Conflicting Fantasy Football Rankings

One of the most common comments said by fantasy football enthusiasts is, “Never Trust ESPNs rankings” or “ESPNs coverage of fantasy football is a joke”. To be completely honest, I tend to use ESPNs rankings when I’m not using my own. I actually use it as my main source for sports news, and find myself listening to Matthew Berry’s podcast a few times a week.

Even though my allegiances lie with ESPN, I am going to utterly destroy any positional rank that contradicts my own rankings.

QB Disagreements

Andy Dalton (ESPN: QB17, Me: QB14)

Last year Dalton was having a break out year, as he posted career highs in completion %, TD %, INT %, and QBR. The Red Rocket also averaged 19.75 PPG in the 12 games prior to his week 13 injury. Had he not hurt his thumb, Dalton would have scored 316 points, aligning himself among other QBs as QB4.

Even after essentially missing four games, Dalton ranked as QB18. Dalton ranking at 17 in ESPN rankings makes less sense than signing Tim Tebow to a multi million dollar contract in the MLB.

RB Disagreements

Lamar Miller (ESPN: RB7, Me: RB3)

Who ever made the decision to put Lamar Miller behind a rookie, one of the most popular bust picks in 2015, and a player suspended for three games this year doesn’t deserve to be a “fantasy expert”. Every single thing about Miller’s 2016 season points to an absolutely huge year.

First off, Miami’s usage of Miller was criminal. In a previous article I mentioned that with an average Houston RBs workload and Miller’s efficiancy, the former Miami back would have been the highest scoring RB last year.

Not only that, but Houston’s offensive line is ranked 11th going into 2016, while Miami’s was a dismal 31st (32nd in run blocking). While Freeman and Elliott both have talented back ups who will absorb carries from their weekly work, Miller only has Alfred Blue behind him.

I am so confident ESPN is wrong about this, I would gladly bet that it is more likely Miller finishes as the #1 RB before the #7 RB.

Derrick Henry (ESPN: RB33, Me: RB25)

One of my worst calls this offseason was my belief that Henry wouldn’t be as good as he is. I could not be more wrong.

The Titans’ RB has averaged over six YPC, and ran for over 250 yards in his four preseason appearences.  Though he currently is slotted behind Demarco Murray on the depth chart, I still think Henry poses RB3 value even in a RBBC.

I expect him to gain the starting job at some point this year, and when he does he should have a low end RB1 status.

WR Disagreements

Keenan Allen (ESPN: WR16 Me: WR11)

After a freak injury (lacerated kidney), Allen’s career year came to an end in 2015. Prior to the injury, the fourth year receiver was averaging 11.9 PPG, eighth in the NFL.  At just 24 years old, Allen’s statistics should only grow in 2016.

With numerous red zone threats leaving San Diego (Ladarius Green, Stevie Johnson), Allen’s TD production should also increase.

Desean Jackson (ESPN: WR32 Me: WR26)

For years I absolutely hated Djax in fantasy football. He would either put up 15 or more points, or 5 or less points. Last year that trend came to an end. After missing seven games due to injury, Jackson came back firing scoring a TD in four of the next seven weeks.

Jackson scored 75 points in eight games, and averaged the 17th highest PPG.

The most intriguing part of preseason for me was Kirk Cousins usage of Jackson in the short and intermediate pass game. Prior to this year, Jackson had almost solely become a deep threat.

In just two quarters of preseason play against the Bills, Jackson was targeted five times for four receptions and 56 yards.

I expect the best production of Jackson’s career in 2016, and ESPN can take the next train out of town. #HTTR

TE Disagreements

Zach Ertz (ESPN: TE9 Me: TE5)

This one is simple. Ertz finished 6th among TEs in receiving yards last year, but his TD production always hampers his fantasy status. Now with former Chiefs OC Doug Pederson, Ertz should have at least five TDs this year.

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