Jul 203 min read

A Simple Guide to Fantasy Football Rankings

Ceedee Lamb first down celebration — © Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Every year media outlets like ESPN, Fox and CBS release their fantasy football rankings made by their "experts." However, these lists tend to be plain, predictable and frankly inaccurate. Players like running back Austin Ekeler were deemed consensus first-round picks last year, yet they ultimately held the team down that drafted them.

Fantasy managers often struggle to overcome poor early round drafting because they become attached to the idea of what that player was supposed to be. Fantasy managers die on the sword rather than accepting that they screwed up and benching the player. However, the best way to avoid this is by making good picks.

While injuries are an unpredictable factor, there are five simple rules every fantasy manager should follow that will ensure a successful draft.

Rule 1: Be Cautious About Drafting Rookies

Rookies tend to be unpredictable, and plunging on someone whose never played a snap in the NFL is quite risky. For every 2016 Ezekiel Elliott, there are several 2023 Bijan Robinson's. Using early draft picks on rookies is one of the most risky things fantasy managers can do.

Rule 2: Avoid Players With Vast Injury History

Hurt players stay hurt, some players end every season on injured reserve. This could be because their diet or workout routine is not disciplined enough, it could also be that they are just fragile. Regardless of the reason, avoid players who are constantly injured.

Mike Williams drinking water — © Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Rule 3: Target Players From the Most Productive Offenses

It's pretty simple, the teams that gain the most yards and score the most points will have some of the most productive fantasy players. In 2023, the highest scoring team was the Dallas Cowboys at 30.1 points per game. They were also third in passing at just under 4,400 yards for the season. Given that information, it's unsurprising that Cowboys receiver Ceedee Lamb finished the year number 1 in fantasy points.

Rule 4: Be Patient With QB

Everyone wants to have Josh Allen and watch him dazzle both on the ground and through the air, but taking QB's early is always a mistake. Every year there are several top 10 QB's that go undrafted or in the late rounds. Last year Dak Prescott finished 3rd in fantasy points, despite being rated QB 12 by Field Yates going into the season. Jared Goff finished top 10 while being undrafted in many leagues. Quarterback is the most abundant position in fantasy and using an early pick on one is a waste.

Josh Allen looking up — © Jamie Germano / USA TODAY NETWORK

Rule 5: Don't Be Patient With TE

While quarterback is the most abundant position in fantasy, conversely, tight end is the least abundant. The list of great tight ends is short, everyone has to start one, so they should be high priority. No one wants to be the guy who week after week picks up a new unproductive tight end from waivers.

With all that in mind, here are the top 50 players going into 2024.