Tier 1
1. Todd Gurley RB – LAR (12)
Usage and explosiveness haven’t dropped one bit. Rams O as whole deadly as ever. Cheat Code once more. Deserved No.1 Locked-in status pre-draft
2. Melvin Gordon RB – LAC (8)
Call me crazy. The increased receiving usage in a juggernaut offense will make him a Fantasy Cheatcode, even if he lacks the talent of DJ and Zeke below him. Trails only Gurley and Kamara in FPs so far (25.4), and his long-term usage feels more secure than Saints’ RB w/ Ingram due back.
3. Saquon Barkley RB – NYG (9)
5th among RBs with 18.8 PPG thanks to absurd receiving usage (14-of-16 in Week 2). Shaping into a target hog bell cow… aka unstoppable, despite Eli and this line’s struggles.
4. Alvin Kamara RB – NO (6)
We’ve never seen anything like him in the fantasy game, and anyone not thanking the fantasy gods for this Cheatcode is dumb. Maybe takes a slight downturn when Ingram return
Tier 2
5. Antonio Brown WR – PIT (7)
Disappointing start, but he’s still a complete cheat code.
6. Michael Thomas WR – NO (6)
Fantasy’s No.1 WR. Redefining Target Hog. If these defensive struggles persist, Thomas could have a season for the ages. Never has the high-powered Saints game been so concentrated between just 2 weapons (Kamara, Thomas)
7. Ezekiel Elliott RB – DAL (8)
This Dallas team SUCKS. WIthout his line, Zeke will struggle for true “Cheatcode” status
8. DeAndre Hopkins WR – HOU (10)
Ultimate high-floor, high-ceiling with Watson rounding into form.
9. Tyreek Hill WR – KC (12)
The Alvin Kamara of WRs. His rapport with Fantasy MVP Patrick Mahomes is too real. Hill is a week-winner who’s floor has greatly increased.
10. A.J. Green WR – CIN (9)
Was far too disrespected entering 2018. Will be a true target hog in Bill Lazor’s second-season, whole Bengals O is clicking
11. Rob Gronkowski TE – NE (11)
Especially seeing how thin the position is, Gronk will be the ultimate Cheat Code in 2018. Such a big edge.
Tier 3
12. Odell Beckham Jr. WR – NYG (9)
Odell is still great, but Eli Manning could be an anchor all year. He looks GOD AWFUl
13. David Johnson RB – ARI (9)
Early candidate for biggest fantasy disappointment of 2018, thanks to Mike McCoy and this awful “Surrounding Talent.” Not only has the volume dropped (23 touches per game to just 14 this year), the creativity / getting him in space also dropping dramatically. Could be the ultimate Buy Low if his owner is panic-selling, but I’m not actively hunting him either
14. Keenan Allen WR – LAC (8)
Target Hog in a weekly juggernaut. Nothing to not love here.
15. Christian McCaffrey RB – CAR (4)
Returned to target hog roots with 14-of-15 rec. in Week 2, and is now 8th in the league among ALL pass-catchers in targets with 24.
16. Stefon Diggs WR – MIN (10)
His rapport with Cousins is scary real. He’s an Alpha WR1 Target Hog.
17. Leonard Fournette RB – JAC (9)
Buy Low if Fournette’s owner is scrambling. He’ll return as a workhorse.
18. Julio Jones WR – ATL (8)
Calf already tightening… anything more classic Julio than this?
19. Mike Evans WR – TB (5)
Even season… so Evans will catch 12+ scores. Benefiting greatly from FitzMagic
20. Davante Adams WR – GB (7)
Dominating as Rodgers’ main guy. Will score most weeks.
Tier 4
21. JuJu Smith-Schuster WR – PIT (7)
The No.2 WR on his team but a clear-cut No.1 WR in fantasy — will consistently destroy the slot coverage he faces. The WR7 on the season.
22. Adam Thielen WR – MIN (10)
This offense is going to put up enormous Air Yards and Points, and it’ll almost all funnel to the top two weapons in Diggs and Thielen. Both should be weekly monsters
23. Patrick Mahomes QB – KC (12)
Your 2018 Fantasy MVP folks. Welcome to Cheat Code Status.
24. Kareem Hunt RB – KC (12)
Wish he got the usage he deserved.. could be a Top-5 RB with his talent and this offensive juggernaut system… but he’s so unreliable from the usage front. Just the RB27 in Half PPR right now
25. Travis Kelce TE – KC (12)
With this offense a complete juggernaut under Mahomes, Kelce’s ceiling is limitless. Not without
26. Chris Thompson RB – WAS (4)
Early steal of the draft (as predicted in our Guide) is 5th in RB points. An absolute target hog under check-down aficionado Alex Smith. PPR Match made in heaven.
27. T.Y. Hilton WR – IND (9)
Fitting well in Reich’s system, back to WR1 status. Could explode if Luck regains the deep ball and Reich isn’t hesitant to dial it up
28. Emmanuel Sanders WR – DEN (10)
As predicted, Fantasy’s WR9 is dominating with as Case Keenum’s newfound “Slot Slut”
29. Jordan Howard RB – CHI (5)
The increased receiving usage is enormous… if this offense can finally find it’s groove. The TDs will come if Trubisky stops shitting himself… but that’s far from a guarantee. Still, he’s PFF’s No.3 Graded back thus far, and should only be improving
30. Matt Breida RB – SF (11)
The NFL’s Rushing Leader through 2 weeks, Breida could be a season-winner if he gains a stranglehold on Shanahan’s invaluable backfield. With Morris his plodding self and Breida looking special, this should happen sooner than later, and Breida will be a weekly Top-10 RB Play from then on out.
31. Mark Ingram RB – NO (6)
Especially after seeing how weak this year’s RB crop is, I would LOVE to have this Weekly Top 10 RB gem awaiting me in just 2 weeks no
32. Jarvis Landry WR – CLE (11)
Still this team’s target hog, and will benefit greatly from Baker Mayfield’s injection into the lineup.
33. Zach Ertz TE – PHI (9)
Despite a rough first week, Ertz bounced back strong in Week 2 and remains the team’s No.1 target — ranking No.9 in the league and topping his team with 23 looks so far.
34. Dalvin Cook RB – MIN (10)
Flashes why we love his talent in the receiving game, but the injury and committee concerns are very real. Diggs and Thielen the real engines of this offense.
35. Joe Mixon RB – CIN (9)
Was a true workhorse and Fantasy’s RB7 before going down. Will miss 4 weeks, but ideally reassumes this type of volume upon his return.
36. James Conner RB – PIT (7)
For as long as this joy ride lasts, Conner shapes up to be more and more of the top pick of 2018. My gut tells me Bell isn’t showing until Week 10. Buckle up — Fantasy’s RB4 will continue being a Weekly Top-5 option til the fairy tale ends.
Tier 5
37. Golden Tate WR – DET (6)
Tied with Julio for third in league in targets (28). As safe and volume-heavy as ever, even with Golladay’s massive emergence.
38. Amari Cooper WR – OAK (7)
Has boomed and has busted… will this be the year-long trend? Early gut call is he does emerge as the preseason “main vein” and TIm Brown role.
39. Will Fuller WR – HOU (10)
Fuller w/ Watson has been nothing short of magical
40. Carlos Hyde RB – CLE (11)
Seems further and further from Chubb every time I watch him play. Even higher TD upside with Baker Mayfield sparking this offense. Hue Jackson has always coordinated explosive power run games, and Hyde’s excelling — as strong a bet for a weekly score as their is in the league
41. Le’Veon Bell RB – PIT (7)
The biggest Risk / Reward of the early fantasy season. Do you Buy Low? Sell while he has name value? Will he even reclaim the job once back with James Conner on “Future Workhorse Trial Run”? Could be injecting the No.2 player in fantasy into your lineup at any point… but might be waiting until Week 10, when it’s too late for your team and for Bell himself.
42. Jay Ajayi RB – PHI (9)
Already scoring 20+ FPs on less than half the snaps. Ratcheted up workload coming. Ajayi a guy I’m buying amidst all the reports to sell him — despite the injury worries. Wentz’s return will mean only more scoring opportunities. Could easily maintain his RB10 status.
43. Brandin Cooks WR – LAR (12)
Originally on our Overpriced List, Cooks has proven an excellent and reliable fit in Sean McVay’s offense, despite the many mouths to feed. He’s making plays at every level of the field and seeing heavy volume, making him a weekly upside WR2, and currently fantasy’s WR14
44. Lamar Miller RB – HOU (10)
So bleh, even in the perfect situation as the rare, reliable workhorse. This offense is finding it’s groove, and Miller offers solid weekly TD upside even if he’s uninpiring on the field
45. Marshawn Lynch RB – OAK (7)
Looking like his old dominant self back in power-heavy blocking scheme. Scored in back-to-back weeks, and is PFF’s No.7 Graded RB.
46. Allen Robinson WR – CHI (5)
Though we expected the Bears to spread the ball far more, Robinson has been the clear cut target-hog — especially with 14 targets last week. If Trubisky grows a pair and starts slinging deep, Robinson will turn this impressive volume to even more impressive numbers
Tier 6
47. Tevin Coleman RB – ATL (8)
The better part of a committee with Freeman now has a chance to separate with Freeman out for up to a month. Always dominates with volume.
48. Aaron Rodgers QB – GB (7)
As much week-to-week upside as any QB, but definitely appears a bit hobbled by the knee, which could sideline him for an extended period of time at any moment.
49. Tom Brady QB – NE (11)
Even at 41, looks phenomenal.
50. Kenny Golladay WR – DET (6)
A 2018 #FFPennyStock that’s arrived. Leads his team as Fantasy’s WR11, freakish measurables and is making the highlight practice plays now in games as an every-snap player. Incredible value.
51. Drew Brees QB – NO (6)
The QB5, Brees could benefit huge from the defensive regression around him.
52. Julian Edelman WR – NE (11)
Only 2 more games until a PPR Monster returns. This offense hums differently with their engine Edelman, and he’ll only find more room underneath with Gordon clearing space outside him now.
53. Kenyan Drake RB – MIA (11)
Committee lock with Gore, but the talent to pull away — PFF’s No.5 Graded back, still a yards-after-contact beast who could explode as he dictates more offense going his way.
54. Deshaun Watson QB – HOU (10)
Our No.1 QB Rankings this preseason seems… premature. Still, Watson and the Texans were noticeably better in Week 2 once Will Fuller brought the verticality. Watson was moving around the pocket better as well, and seems to be rounding into form. With a bad defense on the other side, shoot outs should be likely and Watson could easily regain his “Cheat Code” form
55. Josh Gordon WR – NE (11)
Remains a major enigma in New England, but his ceiling hasn’t been higher now catching passes from the best QB to ever play the game. Praised by Belichick in 2013 for his intermediate, middle of the field game and run after catch abilities, which is what this offense is predicated upon. Genuine season-winner type upside, but complete 0 floor as well — learning this offense, fitting “the Patriots way,” and earning Brady’s trust are no small feats, especially for someone with such a long track record.
56. Nelson Agholor WR – PHI (9)
Complete target hog in Alshon’s absence (No.10 with 22), and he’s been producing despite garbage throwing. Went’z return creates enormous continued upside, but Alshon Jeffery expected to return soon — unlikely this pace sustains then.
57. Marquise Goodwin WR – SF (11)
Though injury has derailed Goodwin’s first 2 weeks, I feel he’s still going to return and be Jimmy G’s dominant Target Hog.
58. Alshon Jeffery WR – PHI (9)
Should be out for only 1-2 more weeks. Offense is sorely lacking his big body and ability to get deep. Him and Wentz could be stretch-run heroes – Buy Low if his owner is in rough shape and needs a Win Now element.
59. Larry Fitzgerald WR – ARI (9)
Weak QB play is tanking Fitz, despite his “Target Hog” status out of the slot. Have to remain hopeful Rosen will come in and ignite the attack, but Fitz’s early injuries could indicate Father Time is finally approaching
Tier 7
60. Keelan Cole WR – JAC (9)
Flashed his Alpha WR1 upside with a 7-116-TD gem against the Patriots. Finished 2018 as the No.1 WR in fantasy, and seems ready to keep the blowups rolling.
61. Alex Collins RB – BAL (10)
Presents an intriguing Buy Low… but the team’s insistence on using Buck Allen will always keep his ceiling capped. Still hopeful he can gain stretch run form once game flows are improved (tighter battles, Ravens up tight). Overall offensive improvement by Ravens should help long term.
62. Evan Engram TE – NYG (9)
Engram is still flashing the indefensible athleticism on a weekly basis… this offense is just tanking because Eli Manning is AWFUL. Still, he’s moving all over the place, and perhaps Eli can develop the more he gets comfortable. Either way, he’s going to be checking down plenty to Engram.
63. Quincy Enunwa WR – NYJ (11)
Nearly 40% of his team’s targets so far, running like a bull after the catch, and being praised by his QB as “always open.” Simply put, Enunwa is proving to be an incredible Penny Stock.
64. Kirk Cousins QB – MIN (10)
Looks worth every penny the Vikings and fantasy owners paid, especially in shoot out situations. Was masterful in the unfortunate tie to GB, and is excelling in John DeFilippo’s aggressive attack.
65. Dion Lewis RB – TEN (8)
After 70% snap usage in Week 1, Lewis fell victim to gameflow with an early lead being nursed all gone — reminding us this is indeed a game-to-game committee that could be tough to project each week. Still the favorite for every-week involvement as the best bet to execute OC Matt LaFleur’s mission to “Merge the pass and run games”
66. DeSean Jackson WR – TB (5)
The No.3 WR in Fantasy is absolutely dominating with Ryan Fitzpatrick under center. With FitzMagic’s leash likely longer than originally thought, DJax’s ceiling remains sky high… but does anyone really expect the Magic to continue?! Maybe, just maybe.
67. Corey Davis WR – TEN (8)
Has the path to be a dominant Alpha Target Hog with no one around him, but horrendous QB Play (Surrounding Talent) is keeping him grounded.
68. Michael Crabtree WR – BAL (10)
Crabtree seems to be taking a back-seat to John Brown in this attack. While I expect this to flip, his ceiling is definitely lower than once imagined, even if his scoring abilities keep the floor high.
69. Chris Hogan WR – NE (11)
Hogan’s season long outlook is growing murkier by the day, and who knows how targets could shakeout once Edelman returns and if Gordon emerges. Still offers huge play upside each week.
70. Phillip Lindsay RB – DEN (10)
The Creature Has Emerged! With rapid-fire feet and absurd change of direction abilities, Lindsay looks like a legitimate playmaker every time he touches the ball. This is a hot hand backfield, and Lindsay seems unlikely to see his go cold as he gets more impressive each week. Currently, shockingly, Fantasy’s RB12
71. LeSean McCoy RB – BUF (11)
EW EW EW EW EW BUFFALO EW EW EW EW SUCKS. Plus, Shady’s already getting dinged up… rough outlook.
72. Jimmy Graham TE – GB (7)
Despite lack of historic TE usage w/ Rodgers and GB, Graham faces a very vacant but valuable aerial pie, and could feast
Tier 8
73. Kenny Stills WR – MIA (11)
Boom, meet Bust. Stills flashed the enormous 20+ FP upside he drips in during Week 1, and then regressed to show the 1-2 FP downside he also carries in Week 2. Feels more likely to boom each week though, especially once the Dolphins start playing from behind more.
74. Kyle Rudolph TE – MIN (10)
Though firmly behind Diggs and Thielen, Rudolph is clearly a key cog in this explosive attack. The TDs will come from Red Zone guru John DeFilippo, who made Gary Barnidge an elite TE1 for a one hit wonder year.
75. Jordan Reed TE – WAS (4)
Same ole Reed – excellent when on the field (especially with pop gun Alex Smith), but always an enormous risk to be packaged up for the year with injury.
76. George Kittle TE – SF (11)
Has flashed the upside to join the elite this year, but then disappeared and lost snaps to bums like Garrett Celek. Still should be one of the more reliable weekly options as the No.2 weapon in Shanahan’s creative attack.
77. Isaiah Crowell RB – NYJ (11)
Shockingly effective as the Jets have surprised and been far more competent. Rich Dennison’s ZBS is churning and opening up gaping lanes, and Crowell’s proven to be a great fit. He’s also been a beast at the stripe, and could threaten 10+ TDs if Darnold continues growing
78. Derrick Henry RB – TEN (8)
One of 2018’s biggest fallers, Henry seems trapped in an unpredictable game-flow type of committee where he’ll be useless if the team is down big. Plus, he’s being outsnapped in the Red Zone by Lewis, which severely caps his ceiling.
79. Cooper Kupp WR – LAR (12)
Leads WRs with 29 Red Zone targets dating back to last season. In a crowded attack, Kupp seems to have the most sustainable value.
80. Cam Newton QB – CAR (4)
The QB7 through two weeks, Newton’s legs are being utilized as often as ever. Once chemistry with DJ Moore and his other weapons is forged, he could explode.
81. Devonta Freeman RB – ATL (8)
One of the biggest early season fallers. Injured already, returns as the second half of a committee when back? Plus, the team seems likely to ride out Coleman to see what they have. NO. THANKS.
82. Marvin Jones WR – DET (6)
Golladay’s emergence leaves Jones as the No.3 on this target totem pole. With a struggling defense, the offense will need to air it out plenty, giving Jones ample weekly volume still. But his floor is even lower, as is the ceiling
Tier 9
83. Tyler Lockett WR – SEA (7)
Doug Baldwin’s absence has allowed Lockett to flourish in the slot, as the explosive third year WR now ranks as the WR23 (half-PPR) on the year.
84. Adrian Peterson RB – WAS (4)
The Corpse has risen, and is running hard — but will be extremely script dependent
85. Doug Baldwin WR – SEA (7)
4-6 weeks out tanks his value, but could be a stretch run hero if you find yourself in the right position to buy
86. Sony Michel RB – NE (11)
Got back on the field, and offers the upside to take the reigns of one of fantasy’s top scoring offenses. Midseason blowup candidate
87. Rex Burkhead RB – NE (11)
After ranking 5th and 6th in Rushing TDs the past two seasons, the Patriots have exactly 0 Rush TDs to begin 2018. This’ll change in a hurry, and Burkhead’s seaosn-long outlook is very dependent on how involved he is here.
88. Randall Cobb WR – GB (7)
Boot is off, and his path to massive targets from Rodgers is clear. A great value right now
89. Philip Rivers QB – LAC (8)
Ho hum, just another QB4 ranking for Rivers. As dialed in as ever.
90. Carson Wentz QB – PHI (9)
His early season health question marks are getting a little sketchy
91. Ben Roethlisberger QB – PIT (7)
The QB6 again appears destined for
92. James White RB – NE (11)
Most reliable Pats back with the receiving role on lock, but about to take a major target hit with Edelman returning and ideally Josh Gordon’s emergence
93. Devin Funchess WR – CAR (4)
With Olsen removed, Funchess is easily this team’s most reliable target in the intermediate ranges. Flashed this type of Target Hog upside with a 7-of-9, 77 yard effort in Week 2.
94. Trey Burton TE – CHI (5)
We overrated the Bears, as Mitch Trubisky is struggling to execute Matt Nagy’s explosive, complex scheme. Burton’s shovel pass score flashes the creativity that comes with this offense, but until Trubisky (or a real QB) gets under center, the ceiling and floor are both sketchy
95. Austin Ekeler RB – LAC (8)
Fantasy’s RB8 and PFF’s Top Graded RB through 2 weeks, Ekeler is the ultimate Handcuff With Benefits. He’s providing excellent standalone value thus far in a heavier-than-expected role, and would be an immediate RB1 if ever filling in for Gordon. An ideal stash
96. Bilal Powell RB – NYJ (11)
Looks as solid as ever, but usage continues to be a question mark as the lesser half of a committee with Crowell, including a loss of GL touches. If his superior talent ever won out in this ZBS scheme… look out. Has topped 65 yards and outgained Crowell in 2 of 3 contests so far.
97. Kerryon Johnson RB – DET (6)
Flashing a ton of ability each week, but Patricia seems committee-committed. Will thrive if/when he’s afforded the three-down role he’s capable of
98. Demaryius Thomas WR – DEN (10)
Week 2 flashed why we hate Demaryius. He’s lost a step, doesn’t fight for the ball any more, and the once YAC Monster goes down with ease. VEGAN SOFTNESS. Turning 11 targets into a paltry 18 yards is just embarassing
99. Sammy Watkins WR – KC (12)
Offers an enormous weekly ceiling in this juggernaut attack, but Watkins seems to be a distant fourth on the target totem pole, making these blow-ups inconsistent and tough to predict.
100. John Brown WR – BAL (10)
The Ravens’ new No.1 target? Brown is dominating deep, in the Red Zone, and after the catch… aka in all facets of the game. Could be the WR Blow Up of 2018 if this continues.
