Good morning everyone, last year I went through the top 10s 1 by 1. But this year you are getting them all in one spot. This will be a long post, but here are the Pot Cakes Dynasty League Top 10s. As a reminder our league is 6 point pass TD, and this ranking is solely based on this year, but if I have to add any bias it is for younger players as this is a dynasty league.
Let’s start off with the money makers, the Quarterbacks.
- Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs
No surprise here, he’s my QB so I’m biased, but he was a top performer all last year. He finished #3 overall last year (6 point Passing TD, #4 in 4 point). The Chiefs should continue to throw the ball more, and if anything involve Clyde in the passing game. But you have Travis Kelce, a top 3 TE, and Tyreek Hill, a top 5 WR. I mean he’s in a great spot to continue to succeed. I see no reason to not have Mahomes as #1, he’s consistent and has shown no signs of slowing down.
2. Kyler Murray – Arizona Cardinals
You go from the best overall pocket passer, to the best dual threat. Yes, I am aware that Lamar Jackson still plays football, but Lamar had a down season, and only added young WRs to support him. If Lamar got a vet WR, then Lamar could stay at 2. Murray finished as the QB 6 in our league. The connection with D-Hop should be better, and A.J. Green, while not great, is better than what they had. And I actually think Murray will have to make more plays as their RB situation got worse having Edmonds and Conner rather than Edmonds and Drake. I expect Murray, to have to make more plays to save the Cardinals season and his coach’s job.
3. Josh Allen – Buffalo Bills
He’s so tall, he finished #2 in the league last year. Josh could easily be the #1, so it’s not like these three aren’t interchangeable. If you have any of these top 4 guys, you should be very happy, but I have to draw lines. Allen has no running game. So it’s him. But the Bills have a solid defense, and I think they will be in more manageable games this year compared to the Cards. Allen won’t have to be the guy all the time. While that will still result in great numbers, I just feel like Murray will have a couple more explosive games than Allen.
4. Lamar Jackson – Baltimore Ravens
Lamar has been great even though he has little to no help. Seeing as he has little to no help, I cannot put him in the top 3. Lamar finished 11th in our league and 10 in most other leagues. So it is not totally unfair to rank him a little lower. But Lamar can still run, and when he runs that just opens up the passing game that much more. Lamar is good, but he needs some help. If Hollywood can figure it out, and if Bateman can add just a little of help, then Lamar will end up right here.
5. Tom Brady – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Now this one should scratch some heads. Tom Brady is old, this is a young man’s game. But, history will show that QBs in their second year of Bruce Arians Offense do better. Tom Brady finished QB 7 in our league. So 5 > 7, so it’s reasonable. Brady has everyone back. I would not want to keep Brady in a dynasty league, but if you have him, use him. The Bucs are the bar this year, and Brady loves pushing the limit.
6. Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay Packers
Rodgers could obviously be higher. Coming off an MVP season I would guess he regresses a touch. With the Packers transitioning to a more run heavy offense, and A.J. Dillon being in his second season, I would guess Rodgers touchdowns go down a little. Rodgers was QB1 in our league. Passing TDs to the dome. Rodgers threw 48 TDs last season. In a 6 point Passing TD league that is what you want, lots of passing TDs, Rodgers is a huge fan of that. If Rodgers plays 16 games next year, he will make a run at that top spot.
7. Justin Herbert – Los Angeles Chargers
There is a clear line after the top 6. Herbert is great, he’s young, but 7-10 do not have the consistency that everyone else does. Finishing as the QB 9 in our league. Watson’s uncertainty of playing this season, Russ’ stove is off, Herbert should be in the mix. Herbert still has Allen, Williams, and Ekeler. Herbert’s biggest competition is himself and how he handles the Sophomore slump. Herbert has a cannon, big frame, and is not afraid to tuck and run.
8. Ryan Tannehill – Tennessee Titans
Tannehill finished as the QB8 in our league. As a Titan he’s been consistent. Adding Julio Jones for Corey Davis, is a big upgrade. Derrick Henry has done so much for the Titans offense, but RBs can only do so much for so long. While D-Train will have another great year, I would expect the Titans to slowly shift to passing the ball more. Not a lot, but enough to keep Tannehill comfortably in the top 10.
9. Russell Wilson – Seattle Seahawks
Russ cooked and finished #5 in our league. The problem for Russ is that the Seahawks didn’t add more charcoal as the season went on. Russ was electric through 10 weeks. The Seahawks are apparently committing more to the run this year. That is bad news for Russ. But if they can find the balance like the Titans do, then Russ is still a lock for a top 10. It would be tough to have a top 10 without Russ, so he makes it in here.
10. Dak Prescott – Dallas Cowboys
Dak got hurt right away. But my goodness, the Cowboys offense. Cooper, Lamb, and Gallup, all great WRs. Assuming Dak is healthy come week 1, I think Dak takes off again this year. I’m all in on Dak, he showed he’s a leader, he showed he worked on his game, he had it going on, I don’t think it was a flash in a pan. Dak is the real deal, and Jerry loves his stars.
QB honorable mentions include Jalen Hurts, his upside in scrambling is the only way he gets in the top 10. The rookies in Fields and Lance also have huge upside for the back half of the season.
Now for the RBs. With our league format, being a passer helps by half a point.
1. Christian McCaffrey – Carolina Panthers
CMC remains the top guy, unless this season shows his injuries took more of a toll on him. CMC can do it all and is the guy for the Panthers. Fresh off of an injury he still recorded 28 touches, and then was benched for the rest of the year. It’s clear that no matter what, CMC will have a lot of touches.
2. Dalvin Cook – Minnesota Vikings
For me it has to be Cook at 2. He finished 3 in our league last year. He is another guy that will get his touches as long as he’s healthy. The Vikings want to play defense and run the ball. Cook completes half of that equation. And while Justin Jefferson is a great player to have on your offense, Coach Zimmer is a run first type of coach. I expect Cook to stay at the top.
3. Derrick Henry – Tennessee Titans
The only reasons for Henry to be behind Cook is that he is a year older and he’s ran “too much” in the last two years. He is the reigning 2x leader in two categories, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. While he still is in a great position to do both of those things again, the odds are against him. This is purely a gut feeling. Henry should be ranked no lower than 4 in any RB rankings.
4. Alvin Kamara – New Orleans Saints
Kamara raises the most questions, but his talent is off the chart. He was a league winner last year with his late season production. But, will Kamara have Winston, a traditional QB, or Hill, a non-traditional QB, handing him the ball. That is the big question. If it is Hill then Kamara should drop in rankings as his production last year with Hill under center was not great. With Winston he at least will get his fair share of rush attempts.
5. Ezekiel Elliot – Dallas Cowboys
I go back and forth on Zeke. But it’s tough to rule him out of this year. Last year he had a touchdown deficiency. Six touchdowns for Zeke is bad. I’m chalking it up to a bad year. If you compare Zeke to other RBs on the list, he still had over 50 receptions last year. That is without Dak, assuming Dak is back for the majority of the year, assuming Zeke is fully healthy, there is no reason to think he’ll be outside the top ten, let alone the top 5. While Zeke is a high risk high reward, you have to take him if you have a top 5 pick. It’s like Barkley last year, you have to roll the dice on him.
6. Aaron Jones – Green Bay Packers
Rodgers is back, Jones value goes up. Jones will receive a decent amount of work and I think and he will receive a lot of passing work. Dillon may receive the goal line touches and short yardage, which is where Jones could break one. But I think the 1-2 punch style will keep Jones fresh. Coach LaFleur wants to run the ball more, so Jones should remain as a top option.
7. Jonathan Taylor – Indianapolis Colts
Taylor can do a little of both and was the best rookie last year. He’s in an offense that lacks WR talent, and has a QB that needs help with play action to get going. The best way to protect Wentz is to have a terrifying run game. So the Colts need to run the ball. The Colts need to have Taylor in for check downs to get Wentz in the groove. Taylor to me is someone that can have a big time break out year. He finished last year as the RB6. And while Mack is back, I don’t think it’s enough to take away from the Colts needing Taylor to be their best playmaker.
8. Nick Chubb – Cleveland Browns
Chubb finished last year as the RB9, he missed 3 games. Nothing about Chubb’s game is overly exciting, he just pounds the rock, gets 100 yards and usually a touchdown. He was constantly between that 17-23 points per game. Chubb won’t “win” you weeks, but my goodness he starts you off on the right foot, and with the way Cleveland plays, Chubb will continue to compete for that rushing title.
9. Saquon Barkley – New York Giants
Barkley missed the majority of last year with injury. The Giants did not do much to strengthen their O-Line. I could easily see Barkley falling out of the Top-10, but I’m going to make him prove that to me before I rank him lower. Barkley is still the best option for the Giants. Yes, Golladay will help, but the G-Men still have a big time QB issue. The easiest way for the Giants to get the ball down field is to give it to their best playmaker. Barkley will have endless touches, but he needs the guys in front of him to help him out a little.
10. Austin Ekeler – Los Angeles Chargers
This should be a touch of a surprise, but let’s look at what Ekeler did last year. He pulled in 50+ catches. He missed 6 games. Week 1, Ekeler had 1 reception, but that was with Taylor under center. Herbert loves to throw the ball, and he throws it to everyone. Ekeler’s stock is sky high. Pair that with the fact that no Charger’s RB made an impact when he was out, makes Ekeler the guy for the Bolts. Ekeler will receive a large quantity of touches, and they are all quality touches.
Honorable mentions for Running Backs include, Joe Mixon, Josh Jacobs, Antonio Gibson, and Najee Harris. These four backs all provide that “workhorse” ability. They will get the large majority of the touches for their team, but still have to wait their turn to get in the top ten prior to the season. The best value RB is David Montgomery, the best forgotten RBs are Carson, Mostert, and even Gordon.
Wide receivers, again we are a ½ point PPR league.
- Davante Adams – Green Bay Packers
Adams finished as the WR1, he catches touchdowns. He’s good. Top 2 not 2. Plus with this likely being Adams last season with the Packers, I bet he goes out and absolutely torches the league and becomes the highest paid WR next season.
2. Tyreek Hill – Kansas City Chiefs
Hill is on an offense that throws the ball, he is fast, his QB can sling it, it’s just him and one other guy to catch the ball. He finished as the WR2 in our league no reason to put him anywhere else.
3. Stefon Diggs – Buffalo Bills
Is Josh Allen tall? Is the answer you should give if someone asks you if Diggs is a top-3 receiver? Finished last year at 3, no reason for him to go down. The Bills can only throw the ball, and they did not add any pass catchers that will take away from Diggs’ share of targets. Everything should go to Diggs this year. Sanders is old, Beasley is old, Davis could shine bright but he has to beat out two vets. All of that does not matter, because it’s Diggs, pause, and everyone else.
4. DeAndre Hopkins – Arizona Cardinals
Someday, some year, we will no longer have these top four, but for now we must enjoy it. D-Hop was the WR5 last year, he put up 1,400 yards and 6 TDs. I would think those numbers go up on the per game basis. He now knows Kyler Murray, Kyler knows how much easier the game is when he just gets the ball to D-Hop. The Cardinals have less of a run game now, even if by the slightest margin, and that will require D-Hop to get the ball more. Buckle up, Hop going off again.
5. Calvin Ridley – Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are such an odd team, but year after year, their WR1 is a top 5 guy. Julio is obviously a phenomenal athlete, but last year Ridley took Julio’s spot when he was out. The Falcons are a team that you do not want any part of as a fan, but Ridley is absolutely a guy that you want on your fantasy team. He should be on every managers untouchable trade list. Ridley has an extra year left of production compared to all those mentioned before. The only issue we have with Ridley going forward is who his QB will be, but for this year, it’s Matty Ice and he has something to prove to make sure he stays in the NFL somewhere.
6. A.J. Brown – Tennessee Titans
A.J. Brown takes this spot for a few reasons I think go his way. He finished as WR 10 last season playing 14 games. The Titans heavy reliance on Derrick Henry has to slow down a little. Henry is older, Henry is coming off of two rushing titles, I mean that’s a lot of work. The Titans have it with Brown. He’s entering his third year, he has had two 1,000 yard seasons, he was injured all of last year. Being WR11 in an injury season and being the only big threat on offense should have held his production back a little. With Brown healthy, with Julio drawing a little more coverage, and Henry demanding a loaded box, that just means more room for Brown. While A.J. Brown is projected as the WR6, you have to consider if he is worth the price tag yourself. He’s someone I feel comfortable with having as my WR1 if I have a mid 2nd Round pick in a re-draft.
7. Justin Jefferson – Minnesota Vikings
Jefferson finished as the WR6 last year. I just cannot put him ahead of the vets listed above. Jefferson has a little bit of the inverse of what is going on for Brown. Jefferson is the #1 for the Vikings. However, Cook missed a couple games and was dealing with injuries, the Vikings were the worst on defense last year, meaning they had to throw the ball more. BUT that does not mean Jefferson will fall of the face of the earth. I just think his last year’s finish is more of his ceiling this year. If last year’s Vikings had this year’s Justin Jefferson, he’d be WR3.
8. D.K. Metcalf – Seattle Seahawks
I go back and forth with D.K. ranging between WR8-12. I think this is the 3rd tier of WRs. Seattle is saying they will run the ball more. That hurts the WR2 for Seattle. For the WR1, who is D.K. that is good, for the WR that can streak the field and win jump balls, that is good, who is D.K. Yes, Lockett also loves the deep ball, but if you have to guys burning down the field, you are just going to throw it up to D.K. If you take D.K. I would suggest taking a safe target share guy as your WR2, because D.K. was streaky last year, but is definitely a guy that will win you weeks.
9. Allen Robinson – Chicago Bears
Robinson is a high target, 1,000 yard receiver. While Robinson will have to deal with a QB change throughout the season, I still think his production is very safe. He’ll float somewhere here between 9-13 this year. Robinson is a very safe WR1, he does not have the upside as other WRs on the list, but he’s safe for a WR1.
10. CeeDee Lamb – Dallas Cowboys
Now, CeeDee is a guy that if you with him as your #1, you better follow up with another WR. But he finished as the WR14. I just think that he’s going to have more juice than Amari Cooper. If Dak is back, CeeDee is the guy, if Dak misses more than 4 games, then CeeDee will be a backend WR2. He’s entering his second year and I fully expect an A.J. Brown type breakout from him.
The WR honorable mentions include Keenan Allen, Terry McLaurin, and Mike Evans. I think the best value WRs are Tyler Lockett, Brandin Cooks, and Corey Davis.
Now Tight ends, tight ends are very top heavy.
- Travis Kelce – Kansas City Chiefs
This is easy, Kelce will remain #1 until he’s not. It’s Hill or Kelce and Mahomes loves them both. With the injuries to Kittle, Waller being on the Raiders, and Andrews being in a run heavy offense, it’s easy to keep Kelce here.
2. George Kittle – San Francisco 49ers
Some people are taking Waller ahead of Kittle. That’s ok, take your shot on either TE, but for me it is still Kittle. The 49ers are lacking a consistent deep threat. Aiyuk and Deebo are short route, get them the ball guys. Kittle is able to stretch the field with mismatches as well as his ability to break tackles. If Kittle can stay healthy for a full season he can put himself in the top spot next year.
3. Darren Waller – Las Vegas Raiders
Last year Waller went 107 for 1,196, and 9. That is insane. Waller is a clear cut TE1. Plus, the WR core for the Raiders is young, so Waller is the reliable target. The only downfall is Kenyan Drake taking away some targets. Now, I said that statement, do you believe it? Does that change your opinion on Waller? Hopefully not. Waller is the guy.
4. Mark Andrews – Baltimore Ravens
Mark Andrews had a down year, he was the TE5 and had 58, 701, and 7 tuddies. He had up and downs throughout the season, so it was frustrating. But much like Waller, Andrews should be the WR1 or at worst WR2 on the team. Drafting a team’s top two target is why these four players are here, and then it’s everyone else. Andrews is solid and is probably in the 1b tier, whereas Waller is caught in purgatory between that 1a and 1b tier.
5. T.J. Hockenson – Detroit Liens
Hock went 67, 723, and 6. He finished as TE4. His QB got worse, his WR competition got worse as well. The difference between Hockenson and the guys above him is that the Lions stink stink. Goff and just the whole Lions organization are nothing exciting. However, Hockenson is like Brandin Cooks, he’s the best option, and the best option on a bad team is better than a guy that shares the workload.
6. Tyler Higbee – Los Angeles Rams
Now, this is the part of the rankings where none of these guys really jump out at you. Higbee finished as TE18. He had 44, 60, and 5. Higbee is catapulted into this spot because of QB change. Yes, I said best option is better than shared option. But, Matt Stafford made a lot less talented players fantasy relevant as the Lions QB. Look at Marvin Jones. Give me the hope, give me the thrill, Stafford to Higbee.
7. Mike Gesicki – Miami Dolphins
Gesicki went 53, 85, and 6. What is promising, is that Geisicki’s had 3 big games under Tua compared to 2 under Fitz. There is hope. Adding Will Fuller and Jaylen Waddle would make one think Gesicki has more competition, but with Tua not really able to stretch the field Gesicki is a safety blanket for the young QB.
8. Robert Tonyan – Green Bay Packers
Broadway Bob finished as the TE3 last year. I just don’t think his production can be as high as it was. I mean touchdowns are what make tight ends and he had 11. If you take away 3 touchdowns that’s 19.5 points, this drops him to TE8. I think that’s very fair. Like I said, TEs 5 on are all the same. I’m not rushing to get any of them, I’ll just take who’s left. Robert Tonyan, with Aaron Rodgers is definitely something I would feel semi-confident with every week.
9. Jonnu Smith – New England Patriots
Jonnu and Henry are both gambles. Either could be the main target, either could suffer due to Cam running the ball so much. But Cam Newton has been looking good in camp so far. Hopefully he can stay healthy. A healthy Cam makes the Patriots fantasy relevant. I am assuming that much and I think Jonnu’s production with limited touches last season, easily translates to production in New England’s offense.
10. Kyle Pitts – Atlanta Falcons
No stats to go off of, and still competing with Hurst in the position, and Ridley for overall targets. We have no idea what version of the Falcons we will get. My money is on a lot of passes as the Falcons should be a below average team. Pitts has the athleticism to be a difference maker going forward, as for this season he’s not worth reaching up for him. If he falls to you late, Pitts is worth the gamble, other than that I wouldn’t make any promises.
There are no honorable mention TEs, the honorable mentions are week to week matchup options. The majority of the guys not mentioned here are all value picks, and someone you can get late in the draft.
Kickers no rationale.
- Justin Tucker – Baltimore Ravens
- Harrison Butker – Kansas City Chiefs
- Younghoe Koo – Atlanta Falcons
- Greg Zuerein – Dallas Cowboys
- Rodrigo Blankenship – Indianapolis Colts
- Will Lutz – New Orleans Saints
- Ryan Succop – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Tyler Bass – Buffalo Bills
- Brandon McManus – Denver Broncos
- Daniel Carlson – Las Vegas Raiders
Well that does it for the top tens. Hopefully you wind up with a couple of these guys in your draft or dynasty team. We be ready for some sleepers and bust candidates coming out shortly. Until then I hope you and yours have a better tomorrow.
Let’s Go!
JonnyDIII
DIII Digest 