Cam Newton, QB (Cut)…

Injuries continue to pile up as we enter Week 3 of the 2021 NFL preseason. Below is a short recap of injuries from the past week to four fantasy-relevant players and how they could impact your strategies this year. Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jacksonville Jaguars Etienne was spotted in a walking boot after the Jaguars’…

Snafus and injuries are expected during training camp from rookies and veterans alike. As we hit Week 2 of the 2021 NFL preseason, I reviewed observations and reports about some members of this year’s rookie class around the league and rated any concerns on a very non-scientific “worry-o-meter,” indicating on a scale of zero to…

Sean Koerner — FantasyPros’ most-accurate draft ranker of 2019 — is breaking down his draft strategy for every position. The following story features excerpts from his 2021 Tiers Series, which is where he breaks his rankings down into “tiers” so you can actually apply them clearly to your draft strategy. The tiers linked as part…

With less than a month left before the official start of the 2021 NFL regular season, many question marks still linger at the most important position. Below are six training camp battles to monitor, the outcomes from which could have major impacts on fantasy football. Broncos: Drew Lock vs. Teddy Bridgewater Background: With the hopes…

Editor’s note: The following story has been updated since news broke on Aug. 5 that Kenny Golladay’s timetable to return from his hamstring injury is 2-3 weeks. Injuries are an unfortunate and inevitable part of football. With the Hall of Fame Game and the official start of the 2021 NFL preseason nearly upon us, I…

A once-crowded Rams’ backfield has been dealt a massive blow. Running back Cam Akers has suffered a torn Achilles during training, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported on Tuesday. Akers was the Rams’ second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft from Florida State. He finished atop the team’s three-man committee with 145 rushing attempts for 625…

Editor’s note: Cam Akers suffered a torn Achilles before the Rams’ training camp even kicked off — an unfortunate example of why we should prioritize targeting backups whose upside isn’t fully factored into how they’re being drafted. The following analysis of the other 31 backfields remains up-to-date as of July 20. Drafting potential sleepers isn’t…

Jonathan Taylor Fantasy Rankings Overall 9 Positional 6 Consensus rankings via Sean Koerner and Chris Raybon are based on half PPR scoring and as of early June. Jonathan Taylor ended 2020 looking like an elite fantasy running back, and current rankings and average draft position (ADP) data reflect his powerful finish to the season. This…

Saquon Barkley Fantasy Rankings Overall 8 Positional 5 Consensus rankings via Sean Koerner and Chris Raybon are based on half PPR scoring and as of early June. Saquon Barkley enters 2021 as one of the most polarizing and risky players for fantasy football. Fresh off an injury-shortened season in which Barkley tallied just 94 all-purpose…

It’s officially time to kick off fantasy football draft season with the first edition of my best ball tiers. Since the highest-scoring players automatically compose each week’s starting lineup in best ball, this format is all about the draft. And to help you prep for it, I’ve used my very early projections to rank tight…

With less than 100 days until the 2021 NFL season kicks off, it’s time for us to start drafting for fantasy football, and there’s no better format to get some reps in with than best ball. Since the highest-scoring players automatically compose each week’s starting lineup in best ball, this format is all about the…

The primary goal of best ball is to maximize your team’s ceiling — that’s why draft strategy is much different than in head-to-head leagues since the highest-scoring players automatically compose each week’s starting lineup. No in-season management means that best ball is all about the draft, making it the perfect format to get some early…

Editor’s note: The following was written before the Falcons traded star wide receiver Julio Jones to the Titans, subsequently impacting the rankings of Matt Ryan and Ryan Tannehill. Read about how Sean Koerner’s projections have changed for both quarterbacks (and other key players) here. With exactly 100 days until the 2021 NFL regular season as…

Action’s Director of Predictive Analytics, Sean Koerner, runs through how Sunday’s Julio Jones trade has shifted his early 2021 fantasy football rankings. Updated Falcons Fantasy Rankings Matt Ryan: QB13 › QB18 Ryan goes from a fringe QB1/2 to a low-end QB2. The Falcons will likely become a more balanced offense without Julio Jones, which will…

One of the biggest remaining dominoes of the 2021 NFL offseason has finally fallen: The Falcons are trading franchise star Julio Jones to the Titans, as various NFL insiders reported on Sunday morning. https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1401574283135131650?s=20 Beyond Jones, there’s a long list of players whose fantasy football value could be influenced by this deal. From Titans wide…

Elijah Moore Fantasy Profile Position WR School Mississippi Height 5’10” Weight 178 40-Yard Dash 4.35 2021 Age 21 Class JR Recruit. Stars 4 Projected Round 1-2 Elijah Moore Fantasy Fit with Jets Moore had a strong chance to go on Day 1, so it makes sense to see him come off the board early on…

With the 2021 NFL Draft in the books, it’s time to update my rookie dynasty fantasy football rankings. In this piece, I provide rankings for one-quarterback (1QB), superflex and two-quarterback (SF/2QB), and tight end premium (TEP) leagues. Here are the previous versions my rankings. Version 1: Way-Too-Early Post-Super Bowl Top 36 Version 2: Post-Free Agency…

Last week, I dug into the 2022 NFL draft class for the first time and published two way-too-early pieces based on my research. 2022 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1 2022 Prospect Big Board: Top 50 And now here I am, staring up at you from a rabbit hole of my own digging, asking you not…

There are still plenty of dominoes that need to fall — uncertain quarterback situations, position battles, etc. — but the two biggest catalysts for offseason player movement have come and gone: The height of free agency and the draft. That’s why our trio of experts took this opportunity to update their early fantasy football rankings…

Nico Collins Fantasy Profile Position WR School Michigan Height 6’4″ Weight 215 40-Yard Dash 4.46 2021 Age 22 Class Redshirt Junior Recruit. Stars 4 Nico Collins Fantasy Fit with Texans After Brandin Cooks and I guess Randall Cobb, the Texans have little at the receiver position, so Collins should enter the 2021 preseason as the…

Dyami Brown Fantasy Profile Position WR School UNC Height 6’1″ Weight 189 40-Yard Dash 4.46 2021 Age 22 Class JR Recruit. Stars 4 Dyami Brown Fantasy Fit with Washington With his Round 3 draft capital, Brown will have a shot to play right away in Washington, but he’s far from guaranteed a starting spot. Wide…

Anthony Schwartz Fantasy Profile Position WR School Auburn Height 6′ Weight 186 40-Yard Dash 4.28 2021 Age 21 Class JR Recruit. Stars 4 Anthony Schwartz Fantasy Fit with Browns Schwartz is intriguing because of his blazing speed, but right now he’s likely to play behind wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, Donovan Peoples-Jones and…

Terrace Marshall Fantasy Profile Position WR School LSU Height 6’3″ Weight 205 40-Yard Dash 4.40 2021 Age 21 Class JR Recruit. Stars 5 Terrace Marshall Fantasy Fit with Panthers I love the fit for Marshall in Carolina. As a rookie, he will likely play behind wide receivers D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson, and veteran free…

Pat Freiermuth Fantasy Profile Position TE School Penn State Height 6’5″ Weight 251 40-Yard Dash NA 2021 Age 23 Class Junior Recruit. Stars 4 Pat Freiermuth Fantasy Fit with Steelers I like the fit for Freiermuth. We should never expect much from rookie tight ends, but Freiermuth has a well-rounded skill set that gives him…

Rondale Moore Fantasy Profile Position WR School Purdue Height 5’9″ Weight 180 40-Yard Dash N/A 2021 Age 21 Class JR Recruit. Stars 4 Rondale Moore Fantasy Fit with Cardinals This is an exciting landing spot for Moore … sort of. Rondale Moore is the new Andy Isabella and I am here for it. — Matthew…

Javonte Williams Fantasy Profile Position RB School UNC Height 5’10” Weight 212 40-Yard Dash 4.55 2021 Age 21 Class JR Recruit. Stars 3 Javonte Williams Fantasy Fit Williams in Denver intrigues me. The Broncos already had Melvin Gordon, Mike Boone and Royce Freeman at running back. It’s not as if it was unthinkable that they…

The 2021 NFL Draft is underway, which means rookie draft season is right around the corner for dynasty leagues. No matter how much (or little) research you’ve done on the 2021 class, our NFL draft and dynasty analyst Matthew Freedman has you covered with in-depth analysis on the top 40 rookies based on his pre-draft…

Justin Fields Fantasy Profile Position QB School Ohio State Height 6’3″ Weight 227 40-Yard Dash 4.45 2021 Age 22 Class Junior Recruit. Stars 5 Projected Round 1 Justin Fields Fantasy Fit with Bears This is exciting, right? We’re all excited about this? We’re excited? Justin Fields in Chicago: Exciting for @chadmillman and all Bears fans.…

Mac Jones Fantasy Profile Position QB School Alabama Height 6’3″ Weight 217 40-Yard Dash 4.83 2021 Age 23 Class RS-Junior Recruit. Stars 3-4 Mac Jones Fantasy Fit with Patriots For many reasons, I love this fit. I can't think of a better quarterback than Cam Newton to mentor Mac Jones. — Matthew Freedman (@MattFtheOracle) April…

General team fit isn’t the only chemistry we’re worried about during the 2021 NFL Draft. For fantasy football enthusiasts, the most important type of “team fit” for first-round prospects is regarding their immediate and future fantasy opportunities: Did Running Back X inherit a potential workhorse role or land in a committee? Are there enough targets…

Rashod Bateman Fantasy Profile Position WR School Minnesota Height 6′ Weight 190 40-Yard Dash 4.41 2021 Age 22 Class JR Recruit. Stars 3-4 Rashod Bateman Fantasy Fit with Ravens As I write this, I’m listening to some Marshall Tucker Band. I gotta get myself in the right headspace. There’s nothing like a flute-laced country rock…