The trade deadline has passed and the fantasy playoffs are fast approaching. That means it’s time for one more look at the rest-of-season rankings. After all, there’s not that much season left! We’ve laughed and cried and dealt with injuries and suspensions. Now, with five games to go for most players, the decisions become a bit more important. Don’t simply and mindlessly stick with the players that got you to meaningful December games, because some might not be your best options. Good luck and thanks for checking us out this season!
Quarterback
The top three players at this position have clearly separated themselves from the others with consistent, high-end performances. There’s a future Hall of Famer in Tom Brady, who has been in one of the top two spots all season long. There’s Russell Wilson, the top fantasy scorer -- even in PPR formats --entering Week 13, overcoming the lack of any running game other than his own. Also, there’s the second-year stalwart from Philadelphia, Carson Wentz, who is on a pace for 41 touchdown passes and seven interceptions for a 10-1 squad.
There hasn’t been much movement at this position since we all gobbled on turkey, but be careful of those who are struggling, like Dak Prescott and Alex Smith. After all, recent trends matter considerably more than full-season results. Remember that matchups are key, at least after the top three options. Perhaps someone like Case Keenum or Trevor Siemian will end up helping fantasy managers win their leagues.
Running back
Rookies continue to be the story at this position, as Alvin Kamara continues his meteoric rise to the top. Only one player stands in his way at this point! Yes, Kamara over Todd Gurley II actually makes sense. Kamara is that good. Mark Ingram is still good as well. With Kareem Hunt, well, perhaps it’s not really all his fault, but in a PPR format and sans matchup input, Christian McCaffrey is the better choice -- if one needs to make such a choice. A pair of Patriots move way up because, as with the Eagles and Saints, the New England running game is driving team production and isn’t removing any quarterback value with it.
With quite a few teams, there are injury situations driving the instability of the rankings. Take the Falcons, for example. If Devonta Freeman returns this week, he’d be top-10 worthy. If we found out he’d miss several more weeks, Tevin Coleman would be. Tennessee’s situation is frustrating. Derrick Henry looks to be the better player, but it was struggling DeMarco Murray who scored the Week 12 touchdown. Philadelphia doesn’t seem to be in a hurry to give Jay Ajayi double-digit touches. Baltimore and Dallas are tough to predict. Do your best with the matchups.
Wide receiver
Julio Jones finally had a fantastic fantasy performance, so he moves up in the rankings. Does that really change anything? Will he simply return to his previous underachieving play in Week 13? Most will laugh at Adam Thielen and his lack of track record still being ahead of Jones, but consistency matters. They might have the same numbers entering Week 13, but how they got there matters, too. Still, nobody would sit Jones. We’re keeping an eye on Cleveland receivers as Josh Gordon returns and Corey Coleman emerges. We’re also wondering about Oakland and Miami and Tennessee receivers, for there’s talent in all those places to win people some fantasy leagues.
Tight end
There’s so much high-end production at this position that many a fantasy manager might be using a tight end for the flex spot. Go for it! Numbers are numbers! Zach Ertz had Philadelphia’s first 100-yard receiving game and can’t even move up because Rob Gronkowski, Travis Kelce and Jimmy Graham are all playing so well. Keep an eye on Hunter Henry and newcomer Ricky Seals-Jones. The latter is certainly available in leagues and these guys are playing well. They’re in situations to thrive. They might be reasonable flex options for some.
