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Back by popular demand in 2017... RotoBaller has brought back for the NFL season our Ultimate 2017 Fantasy Football Draft Sleepers & Waiver Wire Pickups List.
Be sure to also check out our 2017 fantasy football rankings for standard, PPR and dynasty leagues. It's loaded with lots of great analysis, positional rankings, tiers, risers/fallers, player news and more.
And here are some of our in-house tools and resources to help you dominate - we are your secret weapon.
Let's win some leagues!
2017 Draft Kit
Draft Guide & Tools
Rankings Wizard
Tiered Ranks
NFL Columns
Fantasy Analysis
NFL News
Player News
Draft Strategy
Tips & Prep
NFL Rookies
2017 Outlooks
Who-To-Draft
Player Comparison
Expert Q&A
One-On-One Chat
2017 Fantasy Football Draft Sleepers by NFL Position
ALL - RB - WR - TE - QB - DEF
2017 Fantasy Football Sleeper - Quincy Enunwa
The sky is blue, water is wet, and the Jets are an utterly terrible team. These statements are all things I consider to be objective truth. There are not many impressive options on the Jets, if you are looking for fantasy production. However, if you dig deep enough, you will eventually hit gold. Last year, Quincy Enunwa came out of nowhere and became a hot waiver wire walk-on. Enunwa will continue his ascent tocontinue reading...
2017 Fantasy Football Sleeper - Ameer Abdullah
When it comes to fantasy football, the decision to draft a player is often heavily influenced by a ‘what have you done for me lately’ bias. Owners often place a greater stock in the most recent successes or failures of players than they do the much larger picture. Consider Tennessee Titans wide receiver Eric Decker, who was drafted on the round six/seven turn in 2016 before multiple confounding injuries ended his season and resultedcontinue reading...
2017 Fantasy Football Sleeper - Chris Conley
As you are nearing the back-end of your draft, it becomes time to take fliers on players with uncertainty surrounding how productive they will be. Properly using your late round picks involves accepting the fact that even though the player you are selecting could develop into a serviceable fill-in or even a starter, it is just as likely that he will develop into an incredible disappointment. However, ensuring that no draft pick is wasted bycontinue reading...
2017 Fantasy Football Sleeper - Brian Hoyer
The San Francisco 49ers have gone into a full rebuild. They've purged their roster of last years quarterbacks and brought in a new regime with General Manager John Lynch and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan. Shanahan brought with him a quarterback from his year in Cleveland to be the starter, journeyman Brian Hoyer. Lets be clear about something: Brian Hoyer isn't a great quarterback. He might not even be a goodcontinue reading...
2017 Fantasy Football Sleeper - Austin Hooper
HOOP! There it is! At least that's what I yell every time Austin Hooper scores a touchdown (Okay I lied - I actually do that whenever he catches a pass. My friends really hate me). After he was seldom used in 2016, Austin could be Hoopin' it up a whole lot more in 2017. Hooper wouldn't be a "sleeper" if he didn't have a legitimate shot to considerably outperform his ADP. According to thecontinue reading...
2017 Fantasy Football Sleeper - Jack Doyle
The 2016 NFL season was far from a banner year for the tight end position as it relates to fantasy football. Travis Kelce was the consensus #5 TE heading into 2016 drafts and managed an impressive 85 catches, 1,125 yards, and four TDs. While this did net him a #1 finish at the position, his 138 fantasy points in standard, fractional formats only managed to clear the TE12, Cobycontinue reading...
2017 Fantasy Football Sleeper - Samaje Perine
The Washington Redskins passing offense surprised last season, finishing second in the NFL in passing yards behind only the New Orleans Saints. However, their 21st-ranked rushing offense left plenty of room for improvement for the looming 2017 season. Second-year running back Matt Jones started the season as the lead back until his benching in week 8. Jones was a healthy scratch the last eight games of the season, giving way for rookiecontinue reading...
2017 Fantasy Football Sleeper - Ted Ginn Jr.
There have been times throughout history where great trios were at the top of their fields. The Three Musketeers, Three Stooges and Three Tenors are just a few examples of some of the excellent trios from the past with each member of that trio bringing something a little different to the table. The same can be said for any good wide receiver corps in the NFL. For instance, the Packers have an underneath receiver to movecontinue reading...
2017 Fantasy Football Sleeper - Paul Perkins
The renewed focus on running backs this season is leaving many fantasy owners looking for bargains in the middle rounds. More than likely, finding the right RB2/flex play will make the difference in many leagues. Throughout the majority of the 2016 season, Paul Perkins was irrelevant to both the New York Giants offense and fantasy owners. As a fifth-round rookie, his lack of production was not a surprise. However, Perkins' strong finish to thecontinue reading...
ADP Arbitrage - Redraft Mid-Round Value Picks
Every year there are players at each position who fly under the radar during the offseason, only to outperform players who were drafted much higher. The individuals who can identify players with low ADP that have the potential to perform at a similar or higher level to the more highly-touted players oftentimes are the same individuals who have a good chance to win their league. Although it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact players who willcontinue reading...
Rookie Wide Receivers with the Best Fantasy Outlook
The first week of May means Star Wars Day and Cinco de Mayo. It also means fantasy football, specifically dynasty rookie drafts and best-ball leagues. The first two are nice, but you're here for the third. Let's talk about rookie wide receivers with the best immediate fantasy outlooks. In redraft or best ball leagues, we're looking for an immediate contribution. In dynasty, we can play a longer game but let's face it, we'd rather have our cakecontinue reading...
Rookie Tight Ends in the Best Fantasy Situations
2016 was a bad year for tight ends, and even worse for rookie tight ends. Thanks to a lackluster crop that had no tight ends worthy of a first-round pick, nobody at the position had 500 receiving yards on the season, and only San Diego’s Hunter Henry posted anything fantasy-wise as he hauled in eight touchdown passes. Rookie TEs like Atlanta’s Austin Hooper (19 receptions), Los Angeles’ continue reading...
Rookie Running Backs in the Best Fantasy Situations
With the 2017 NFL Draft in the books, we can finally speculate on the rookies in the context of their landing spots. For the running backs, it was surprising as to how few rookies ended up in ideal situations that could eventually lead to playing time in 2017. However, there are a handful of rookie running backs to keep an eye on this coming season. Here are some rookie running backs in good fantasy situations that couldcontinue reading...
Dynasty Stock Watch for 2017 - WR (Part 2)
With NFL teams placing more and more emphasis on the passing game, wide receivers will only become more important assets in dynasty leagues. While there has been plenty of focus on the rookie crop of wide receivers, a few more veteran wideouts saw their value change dramatically. Listed below are two receivers to buy, and two receivers to sell, based on current ADP in dynasty leagues. Note: 2017 average draft positions from Fantasy Football Calculator arecontinue reading...
Fantasy Implications - Marshawn Lynch to Raiders
What once seemed like a far-fetched rumor or the kind of thing you'd pull off in Madden '18, the reality is that Marshawn Lynch may very well be wearing silver and black next season. The once-retired, Skittles-loving running back is bringing the rainbow to his hometown of Oakland. That is, once he gets officially reinstated by the league and the Raiders are able to acquire his rights. If this comes to fruition, which may just becontinue reading...
NFL Combine 2017 Observations
The NFL Combine, much like the NFL Draft, draws mixed reactions from casual fans. Some see it as a way to learn more about the next generation of players, while others consider it a glorified meat market and made-for-TV event that doesn't reliably predict future success. If you play in a dynasty or rookie fantasy football league, chances are you are following each event and 40 time closely and adjusting your draft sheets accordingly. While wecontinue reading...
Early Sleepers for 2017 - Tight End
Is there are any tight end waiting in the wings ready to become the next Rob Gronkowski? Probably not. There are some young tight ends with terrific talent and breakout potential, however. It is never too early to write some names down on your fantasy football draft chart or cheat sheet and track these players’ progress between now and the time your draft is in August or September. Drafting a breakout star incontinue reading...
Early Sleepers for 2017 - Wide Receiver
There is now no doubt that the NFL is a pass-first league. Need proof? How many fantasy owners predicted Pierre Garcon, Tyrell Williams, Mike Wallace and Kenny Britt would all break the 1,000-yard barrier this past year? It is possible that none of the foursome were drafted in many, if not most fantasy leagues in 2016. So, do not sleep on sleepers at widecontinue reading...
Way Too Early Breakout Candidates For 2017 - Quarterback
A stud fantasy quarterback can make a fantasy team the same way a dud can break an owner's heart. 2016 saw the emergence of guys like Derek Carr and Marcus Mariota, while proven commodities Cam Newton and Russell Wilson squandered. The rest of your team can be average but since you only have one shot at a QB starter every week, the position alone cancontinue reading...
Sophomore Slumps - Third-Year NFL Players Who Will Rebound in 2017
NFL rookies have it easy. OK, well, maybe not easy. But their first-season struggles are typically chalked up to the difficult transition from the college ranks to the pros. There's no such mercy in Year No. 2, when the struggles get labeled as the dreaded sophomore slump. Sophomore slumps extend beyond just the player's on-field decline. Fantasy owners that select them with high hopes are often left wondering, "What happened?" That was the case in 2016continue reading...
Sophomore Slumps - Breakout Rookies Who Will Underperform in Year Two
Rookies are the ultimate unknown in the NFL. Teams review hours and hours of game film, analyze enough numbers to make most banks jealous, and scout players at individual workouts, but there's still an unknown quality to rookies. It is difficult to predict how they'll perform as professionals. When they do perform well, general managers and coaches look like geniuses. In Year Two, the focus turns to avoiding the dreaded sophomore slump. Fantasy owners must be keenly awarecontinue reading...
Way Too Early 2017 Breakouts - Wide Receivers
If you caught my last piece on breakout running backs, then you're just as starved as the rest of us. Sometimes I think the weeks in between the Conference Championships and the Super Bowl are harder to get through than the dog days of late February. Our fantasy successes and disappointments are way too fresh in our mind so it's easy to get caught up in the hype of doing better next year. That's why we're goingcontinue reading...
Biggest Surprises of 2016 - Wide Receivers
We study. We plan. We scour the web. Before any fantasy football season starts, we do everything we can to make our best predictions. Despite our best efforts, we're often surprised by what actually happens. Let's take a look at some of the more surprising wide receiver performances of 2016. Understanding what happened will help our preparation for the 2017 season. Biggest Surprises of 2016: Wide Receivers Tyrell Williams, San Diego Chargers Preseasoncontinue reading...
Early Sleepers for 2017 - Tight Ends
2016 was not a banner year for tight ends, it was a bummer year. Only two (Travis Kelce, Greg Olsen) cracked the 1,000-yard plateau after four had done so the previous year. The top dog at the position, New England’s Rob Gronkowski, had his season ruined by another injury. Other top-10 tight ends like Jordan Reed, Gary Barnidge, continue reading...
Biggest Surprises of 2016 - Quarterbacks
Fantasy football is a game of controlling, rather than eliminating surprises. We spend hours trying to predict how each player will perform on any given week. We compare previous performances and delve into stats and data to avoid being surprised every week. Despite our best efforts, however, every week we find ourselves surprised. Whether our team outperforms expectations, or simply doesn't live up to them, every week in fantasy football we find ourselves nonplussed, tocontinue reading...
Biggest Busts and Disappointments of 2016 - Tight Ends
Not every tight end had the season Kansas City’s Travis Kelce had in 2016. While Kelce caught every Alex Smith dump-off in sight on his way to a career-high 1,125 yards that topped all tight ends, many others gave their fantasy football owners a tremendous pile of garbage games, DNPs and head-scratching weeks. 2016 might go down as the year Donald Trump shocked the world and became President, but itcontinue reading...
Biggest Risers and Fallers of 2016: Tight Ends
We're a few days out from the Super Bowl, which means it's not long until the NFL combine. From there it's a hop, skip, and a jump to the NFL draft, and before you know it, we'll be in fantasy football draft season. To make the best plans for 2017, it helps to understand what went down in 2016. Here then, for better or worse, are the biggest movers at the tight end position. A quickcontinue reading...
Biggest Surprises of 2016 - Tight End
2016 was a season full of surprises at the tight end position. With top fantasy tight end Rob Gronkowski limited to only eight games due to injury and No. 2 tight end Jordan Reed battling his own myriad of injuries throughout the season, fantasy owners who burned early picks at the position were constantly scrambling to find a replacement. Thankfully, 2016 was a solid season for tight ends that were unheard of or undrafted incontinue reading...
Biggest Risers and Fallers of 2016 - Running Backs
The running back position is arguably fantasy football's most volatile. Preseason expectations often go flying out the window once the season begins, and every year sees plenty of surprises, both good and bad. That never stops us from trying to make sense of what happened, with an eye toward making better prognostications next time around. In order to peer into the future, we must first understand where we came from. Here then, are the biggest runningcontinue reading...
Reviewing Pierre Camus's Bold NFL Predictions of 2016
Making predictions is truly a double-edged sword - it hurts so good at first, but when you bleed out later the results aren't so fun. Then again, sometimes you hit the nail right on the head and you can look back and say, "Maybe I do know a thing or two about fantasy football!" Before the 2016 season began, I made six bold statements that I firmly believed would come true. Let's see how thatcontinue reading...
Biggest Surprises of 2016 - Running Back
Going into 2016, I wrote an article where I went over how zero-WR is dumb and zero-RB is a ray of sunlight and truth. I was half right. 2016 was not the year to do the "Zero RB" game and hope to win your fantasy league. (OK Jordan Howard and Jay Ajayi owners, stop tweeting at me.) You'll see people, like preachers on street corners, beg that you throwcontinue reading...
Biggest Breakouts of 2016 - Running Back
Breakout – adjective. Suddenly and extremely successful. Maybe not the textbook definition, but there are several fantasy football running backs that this description could to apply to in 2016 - a season that saw a rookie running back finish second among running backs in standard scoring. This season also saw a resurgence at the running back position. Eight of the top 10 scoring flex-eligible players this season were running backs compared to just three out of the topcontinue reading...
Early Sleepers for 2017 - Quarterbacks
Everyone seems to have a different definition for what makes a fantasy football "sleeper." For some, it's simply a player they expect to greatly exceed expectations based on their draft position. For others, sleepers are more like unknown commodities - deeper under the radar than mere value picks. For example, Cam Newton and Russell Wilson currently have average draft positions of 10th and 11th, respectively, among quarterbacks. Both should rebound from injury-plagued seasons tocontinue reading...
Biggest Busts and Disappointments of 2016 - Running Back
Welcome back to our RotoBaller offseason review series! Where we, your beloved RotoBaller fantasy football gurus/experts/shamans/soothsayers/yogis help you come to terms with the past season and slowly lull your inner football fan back into his or her offseason slumber once again. To do my part in helping guide this process along, I wanna talk running backs. Those brave, beautiful men who play the most crucial fantasy football position and guide many an ownercontinue reading...
Biggest Busts and Disappointments of 2016 - Wide Receivers
Wide receivers played a bigger factor than ever in fantasy football this season. Many fantasy owners went with the "Zero RB" strategy and waited until the middle rounds before even considering a quarterback. Therefore, the number of wide receivers with a first or second round ADP increased from previous years. Unfortunately, not all of these players panned out as safe bets. For every Antonio Brown, there was an Allen Robinson. Let's take a lookcontinue reading...
Biggest Busts and Disappointments of 2016 - Quarterbacks
What a difference a year can make. Players that are viewed one year as safe bets can be viewed the very next year as shaky propositions. It's the beauty -- or, depending on how you look at it, the curse -- of fantasy football. No position is immune. Every season, there are a handful of players at quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end that fail to meet preseason expectations for different reasons. Sometimescontinue reading...
Way Too Early 2017 Breakouts - Running Back
This year's Super Bowl hasn't even happened yet but that doesn't mean we're not still starving for more fantasy. The best way to satiate that craving is to get a head start on prepping for 2017. With running back being the most fluid position of them all, it's probably the best place to start. Obviously these names are all subject to change based on the NFL draft, free agent signings, trades, cuts, and everything in between. Nevertheless,continue reading...
Biggest Risers and Fallers of 2016 - Wide Receivers
2016 wasn't exactly an exciting year for traditional rookie storylines. Unlike the emergence of Odell Beckham Jr. via one-handed grab in 2014, or the dominant arrival of guys like Amari Cooper last year. Ultimately, 2016 revealed no red carpet for the heir to the throne (though one rookie made a pretty dominant case.) Unlike the debut of Zeke Elliott in the ground game, we will have to wait until 2017 to see acontinue reading...
Biggest Breakouts and Values of 2016 - Quarterbacks
Quarterback might be the most important position on an NFL field, but the truth is it's not the most important position in fantasy football. Why, you ask? Simple, the depth at quarterback is impressive, making it unnecessary -- and unwise -- to reach early for a quarterback. Sure, players like Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Tom Brady are nice to have, but not at the expense of a chance to get a studcontinue reading...
Biggest Risers and Fallers of 2016 - Quarterbacks
The 2016 fantasy football season has come and gone. It is such a bitter period of time we currently reside in, as we watch great football games on television but no longer have our fantasy teams to constantly monitor and tinker with. Allow yourself to mourn, for it is natural and quite healthy. But before we move on with our lives, let us first look back on this memorable year and reflect on five Quarterbacks who eithercontinue reading...
Conference Championships NFL Matchups Analysis (Sunday) - Start/Sit
What's up RotoBallers. Below you will find our Conference Championships matchups & fantasy football start/sit analysis for the NFL playoffs. Ben Ruppert breaks down the Championship round matchups to help you prepare your lineups to win this week. Each week of the NFL season, we will be breaking down individual matchups and providing you with some fantasy football advice and lineup recommendations based on matchups that we love, matchups that we hate, and some high-risk/high-reward players, as well.continue reading...
Divisional Round NFL Matchups Analysis (Sunday) - Start/Sit
What's up RotoBallers. Below you will find our Divisional Playoff NFL matchups & fantasy football start/sit analysis for the 2016 NFL football season. Ben Ruppert breaks down the second half of the Divisional round matchups to help you prepare your lineups to win this week. Be sure to also check out part one of this week's matchups analysis by Pierre Camus (@pfunk00). Each week of the NFL season, we will be breaking down individual matchups andcontinue reading...
Divisional Round NFL Matchups Analysis (Saturday) - Start/Sit
Welcome back, RotoBallers! Below you will find part one of our Divisional Playoff NFL matchups & fantasy football start/sit analysis for the 2016 NFL football season. Pierre Camus (@pfunk00) breaks down the Saturday games of the Divisional round matchups to help you prepare your lineups to win this week. Be sure to also check out part two of this week's matchups analysis by Ben Ruppert (@Ben_Ruppert_21). Each week of the NFL season, we will be breaking down individual matchups andcontinue reading...
2016 RotoBaller Fantasy Football Awards
Welcome to the official 2016 Fantasy Football Awards Show, presented by RotoBaller. I’m your host, Nick Mariano, and today we’re honoring some of the fine football players, coaches and teams who have had outstanding (for better or worse) performances in the 2016 season. It’s always a bittersweet affair when the fantasy football season ends, as we all come down from the high of being hopeful and aspiring for greatness every week. Now, without this particular excuse tocontinue reading...
Wild Card Sunday NFL Matchups Analysis - Start/Sit
Welcome back, RotoBallers! Below you will find part two of our Wild Card NFL matchups & fantasy football start/sit analysis for the 2016 NFL football season. Pierre Camus (@pfunk00) breaks down the Sunday games of the Wild Card matchups to help you prepare your lineups to win this week. Be sure to also check out part one of this week's matchups analysis by Ben Ruppert (@Ben_Ruppert_21). Each week of the NFL season, we will be breaking down individualcontinue reading...
Wild Card Saturday NFL Matchups Analysis - Start/Sit
What's up RotoBallers. Below you will find our Wild Card Saturday NFL matchups & fantasy football start/sit analysis for the 2016 NFL football season. Ben Ruppert breaks down the first half of the Wild Card matchups to help you prepare your lineups to win this week. Be sure to also check out part two of this week's matchups analysis by Pierre Camus (@pfunk00). Each week of the NFL season, we will be breaking downcontinue reading...
Week 17 NFL Matchups Analysis (Part 1) - Start/Sit for Fantasy Football
Welcome back, RotoBallers! Below you will find part one of our Week 17 NFL matchups & fantasy football start/sit analysis for the 2016 NFL football season. Pierre Camus (@pfunk00) breaks down the first half of the Week 17 matchups to help you prepare your lineups to win this week. Be sure to also check out part two of this week's matchups analysis by Ben Ruppert (@Ben_Ruppert_21). Each week of the NFL season, we will becontinue reading...
Week 17 NFL Matchups Analysis (Part 2) - Start/Sit for Fantasy Football
What's up RotoBallers. Below you will find part two of our Week 17 NFL matchups & fantasy football start/sit analysis for the 2016 NFL football season. Ben Ruppert breaks down the second half of the Week 17 matchups to help you prepare your lineups to win this week. Be sure to also check out part one of this week's matchups analysis by Pierre Camus (@pfunk00). Each week of the NFL season, wecontinue reading...
Waiver Wire Express - Week 17 Lightning Round
This column is published early every week, and then updated on a daily basis. Over the course of each week, we also publish more in-depth waiver wire analysis for all positions. But in efforts of bringing you timely information, as fast as possible, consider this the waiver wire lightning round heading into Week 17. Waiver pickups are in order of priority, broken down by each position. Players must be owned incontinue reading...
Charles Clay (TE, BUF) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12- and 14-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 18% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Charles Clay was a non-factor during the first 70 percent of the season. After 11 games, he had not scored a touchdown or sniffed an 80-yard performance. In fact, he had more games with fewer than 10 receiving yards than games with over 50 yards. He was the walking advertisement of a fantasy failure.
I’m
continue reading...Jacquizz Rodgers (RB, TB) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12- and 14-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 18% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Jacquizz Rodgers was the starter with Doug Martin as a surprise inactive (coach’s decision) in Week 16 against the Saints. It’s unclear why exactly Martin was given the day off, whether it had to do with ineffectiveness or health (there had been a bug going around in the locker room), but this writer’s money would
continue reading...DeAndre Washington (RB, OAK) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12- and 14-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 9% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: In the "Where did that come from?" category, DeAndre Washington ran for 99 yards and two touchdowns in Week 16. He wasn't even active for three of the last four games, and this was the first time Washington registered double-digit fantasy points. The career day for the rookie probably won't be replicated, as Latavius Murray
continue reading...Paul Perkins (RB, NYG) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12- and 14-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 14% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Shane Vereen is back on IR and Rashad Jennings is simply ineffective. Enter rookie Paul Perkins. He seemed to take over as the lead back in Week 16 with 15 carries for 68 yards, compared to nine carries and 44 yards for Jennings. His rushing yardage has gone up each of the last four
continue reading...Alex Collins (RB, SEA) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12- and 14-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 1% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Sure to be a popular add this week, Alex Collins may see by far his biggest workload of the year in Week 17. Thomas Rawls exited early with a shoulder injury and is questionable entering the matchup with San Francisco. The 49ers will have the No. 1 pick in the draft next year thanks to
continue reading...Joe Flacco (QB, BAL) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in 12- and 14-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 28% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Joe Flacco just completed 30-of-44 throws for 262 yards, a touchdown and an interception on Sunday against the Steelers. While it wasn’t an amazing effort, he continues to sport some additional life in his arm compared to early in the season. Week 17 brings a road date with the Bengals, where Flacco should look to end his season strong
continue reading...Alex Smith (QB, KC) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in 12- and 14-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 27% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Alex Smith has had an up-and-down season. Week 16 was one of his up weeks-- he finished with 18.26 points against the Broncos’ defense. While you probably weren’t bold enough to start Smith this week, you might want to take the plunge in Week 17 when the Chiefs head to San Diego.
The Chargers have actually
continue reading...Week 17 Kicker (K) Streamers and Starts: 2016 Fantasy Tiers & Rankings
It’s Week 17 and it’s once again time for kicker rankings! This list is here to help all of us figure out who’s gonna kick for our teams this week, and make those streaming or start/sit decisions easier. While finding a good FLEX and starting the right QB are crucial to winning your matchups, anyone who’s worth their salt will tell you the true X-factor in fantasy matchups can be the kicker.continue reading...
Week 16 NFL Matchups Analysis (Part 1) - Start/Sit for Fantasy Football
What's up RotoBallers. Below you will find part one of our Week 16 NFL matchups & fantasy football start/sit analysis for the 2016 NFL football season. Ben Ruppert breaks down the first half of the Week 16 matchups to help you prepare your lineups to win this week. Be sure to also check out part two of this week's matchups analysis by Pierre Camus (@pfunk00). Each week of the NFL season, wecontinue reading...
Week 16 NFL Matchups Analysis (Part 2) - Start/Sit for Fantasy Football
Welcome back, RotoBallers! Below you will find part two of our Week 16 NFL matchups & fantasy football start/sit analysis for the 2016 NFL football season. Pierre Camus (@pfunk00) breaks down the second half of the Week 16 matchups to help you prepare your lineups to win this week. Be sure to also check out part one of this week's matchups analysis by Ben Ruppert (@Ben_Ruppert_21). Each week of the NFL season, we will becontinue reading...
Week 16 IDP Waiver Wire Adds
Week 16 IDP Waiver Wire Adds Happy Championship Week, Rotoballers. If you are reading this, congratulations! You have likely made the finals in your league, and are looking for some help in a pivotal IDP matchup. In the final installment of our weekly column to help you win on the defensive side of the ball, we are here to review some IDP waiver wire pickups for Week 16. The following players are not necessarily “must start” playerscontinue reading...
Cameron Meredith (WR, CHI) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12- and 14-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 33% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: With the Bears getting down early against the Packers, Matt Barkley was forced to throw the ball 43 times. He completed nearly 70% of his passes, which was great for the Bears WR corps. Cameron Meredith was able to post his best game since Week 6, catching nine of a team-high 13 targets for 104
continue reading...Tyler Lockett (WR, SEA) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 10- and 12-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 43% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Tyler Lockett has clearly embraced his role as the No. 2 receiver in Seattle over the last three weeks now, as he popped off on Thursday for a ridiculous 130 yards and a touchdown on seven catches. Russell Wilson has really rounded into form lately with that ankle injury well in the rearview mirror, and
continue reading...Dontrelle Inman (WR, SD) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12- and 14-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 36% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Dontrelle Inman’s touchdown streak was snapped at three, but his eight targets were actually a high-water mark since that streak began in Week 12. While he didn’t score, he still caught five balls for 68 yards to make it four weeks in a row that he’s provided at least 10 points in PPR formats. That also applies
continue reading...Waiver Wire Express - Week 16 Lightning Round
This column is published early every week, and then updated on a daily basis. Over the course of each week, we also publish more in-depth waiver wire analysis for all positions. But in efforts of bringing you timely information, as fast as possible, consider this the waiver wire lightning round heading into Week 16. Waiver pickups are in order of priority, broken down by each position. Players must be owned incontinue reading...
Week 16 Defense (DEF) Streamers and Starts: 2016 Fantasy Tiers & Rankings
Home stretch, RotoBallers! Below are our Week 16 defense tiers and rankings, or which defenses to stream, start and target at the end of your 2016 drafts for Week 16 of the NFL and fantasy football season. Our tiered defense rankings are your guide to drafting defenses, making waiver wire pickups/adds to improve your lineups, and to decide which defenses to start, sit, target, avoid or stream for Week 16. Any and all _____ or ______ questions cancontinue reading...
Week 16 Kicker (K) Streamers and Starts: 2016 Fantasy Tiers & Rankings
It’s Week 16 and it’s once again time for kicker rankings! This list is here to help all of us figure out who’s gonna kick for our teams this week, and make those streaming or start/sit decisions easier. While finding a good FLEX and starting the right QB are crucial to winning your matchups, anyone who’s worth their salt will tell you the true X-factor in fantasy matchups can be the kicker.continue reading...
Derrick Henry (RB, TEN) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues
OWNED IN: 60% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Well, reports had surfaced before Tennessee’s bye that they were interested in using Henry more in short-yardage situations. It came to fruition against Kansas City in Week 15, as he tallied 58 yards and two touchdowns on only nine touches in an extremely efficient effort. One touchdown capped off his own personal drive, and another was when he came in to spell
continue reading...Charles Clay (TE, BUF) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in 12- and 14-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 40% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Clay’s last two weeks cannot be ignored, but the stats don’t appear to be very bankable moving forward. His long TD in Week 14 came on a broken coverage where he was left unmarked, and this most recent 7-72-1 line came against Cleveland. The Browns entered the week ranked dead last in DVOA against TEs. Clay and the Bills will face
continue reading...Derrick Henry (RB, TEN) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues
OWNED IN: 60% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Henry's touches aren't increasing very much, but he is making the most of the time he spends on the field. Henry scored twice against the Chiefs, much to the chagrin of DeMarco Murray owners. He only had nine rush attempts in the game, but came away with 58 yards and is up to 4.5 Y/A on the year. Henry's involvement in
continue reading...Kenneth Dixon (RB, BAL) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 10-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 39% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Dixon’s workload took a step back in Week 15 against the Eagles, as the Ravens didn’t find themselves needing to catch up to a potent offense as they did in Week 14 against the Patriots. Still, Dixon took a nice halfback sweep off of a fake fullback dive to the left into the end zone. He finished with nine carries for
continue reading...Dion Lewis (RB, NE) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 10-Team PPR and 12-Team STD Leagues
OWNED IN: 42% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: It took some time, but Dion Lewis has finally worked his way into the lead role for New England. He toted the rock 18 times for 95 yards against Denver, outrushing LeGarrette Blount. James White remains involved in passing situations, catching three passes compared to two for Lewis. Still, it appears Lewis will have solid
continue reading...Kenneth Dixon (RB, BAL) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 10-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 39% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Most active leagues won't see Dixon available on the waiver wire, but he still comes in under 50% ownership as we close out Week 15. Dixon unofficially assumed RB1 duties for the Ravens in MNF against the Pats last week. Terrance West outcarried Dixon this week 13-9, proving that it is still a timeshare situation. Dixon is the primary pass-catcher, however,
continue reading...Cameron Brate (TE, TB) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in 10-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 61% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Cameron Brate turned in a strong TE1 effort against Dallas, catching five of his eight targets for 73 yards and a big-man touchdown in Week 15. Dallas had shown a weakness against the tight end entering this game, but it’s still encouraging to see him produce. While Jameis Winston’s delivery was again inconsistent, but he seems to be a bit more
continue reading...Ladarius Green (TE, PIT) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in 10- and 12-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 52% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Ladarius Green didn’t score a touchdown in Week 15, but still returned to form with a 5-72-0 line on eight looks against the Bengals. It wasn’t fantastic, but it was a much-needed effort after the 2-25-0 flop from Week 14. Luckily, he and the Steelers will return to the friendly confines of Heinz Field in Week 16 against Baltimore. The
continue reading...Ty Montgomery (RB/WR, GB) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in 12-Team PPR Leagues
OWNED IN: 39% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Montgomery was given the start at running back in the frigid cold against the Bears, and averaged over 10 yards per carry for 162 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries, with two catches for one yard. The passing line isn’t fantastic, but he truly dazzled as the feature back here against a Chicago defense that was missing its nose tackle in
continue reading...Tim Hightower (RB, NO) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12- and 14-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 43% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Hightower didn’t gain a lot of yardage against Arizona (48 total) but tallied two rushing scores to entrench himself as an RB1 in Week 15. He wasn’t great compared to Mark Ingram (and trust me, Ingram let his coaches know this on the sideline in a tantrum), but he got the carries that mattered. He’ll be an RB4 at home against
continue reading...Hunter Henry (TE, SD) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in 12-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 39% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Well, if you’re going to be dependent on scoring touchdowns then at least be damn good at it. Henry has now hauled in a TD in three of San Diego’s four games since their bye, and four of his last five games since returning from injury. While he still runs behind Antonio Gates from a snaps standpoint, Gates is struggling to separate
continue reading...Kenneth Farrow (RB, SD) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in All Leagues if Melvin Gordon remains injured
OWNED IN: 24% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Farrow flopped in relief of the injured Melvin Gordon to the tune of 15 carries for 39 yards and two catches for 14 yards alongside a fumble lost. Yuck. It’s pretty clear that Farrow isn’t ready to be a viable starter in this league, but at least he’s getting some experience under his belt. Still, there’s
continue reading...Jared Cook (TE, GB) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in 12-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 34% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Jared Cook caught 77 of his 85 yards in the first half against the Bears before Chicago remembered they were playing a football game, but we were still reminded of Cook’s potential here in Green Bay’s resurgent offense. With a gritty divisional game against Minnesota on deck for Week 16, it would be wise of the Pack to attack the Vikings with
continue reading...Ryan Griffin (TE, HOU) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in 12- and 14-Team Leagues if C.J. Fiedorowicz remains out
OWNED IN: 5% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: With C.J. Fiedorowicz out with a concussion, Griffin saw eight targets against Jacksonville in Week 15. He caught all eight of them for 85 yards, though most of them came after Brock Osweiler was benched for Tom Savage. What a world we live in, but Savage clearly had a good thing going.
continue reading...Dion Lewis (RB, NE) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 10-Team PPR and 12-Team STD Leagues
OWNED IN: 42% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Lewis finally had a big game, as he eclipsed 100 total yards against the Broncos with the Pats utilizing his agility against a horrible rush defense. He should be employed in a similar fashion against a Jets defense that is strong against north-south runners like LeGarrette Blount, but susceptible to the quicker backs on the edge.
New York Giants (DEF, NYG) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in 12- and 14-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 33% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: If the Giants are somehow still out there, you should look into scooping their 2007-like selves with a date against Carson Wentz and the low-flying Eagles in Week 16. Opponents have only topped 16 points against them in one of their last five games, during which they’ve tallied a combined 17 sacks with 11 turnovers. Also, they’ve
continue reading...San Diego Chargers (DEF, SD) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in 12- and 14-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 30% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: The Chargers have lost their last three games, but their defense hasn’t exactly folded on itself in the process. Even against a powerful Oakland offense in Week 15, they only allowed 19 points alongside two sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery. They’ve gone five straight weeks with a sack and four straight with a pick, which
continue reading...Colin Kaepernick (QB, SF) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in 12- and 14-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 33% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: For Week 16, Colin Kaepernick sits at the top of a very thin pile of quarterback streaming options. After two down weeks, he returned to the fantasy-producing streamer we’ve become accustomed to seeing in Week 15 at Atlanta. The 49ers travel to Los Angeles in Week 16; not long ago this would have been a matchup
continue reading...Joe Flacco (QB, BAL) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in 12- and 14-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 29% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Joe Flacco has had an on-and-off 2016, looking great in some instances and mediocre in others. Whether you're a believer or not, he sits near the top of a thin streamer pile for Week 16. In standard leagues, he scored 29.24 points against Miami in Week 13 and 19.06 at New England in Week 14, only
continue reading...Matt Barkley (QB, CHI) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in 14- and 16-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 3% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Matt Barkley hasn’t been incredible, but he’s been a solid fantasy asset ever since he took over for Jay Cutler back in Week 12. He threw for a whopping 362 yards on 30-for-43 passing, connecting for two touchdowns to mitigate the three interceptions that he threw. He was taking chances, making mistakes and getting messy as
continue reading...Week 15 NFL Matchups Analysis (Part 1) - Start/Sit for Fantasy Football
Welcome back, RotoBallers! Below you will find part one of our Week 15 NFL matchups & fantasy football start/sit analysis for the 2016 NFL football season. Pierre Camus (@pfunk00) breaks down the first half of the Week 15 matchups to help you prepare your lineups to win this week. Be sure to also check out part two of this week's matchups analysis by Ben Ruppert (@Ben_Ruppert_21). Each week of the NFL season, we will be breaking down individualcontinue reading...
Week 15 NFL Matchups Analysis (Part 2) - Start/Sit for Fantasy Football
What's up RotoBallers. Below you will find part two of our Week 15 NFL matchups & fantasy football start/sit analysis for the 2016 NFL football season. Ben Ruppert breaks down the second half of the Week 15 matchups to help you prepare your lineups to win this week. Be sure to also check out part one of this week's matchups analysis by Pierre Camus (@pfunk00). Each week of the NFL season, wecontinue reading...
Sam Bradford (QB, MIN) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in 14- and 16-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 11% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Sam Bradford has quietly put together two consecutive quality fantasy outings against Dallas and Jacksonville after two duds against Arizona and Detroit. With the steam Bradford has been picking up as of late, he’s a no-brainer streamer against the Colts for Week 15 in two-quarterback leagues.
The Colts’ defense has been one to target all year
continue reading...Alex Smith (QB, KC) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in 12- and 14-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 27% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: After starting off Week 14 red hot against the Raiders, Alex Smith cooled off as the game went on, finishing with 264 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Week 15 brings another favorable matchup for Smith. While it’s far less certain he’ll put up QB1 numbers in a golden situation at this point, the ownership rate
continue reading...Colin Kaepernick (QB, SF) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in 12- and 14-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 36% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Even after a so-so outing against the Jets in Week 14, Colin Kaepernick is the most appealing streamer this week against the NFL’s worst pass defense. The Falcons continue to be a defense to target in 2016, and for good reason. The 20.56 points per week they’re surrendering to opposing quarterbacks is tops in the NFL,
continue reading...Cameron Brate (TE, TB) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues
OWNED IN: 60% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Brate’s 47 yards were actually Tampa Bay’s highest receiving total in Week 14, as the Bucs ground out a slugfest en route to a 16-11 victory over the Saints. While it was disappointing in a fantasy vacuum, the gameflow just destroyed Tampa Bay’s offensive fantasy value all around. Brate’s usage has been solid for the last seven weeks, and he should have a good chance at
continue reading...Ladarius Green (TE, PIT) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in All Leagues
OWNED IN: 52% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: One might look at Green’s paltry 2-25-0 line and think that he plummeted back down to Earth after last week’s beautiful 6-110-1 contribution, but the fact is that Pittsburgh didn’t really have to do much else to win than hand it off to LeVeon Bell in Week 14. It didn’t help that Green was Ben Roethlisberger’s end-zone target on an early interception, which only dampened
continue reading...Dennis Pitta (TE, BAL) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12- and 14-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 47% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: There are a lot of people interested to see how Pitta will follow up his 90-yard, two-touchdown renaissance party in Week 13, myself included. Monday night will be quite the test for Pitta’s viability during the fantasy playoffs, as New England’s defense ranks out at a lousy 23rd in DVOA against the TE. Unfortunately, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh (his next two opponents) are inside the
continue reading...Bilal Powell (RB, NYJ) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues
OWNED IN: 48% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: With Matt Forte going in for an MRI on his knee, Powell is the clear pickup in New York. He absolutely destroyed the weak 49ers defense in Week 14, racking up 145 rushing yards and two TDs on 29 totes. He also caught all five of his targets for 34 yards. The man had a feast. If Forte is out or limited for Week 15
continue reading...Kenneth Farrow (RB, SD) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 10-Team Leagues as a Melvin Gordon handcuff/replacement
OWNED IN: 3% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: With Ronnie Hillman inactive, it was Farrow who shouldered the rushing load (16 carries for 55 yards, six catches for 23 yards) after Melvin Gordon went down with a hip injury. Initial reports are that Gordon should be fine, but he’ll undergo an MRI on Monday and we all know that early optimism doesn’t really mean much. Farrow
continue reading...Kenneth Dixon (RB, BAL) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in 10-Team PPR Leagues
OWNED IN: 33% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: If there were ever a game where Baltimore might need their versatile pass-catching back early and often, it would be Week 14 against the powerful Patriots. Last week Dixon rushed the ball 13 times for a middling 49 yards, but did tack on 31 receiving yards on four catches. He’s limited by the presence of Terrance West as the primary goal-line back still, but
continue reading...Charles Sims (RB, TB) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in 10-Team PPR and 12-Team STD Leagues
OWNED IN: 48% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Charles Sims looked good in his return to action against the Saints in Week 14, as he rushed the ball four times for 17 yards with three catches for 33 yards. He out-touched Jacquizz Rodgers seven to two and should have some RB3 PPR value moving forward in an offense that is lacking in true receiving options. His snaps should increase a
continue reading...Jerick McKinnon (RB, MIN) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Stream in 12-Team Leagues
OWNED IN: 43% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: Jerick McKinnon had an awful game on the ground, rushing for only 31 yards on 14 carries for a shoddy 2.2 YPC, but redeemed himself in PPR formats with six catches for 38 additional yards. His skill set should come into play against an oft-burned Colts defense that doesn’t really have a linebacker who can keep up with the running back.
James White (RB, NE) - NFL Waiver Wire Pickups
BALLER MOVE: Add in 10-Team PPR and 12-Team STD Leagues
OWNED IN: 48% Fleaflicker
ANALYSIS: White was in on 29 snaps in Week 13, compared to 20 for Dion Lewis (48% Owned). LeGarrette Blount had 36. It would appear that Bill Belichick is more than content to let White continue working in with Lewis, and making steady contributions leading into some tough matchups. Baltimore boasts an elite run defense, which may force New England to
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