Eric Karabell is a senior writer for fantasy baseball, football and basketball at ESPN. Eric is a charter member of FSWA Hall of Fame and author of "The Best Philadelphia Sports Arguments".
Trading season is just about complete as we hit December, but we still provide the latest end-of-season rankings and trade index, discussing the latest trends with injuries and player value, for your enjoyment and debating pleasure. Lots of movement again this week, as always, for we have some major running back injuries to discuss. It is always free-agent pickup season, and one's efforts to improve their fantasy teams should never stop. Good luck!
Quarterback
Rankings changes: The New York Giants wanted to make Philadelphia Eagles runner Jalen Hurts throw the ball, and we see he could not do it effectively. Other defenses probably noticed. Hurts tumbles in the rankings, but remains top 10. Carolina Panthers starter Cam Newton was out of the top 10 anyway, but he tumbles as well. Miami Dolphins starter Tua Tagovailoa has been remarkably accurate of late, but still has not reached 20 PPR points since Week 7. He moves up, but not a ton. The New Orleans Saints may be changing quarterbacks, good news for those relying on the legs of Taysom Hill.
Trade for:Anyone in the top 12 is firmly in our top 100 overall and safe - including underrated Minnesota Vikings standout Kirk Cousins - and after that, you take your chances.
Be cautious trading for: Everyone else. Hurts and Newton are reminders that running quarterbacks still need to throw a little. We shall see whether Hill can be effective. Seattle Seahawks star Russell Wilson had a rough Monday night until the final seconds, and does not come recommended.
Running back
Rankings changes: First, the good news. A group hurrah for Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Mixon and Tampa Bay Buccaneers surprise Leonard Fournette, as well as San Francisco 49ers rookie Elijah Mitchell and Atlanta Falcons stunner Cordarrelle Patterson. They are winning players for fantasy managers and they keep moving up! Second, we have more injuries! Minnesota Vikings star Dalvin Cook (shoulder) is the latest casualty, though he may return in the next few weeks. There is no right answer on where to rank him. There is with Carolina Panthers star Christian McCaffrey, though, as he sees his season end prematurely, yet again. Good luck in dynasty leagues. Ugh.
Trade for: Despite the efforts of Fournette and others, Week 12 was not a banner week at the position. So many questions. At least Mitchell and Patterson look safe, if they can stay on the field. What is the dividing player line for safety? Several top 10 options clearly are not close to 100% health, including Detroit Lions star D'Andre Swift and Dallas Cowboys star Ezekiel Elliott.
Be cautious trading for: Who knows when Cook plays again? Get Alexander Mattison but trading for him is risky. Trading for McCaffrey fill-in Chuba Hubbard is a better bet. It is a joy watching a healthy New York Giants star Saquon Barkley run, but this version, clearly compromised, is not fun. The Pittsburgh Steelers offense now hampers rookie Najee Harris. Do not suddenly trust the new Tennessee Titans running backs.
Wide receiver
Rankings changes: It is finally time to remove Bengals rookie Ja'Marr Chase from the top 10. This makes four consecutive games with fewer than 50 receiving yards. However, Miami Dolphins rookie Jaylen Waddle moves up into WR2 territory. Titans star A.J. Brown moves out due to injury. A pair of Los Angeles Rams receivers move up. Cooper Kupp is already No. 1, but newcomer Odell Beckham Jr. triumphantly returns to the top 100 and Van Jefferson closes in.
Trade for: The WR1 options sure seem safer - and healthier- than the RB1 options. Now seems like a wise time to get the Vikings and Cowboys starters.
Be cautious trading for: As with previous weeks, not sure trading for a wide receiver makes much sense, unless it is a top option. One can stream at the position. Just not Seahawks.
Tight end
Rankings changes: Lots of movement at the back end of the top 10, as Tampa Bay Buccaneers great Rob Gronkowski bullies his way in, and Falcons rookie Kyle Pitts falls all the way out. Does not mean Pitts is a bust, but the past five weeks have been and there seems little reason to expect a turnaround. Gronkowski is third at this position in average PPR points per game. Dawson Knox continues his ascent for the Buffalo Bills. Jack Doyle appears relevant again for the Indianapolis Colts. And we say farewell to touchdown-less Dan Arnold (knee). Just wait till next year!
