Each week, Footballguys staff members will share the big movers in their respective Dynasty Rankings. Since the contributors will rotate, please check in weekly. The focus of this article will be on the “why” more than the movement itself. Dynasty Rankings are fluid and we hope that sharing the rationale will help you in your quest to create dynasties with all your teams. The diversity of rankings will result in a variety of opinions weekly.
Quarterbacks
Parsons
Dak Prescott - The addition of Amari Cooper has been a shot in the arm for the entire Dallas offense. Adding a top target for Prescott to his rushing production and a (likely) tight end upgrade in the offseason and Prescott is on the rise heading into 2019.
Baker Mayfield - While the Browns season is going south in terms of the playoffs with rookie quarterbacks it is about traits and positive signs for the future. Mayfield faced yet another uphill situation against Houston but prevailed with a number of strong throws and navigating pressure. Mayfield is one of the top uptick quarterbacks for 2019.
Tefertiller
Matthew Stafford – Blame it on the coaching staff, the offensive weapons, or the deterioration of Stafford’s ability, but there is little way to recommend him as a fantasy QB1. The Lions feature a conservative offense and just traded a quality receiver. Stafford was at his best – fantasy speaking – when Detroit was a league leader in pass attempts. Those days are long gone … and so is Stafford’s fantasy value.
Alex Smith – One year into his multi-year deal with Washington, Smith has little to no fantasy value, except in superflex or two-quarterback leagues. His dink-and-dunk style limited fantasy upside and the offense is void of play-makers. No, Colt McCoy is not the answer, either. There is a possibility that the team will draft a quarterback and allow him to sit just like the Chiefs did with Patrick Mahomes II.
Running Back
Tefertiller
Matt Breida – Even though Breida is expected to miss this week’s game against the Broncos, he is a strong buy for dynasty players this offseason. Coach Shanahan told reporters last week that the plan was to split time between Jerick McKinnon – now injured – and Breida before the former was lost for the season. With all eyes on McKinnon’s return, we will happily scoop up Breida on the cheap as the 1B to McKinnon’s 1A.
Jay Ajayi – Ajayi poses an interesting dilemma for dynasty players. On one hand, he should be cheap to acquire as the Eagles are expected to part ways with the injured tailback. On the other hand, he has shown ability in small doses. We will not know until March where Ajayi will play football in 2019, opening a buy window for those who believe in his talents. Philadelphia seems sold on Josh Adams as the big back in the committee for next season.
Parsons
Jordan Howard - Not only is Howard a touchdown-centric fantasy option to provide a decent performance, but Tarik Cohen is rising by the week, showing he (not Howard) is the ideal fit for the Chicago offense. Howard is overvalued by the dynasty market and a flimsy asset even looking at next season alone.
Jalen Richard - Richard will never be confused for a feature back, but he is one of the better change-of-pace options in the NFL. As a restricted free agent, Richard may be back in Oakland next season but either way should find work for a few years as a receiving maven.
Wide Receiver
Parsons
Calvin Ridley - Ridley has cooled significantly since his hot stretch to start the season. Ridley is limited as the No.2 receiver behind Julio Jones for the foreseeable future, which softens his dynasty appeal outside of the rare volume as an ancillary receiver to support two strong fantasy options. Even if Jones was suddenly out of the picture, Ridley is a questionable No.1 option.
Dante Pettis - With back-to-back strong games, Pettis has flashed with multiple injuries at wide receiver for the 49ers. Expect San Francisco to address the position in the offseason to soften Pettis' probability to become an auto-start weekly in 2019, but Pettis has emerged from a disappointing start to 2018 to be relevant (and strengthen his dynasty value) late this season.
Tefertiller
Dante Pettis – Pettis is a play-maker on a team lacking big-play players. Yes, the injury to Pierre Garcon and the absence of Marquise Goodwin opened the door, bit Pettis excelled against the Seahawks even though the quarterback play from Nic Mullins was merely average.
Chris Godwin – Godwin has excelled when either Mike Evans or DeSean Jackson has missed a start. With Jackson sidelined against the Panthers, Godwin had a big game. His big body and fearlessness across the middle of the field are endearing fantasy qualities.
Tight End
Tefertiller
O.J. Howard – Howard was placed on injured reserve just as he was beginning to emerge. Given the rollercoaster at quarterback, it is amazing that any pass-catcher could shine, but Howard looked great. He is definitely a player to target this coming offseason.
Greg Olsen – Olsen tore his plantar fascia in the loss Sunday. He injured his foot while compensating for the previous foot injury and now his career is in jeopardy. We recommend targeting rookie Ian Thomas as the long-term answer to the Panthers tight end situation. He is athletic and able to make plays after the catch.
Parsons
Greg Olsen - After surprisingly returning to the lineup after a foot injury, Olsen was a relative non-factor before reaggregating his foot this week. The injury could threaten Olsen's career and 2019 is a question mark, along with his tenuous dynasty value.
Trey Burton - Burton takes a hit with Adam Shaheen back in the lineup as Burton relied on shaky volume and situational shovel passes near the goal line to sustain his production earlier in the season. Shaheen logged a short-range touchdown this week and Burton was invisible within the Chicago offense. Burton is a risky start to close the season.