Dynasty is becoming the way of the fantasy world with drafts, trades, analysis, and to those of us that eat and breathe football…overthinking. Dynasty play is retaining players year after year so one must think strategically about who will progress or decline in the upcoming season. A superb manager will really pay attention to the off-season with trades, free agency, and most importantly the NFL Draft’s incoming rookie class.
As we inch closer to the Draft, rookie profiles and articles surface daily. I’m going to break down the 1st round in Dynasty terms, because every team and league is different, as some might have Superflex, 2QBs, 1QB, half-point, and point per reception (PPR). Regardless of your league’s direction, now is the time to dive headfirst into rankings, and everyone’s is different. To be a dynasty manager, you need to research and decide what veterans will enable you to be productive in the short-term and what rookies are the best long-term. Remember, there are some veterans who can be league winners, so don’t overlook later rounds of players who have been in the league consistently putting up numbers for years, and take a shot on some rookies in later rounds they might just surprise you.
Dynasty Rankings Top 25
Christian McCaffery RB, Panthers– Yes, he was hurt the majority of 2020, but don’t forget he can and does win leagues, with the QB situation up in the air in Carolina, CMC is a sure bet in 2021.
Dalvin Cook RB, Vikings– The Vikings began putting pieces together toward the end of the season, with Cook and rookie Jefferson being the biggest part. Hopefully, the Vikings address their offensive line woes and help ensure Cook has lanes to run through.
Saquon Barkley RB, Giants– Barkley kills me every season with his injuries, but he is still young and strong and can put up top-5 numbers. Don’t sleep on him, but know he comes with risks.
AJ Brown WR, Titans– The Titans released Corey Davis and Jonnu Smith which leaves Brown in control, and the way that Tannehill was throwing especially towards the end of the season leaves me to believe he will finish as a top-three WR in 2021. Brown will be in his third season, and no doubt will be ready to thrive as he played hurt all of the 2020 season and still had 1,075 yards and 11 touchdowns. You might think he is ranked too high over Hill and Adams, but trust the process, Brown will be the WR to target in dynasty.
Alvin Kamara RB, Saints– With Brees retiring and not knowing who will be under center for the Saints, it is hard to have a firm rank on Kamara as he bounces for me between RB #4 to #6. This is because Hill is a mobile QB and Winston also runs at times, but I still have faith in Kamara’s ability to punish defenses with his agility and power. I also think Coach Payton will lean on Kamara more this season without Brees’s presence.
Jonathan Taylor RB, Colts-Taylor really emerged at the end of last season as a Top 10 RB with huge upside. He finished his rookie season with 1,169 yards, and established himself as the Colts go-to guy. My only concern is that the OC tries to build around Wentz instead of Taylor. They utilized both Rivers and Taylor last season, and it worked getting the Colts to the playoffs. Taylor will be in his 2nd year and is worth drafting, starting, and keeping as a dynasty team’s RB 1 or 2. I also know they resigned Mack, do not let this push you away from drafting him.
Tyreek Hill WR, Chiefs– There is no slowing down Mahomes which means there is no slowing down Hill. They complement each other very well, and that trend will continue this season. Though Hill will be entering his 6th season, he is still one of the quickest men to play the game finishing last season with 17 touchdowns. Most WRs peak at age of 26-27, but there is still gas in the tank for Hill, and his production will continue through at least two-four more seasons barring setbacks. So, draft with confidence.
Davante Adams WR, Packers– I have Adams ranked WR #3 even though he has the most consistent hands in the league right now, he is older and even though Rodgers had a great 2020 season that doesn’t translate to a great 2021 season. Adams will be a top 15 WR this season but maybe not looking forward 2-3 seasons. Call me crazy, but I have a feeling he will play consistently but might not eclipse that 1,000-yard mark which he has only done twice since his NFL career began. I’m still drafting him if I can but I wouldn’t go trade crazy trying to acquire him.
Travis Kelce, TE, Chiefs– It is hard to put value on TEs unless you are in a TE premier league and unless the name is Kelce, Kittle, or Waller. Kelce is a no-brainer. Now, I would not draft him in the first round because I feel like you need RB value first. Kelce is a round two buy for me as I can see the Chiefs drafting a TE within the next 2 seasons to learn from the best and take over.
DK Metcalf WR, Seahawks– With the rumors flying about Wilson not happy and wanting a trade, Metcalf’s value is in the balance. Regardless, he is a beast that proves his pure athleticism on the field every game. He was a solid fantasy point machine all season, and he will be around in the league for seasons to come. So, grab Metcalf regardless who is under center in Seattle.
Derrick Henry RB, Titans– King Henry rushed for over 2,000 yards in 2020, bowling over defensives along the way. I am high on the Titans this season and can see another 1,500 plus yardage total out of him again. He is my RB # 6, and I see him off the boards in round one.
Nick Chubb RB, Browns– The Browns allowed Chubb room to run in 2020, and he proved his RB1 status even with Hunt eating into his touches. The Browns have two workhorses in RB, but if they are smart they will continue to use Chubb as the main recipient of touches and let Hunt be the receiving back. Some rankings have Chubb above Henry, but the Titans offense is easier to trust. That being said, Chubb will be relevant for seasons to come.
Justin Jefferson WR, Vikings– What a rookie season Jefferson had with 88 receptions on 125 targets and 1,400 yards. Expect him to eclipse that if Cousins can stay patient and the Vikings draft offensive line help to protect the pocket.
Aaron Jones RB, Packers– Watching the Packers go back and forth on Jones was heartbreaking as he is one of the best RBs playing today. In fantasy worlds, people have been down on Jones saying Dillon will eat into his touches and scores, so let them look him over. More for us Jones truthers. Playing on a high-powered offense like Green Bay helps his cause, and I like Jones to finish in the top 12 RBs in 2021, and I know he has more great seasons ahead.
Ezekiel Elliot RB, Cowboys– Zeke was out of my Top 25 until the Cowboys resigned Dak. With Dak, Zeke is more confident and more involved. Dak is the key to his success, and they will both be hungry for a 2020 do-over. 2019, he rushed for 1,357 yards and 12 touchdowns. Those numbers will resurface in 2021. Push 2020 out of your mind, and take him in round two.
Patrick Mahomes QB, Chiefs– In Superflex, having a Top 5 QB is a great strategy as managers can utilize two QBS if desired, so in a SF draft, Mahomes will most likely go in the first round possibly even in the first five picks. For regular dynasty, Mahomes is another option of long-term draft power. He is a mobile, QB who will have the offensive built around him for years to come, so be bold and draft a RB in the first, then Mahomes in the second, if he is still on the board.
Stefan Diggs WR, Bills-When Diggs was with the Vikings, he had to fight for targets with Thielen, but with the Bills, he is the #1 WR. The Bills will continue to feed him the ball and the Bills will be a contender again for the Superbowl with Diggs and Allen driving the train. Diggs is a fantasy dream.
DeAndre Hopkins WR, Cardinals– They paid Hopkins money for a reason, he is a consistent, deep-ball threat. With Murray as his QB, he can continue to put up numbers especially in the red-zone. He is ranked outside of my Top 5 and could see him slip some this year, but managers love Hopkins so if he is desired and can be used a trade bait for a better position in next year’s draft.
Cam Akers RB, Rams– Akers took over the Rams backfield Week 13 of the 2020 season and never slowed down. I have him as a Top 10 RB this season especially with Stafford under center. Akers is a complete back with power and versatility, and Stafford’s veteran play boosts him in my eyes. I think he will be an underrated drafted RB, so grab him early and enjoy the riches.
George Kittle TE, 49ers– The #2 ranked TE should come be drafted in the 2nd to 3rd round or sooner. Kittle is a machine on the field if he stays healthy. His QB situation is questionable, but good thing Kittle makes his presence all over the field to be open for all throws.
Michael Thomas WR, Saints– I know Thomas was hurt most of 2020 and left a sour taste in mangers mouths, but Coach Payton will lean on him and Kamara to carry the offense now that Brees, Sanders, and Cook are out in New Orleans. Draft with confidence.
Josh Allen QB, Bills– I know the Bills just grabbed Trubisky in free agency, but that means nothing to Allen. He finished as QB 3 in 2020 with 5,361 yards and 42 touchdowns. Allen will be entering his 4th year, and with Diggs on the receiving end, they both will have fantastic years in fantasy terms. The young gunslinger is my QB#2 and will be drafted high.
Ceedee Lamb WR, Cowboys– My ride or die for fantasy this 2021 season is Ceedee. He will have a breakout year with Dak back under center. Lamb played with roulette of QBs and still almost reached 1,000 yards. Lamb will surpass Cooper as WR1 in Dallas. Trust me and grab him for 2021 and beyond.
Miles Sanders RB, Eagles-Sanders did not have the best 2020 season, but when Hurts took over Week 14, Sanders workload increased. It was painful to watch the Eagles waste such talent in not utilizing Sanders to his fullest ability as they figured out their team woes. They traded Wentz and now Sanders will bounce back. He is outside my Top 10, but expect him to be drafted round two.
D’Andre Swift RB, Lions– The Lions have Goff under center and signed Jamal Williams to a deal which made me almost change Swift to outside my Top 25, but Swift given the chance should be RB1. Though, there is risk to Swift as well, as the Lions might decide to enact a RBBC. I still would draft him, if he fell to me off the board, but temper expectation on a Top 10 finish for him.
*Disclaimer: This is Pre-Draft rankings to get your mind thinking about fantasy and where you will slot rookies once drafted. I will release a Post-Draft ranking as well because the incoming rookie class is stacked but depending on what team drafts them can help or hinder their rank. So, stay tuned! *