I’d make a lot of changes if I were King of the fantasy football world. But my No. 1 priority would be eliminating the default rankings from the online draft applets.
These default rankings are the enemy of hard work and preparation. If the defaults are efficient, owners can just show up the day of the draft, use the site’s rankings as their “research,” and emerge with a reasonable team.
At a minimum, we know our opponents use the default rankings as a crutch. That means they may be afraid to pull the trigger on X guy in the second round because he’s listed as a fourth-rounder in the applet. Or maybe they take Y guy earlier than they should because his name is on top of the applet. Even auto-drafters can have success if the draft applet rankings are solid.
The good news for us is that these default rankings are not particularly efficient. So there are edges to exploit against opponents who are relying on them. The best process is to draft using our ETR rankings, of course, but also be aware of and adjust to what’s going on in the applet.
Below is what you should be aware of heading into drafts on full-PPR ESPN. Do NOT rely on these rankings; use our ETR ESPN rankings as your cheat sheet.
* These rankings were found within the ESPN draft applet as of Tuesday, Aug. 18.
PLAYERS LISTED HIGHER THAN EXPECTED
10. De’Von Achane
15. Jeremiyah Love
16. Rashee Rice
17. Trey McBride
27. Garrett Wilson
40. Quinshon Judkins
41. Bucky Irving
50. Tyler Warren
58. Jalen Hurts
71. Kyle Pitts
72. Harold Fannin Jr.
75. Jaxson Dart
78. Matthew Golden
ADJUSTMENTS: I’m glad De’Von Achane and Jeremiyah Love (ankle) are listed so high. Let someone else reach there. … Trey McBride (17) is listed way ahead of Brock Bowers (24). Decent spot to get on Bowers cheaply, especially if in a 10- or eight-team league. … Notice that Rashee Rice, Garrett Wilson, and Matthew Golden are the only WRs listed here. Easy to draft around; plenty of other WR options in the section below. … The Kyle Pitts, Harold Fannin Jr., and Sam LaPorta group all go a bit high. The good news: Colston Loveland (49) and Tucker Kraft (101) are listed a bit lower than they should be. … I like both Jalen Hurts and Jaxson Dart a lot, but no reason to force them here around the listed price. Tons of QB options later if needed.
PLAYERS LISTED LOWER THAN EXPECTED
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