As the new fantasy football season approaches, enthusiasts are eager to assemble their dream teams and strategize their path to victory. One crucial aspect of this process is understanding the tier rankings of top players. Tier rankings categorize players based on their expected performance and help owners make informed decisions during the draft. Here, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the top 10 fantasy football tier rankings to print, covering both standard and PPR (points per reception) scoring systems.
Understanding Fantasy Football Tier Rankings
Fantasy football tier rankings are essential for owners to gauge the relative value of players. These rankings group players into distinct categories based on their expected performance, separating the elite from the average and the average from the below-average. By using tier rankings, owners can identify which players to target in each round of the draft, make informed decisions during the season, and assemble a well-rounded team.
Tier 1: Elite Players
This tier consists of the crème de la crème of fantasy football players. These individuals are consistent top performers who can single-handedly carry a team to victory. They are the ones who will go early in the draft, and for good reason.
Examples of Tier 1 players include:
- Christian McCaffrey (RB, Carolina Panthers)
- Ezekiel Elliott (RB, Dallas Cowboys)
- Michael Thomas (WR, New Orleans Saints)
- Davante Adams (WR, Green Bay Packers)
- Travis Kelce (TE, Kansas City Chiefs)
Tier 2: High-End Performers
This tier comprises players who are slightly below the elite but still offer significant fantasy value. They may not be as consistent as Tier 1 players, but they have the potential to dominate games and provide top-tier production.
Examples of Tier 2 players include:
- Alvin Kamara (RB, New Orleans Saints)
- Saquon Barkley (RB, New York Giants)
- DeAndre Hopkins (WR, Arizona Cardinals)
- Julio Jones (WR, Atlanta Falcons)
- George Kittle (TE, San Francisco 49ers)
Tier 3: Solid Starters
This tier consists of reliable players who can be counted on to provide consistent fantasy production. They may not have the same upside as Tier 1 or 2 players, but they offer a stable floor and can anchor a fantasy team.
Examples of Tier 3 players include:
- Aaron Jones (RB, Green Bay Packers)
- Joe Mixon (RB, Cincinnati Bengals)
- Robert Woods (WR, Los Angeles Rams)
- Cooper Kupp (WR, Los Angeles Rams)
- Hunter Henry (TE, Los Angeles Chargers)
Tier 4: Flex Options
This tier comprises players who offer flexibility and can be used in various lineups. They may not be consistent starters, but they have the potential to contribute in specific situations.
Examples of Tier 4 players include:
- Will Fuller (WR, Houston Texans)
- Sterling Shepard (WR, New York Giants)
- Mike Evans (WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- Chris Carson (RB, Seattle Seahawks)
- T.J. Hockenson (TE, Detroit Lions)
Tier 5: Sleeper Picks
This tier consists of players who have the potential to exceed expectations and become valuable fantasy contributors. They may be sleepers, but they offer intriguing upside and can be targeted in the later rounds of the draft.
Examples of Tier 5 players include:
- Laviska Shenault (WR, Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Tony Pollard (RB, Dallas Cowboys)
- Bryan Edwards (WR, Las Vegas Raiders)
- Cole Kmet (TE, Chicago Bears)
- Justin Herbert (QB, Los Angeles Chargers)
Tier 6: Rookies and Deep Sleepers
This tier comprises players who are either rookies or deep sleepers with limited fantasy value. They may offer intriguing upside, but they are not reliable starters and should be targeted in the very late rounds of the draft.
Examples of Tier 6 players include:
- Joe Burrow (QB, Cincinnati Bengals)
- CeeDee Lamb (WR, Dallas Cowboys)
- Jalen Hurts (QB, Philadelphia Eagles)
- Denzel Mims (WR, New York Jets)
- Cam Akers (RB, Los Angeles Rams)
Tier 7: Late-Round Fliers
This tier consists of players who offer minimal fantasy value but can be targeted in the very late rounds of the draft as a flyer. They may have upside, but they are not reliable starters and should be viewed as lottery tickets.
Examples of Tier 7 players include:
- Darrell Henderson (RB, Los Angeles Rams)
- Kerryon Johnson (RB, Detroit Lions)
- Antonio Gandy-Golden (WR, Washington Redskins)
- Collin Johnson (WR, Jacksonville Jaguars)
- Ian Thomas (TE, Carolina Panthers)
Tier 8: Undraftable Players
This tier comprises players who offer no fantasy value and should be avoided in drafts. They may have name recognition, but they are not reliable starters and can be safely ignored.
Examples of Tier 8 players include:
- Braxton Berrios (WR, New York Jets)
- Andy Dalton (QB, Dallas Cowboys)
- Ryan Griffin (TE, New York Jets)
- Frank Gore (RB, New York Jets)
- Zay Jones (WR, Las Vegas Raiders)
In conclusion, understanding fantasy football tier rankings is essential for owners to assemble a well-rounded team and make informed decisions during the draft. By using the tier rankings provided above, owners can identify which players to target in each round of the draft and build a competitive roster.
What do you think about these tier rankings? Do you agree or disagree with our assessments? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What are fantasy football tier rankings?
+Fantasy football tier rankings categorize players based on their expected performance, separating the elite from the average and the average from the below-average.
How do I use fantasy football tier rankings?
+Use tier rankings to identify which players to target in each round of the draft, make informed decisions during the season, and assemble a well-rounded team.
What is the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 players?
+Tier 1 players are the elite performers who can single-handedly carry a team to victory, while Tier 2 players are high-end performers who offer significant fantasy value but may not be as consistent as Tier 1 players.