👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

2017 Player vs. Player - Stefon Diggs vs. Devante Parker

You're on the clock. The timer's ticking. You're torn between two players. Who do you take? That's the question we'll debate in this player vs. player series. In this article, Charlie Kleinheksel advocates for Stefon Diggs (ADP 5.08) and Pierre Camus will make the case for DeVante Parker (ADP 6.01) in dynasty startup formats.

Fantasy football draft season is upon us and RotoBaller is here to help! In this series, two RotoBaller experts will discuss the merits of two players with similar value and average draft position (ADP). Remember that situations will change for all players over the course of the summer and it may impact where they are selected in drafts.

ADP data is taken from FantasyFootballCalculator as of July, 2017.

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

Stefon Diggs (WR, MIN) - Charlie

Here are three reasons I prefer Diggs:

  1. Role - Diggs is the Vikings clear-cut No. 1 wide receiver. Diggs out-targeted Mike Wallace in 2015 and Adam Thielen in 2016, despite playing three fewer games than either of those other WRs. Neither Michael Floyd nor Laquon Treadwell should be considered a serious threat to eat into Diggs' workload. Floyd has been bounced from two teams already, and despite what the Vikings say, his hold on a roster spot is tenuous. As for Treadwell, here are the last six first-round WRs that earned ten or fewer receptions as rookies: Treadwell, Josh Doctson, A.J. Jenkins, Michael Jenkins, Darrius Heyward-Bey, and Rashaun Woods. Tight end Kyle Rudolph out-targeted Diggs last year, but that's okay. Rudolph's usage didn't impede Diggs. Conversely, if Rudolph (or someone else) misses time, Diggs would be first in line for increased usage.
  2. Volume - Having established Diggs primacy among Vikings WRs, what exactly is that role worth? Last year, it was worth 8.6 targets per game. That's a 137 target pace for the season. Diggs averages 1.7 PPR points per target, meaning a 16-game season would equate to 236 points, or a WR13 finish last year. There's no reason to expect a volume change. In games without Adrian Peterson over the past two years, the Vikings have averaged four more plays and seven more passing attempts per game. I'm not ready to say Dalvin Cook will be so good that the Vikings go back to their slow, run-heavy ways.
  3. Relative to DeVante Parker - Unlike Diggs, Parker is his team's second WR. Jarvis Landry remains well ahead of him in target share. For that matter, Parker (87) barely out targeted Kenny Stills (81) last year. I expect Diggs to earn more targets than Parker. Diggs is also a more efficient receiver. Sam Bradford averages 7.9 adjusted yards per attempt when targeting Diggs (eight percent above his AYA to other receivers), while Ryan Tannehill averages just 6.8 AYA when targeting Parker (12 percent below his AYA to other receivers). That relative inefficiency will make it hard for Parker to earn more targets, or to outproduce Diggs on the targets he does receive.

 

DeVante Parker (WR, MIA) - Pierre

The case for Parker as a superior choice also lies in three primary reasons:

  1. Team offense - The Dolphins took a while to gel, but by Week 6 they had it figured out. Jay Ajayi asserted himself as the main running back, Ryan Tannehill became comfortable with Adam Gase and the new offense, and the trio of talented receivers gave the team multiple options in the passing game. Unfortunately, injuries to the offensive line and ultimately to Tannehill as well derailed some of their success, although they wound up making the playoffs anyway. In year two of the Gase era, expectations will be even higher and the production should match. The Fins might not finish among the top passing teams in the league, but they don't need to be for Parker to make his presence felt in the red zone on a semi-regular basis. Keep in mind, the Vikings weren't much better last year in the pass game. Minnesota finished 18th in passing yardage and 21st in passing touchdowns, whereas the Dolphins were 12th in passing TD.
  2. Physical talent - Parker was a first-round pick for a reason. According to the Guru Score developed by @DynastyGuruFF, Parker finished with a perfect score and tied with Amari Cooper for best in the 2015 WR class. Diggs was a close third, but didn't post the same combine numbers and isn't as physically imposing. Parker stands at 6'3" yet ran a 4.45 40-yard dash and finished with a speed score in the 89th percentile. Diggs is a tad slower, but also undersized at 5'10", which explains why he fell to the fifth round. Parker has been dealing with nagging injuries and inconsistency in his first two seasons, but that could change. According to reports, he has improved his dedication to the game by changing his diet and training regiment for his all-important third NFL season. This could be the year where his talent shows on the field.
  3. Law of regression - While Diggs outperformed all expectations last season, it was mainly due to a high volume of targets. The Vikings will make a concerted effort to run the ball much more this season and to insert Treadwell in the passing game as well. Diggs will naturally see his market share drop by at least 25%. Parker disappointed greatly according to last year's ADP, but he will be a verifiable bargain this year. Assuming he doesn't suffer unfortunate injuries again, he has nowhere to go but up. His season-long stats (56 receptions, 744 yards, four touchdowns) aren't impressive, but he only fell 159 yards short of Diggs and actually outscored him. It's far from a stretch to think that Parker can put up a couple more big games and finish ahead of Diggs this year. Parker and the Dolphins seem to be on an upward trajectory, while Diggs doesn't figure to put up numbers any better than last season. When choosing between two players in similar situations at similar ADP, talent should always supercede in dynasty leagues.

 

More 2017 Fantasy Football & ADP Analysis


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Out Tuesday Against the Spurs
Kris Bryant

Heads to 60-Day Injured List
Ivica Zubac

Out for "A While"
Shane Baz

Orioles Believe Shane Baz is a Cy Young-Caliber Pitcher
Josh Giddey

Doubtful Again on Wednesday
Xander Schauffele

Trying to Get the Motor Going at Pebble Beach
Philadelphia 76ers

Dalen Terry Will Sign Two-Way Contract With Sixers
Francisco Lindor

to be Evaluated for Stress Reaction in Left Hamate
Justin Verlander

Tigers Agree to One-Year Deal
Hideki Matsuyama

Trying to Overcome Sunday Collapse
Michael Thorbjornsen

Showing Great Early-Season Form
Scottie Scheffler

Continues Hot Start Heading to ATT Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Rory McIlroy

Making First PGA Tour Start of 2026 Season
Robert MacIntyre

Returns to Action For ATT Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Si Woo Kim

Doesn't Appear to be Slowing Down Heading to ATT Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Rickie Fowler

Continues Great Start to 2026 Season
Matt Fitzpatrick

Continues Playing Well Heading to ATT Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Patrick Cantlay

is Playing Well but Needs to Find Putting Stroke
Ludvig Aberg

Needs a Strong Showing at ATT Pebble Beach Pro-Am
Kurt Kitayama

Looks to Build on Momentum at Pebble Beach
Coby Mayo

Could See Work in the Outfield
Ben Joyce

Playing Catch, Uncertain for Opening Day
Kristian Campbell

to Primarily Work in Outfield in Spring Training
Tomoyuki Sugano

Rockies Reach One-Year Deal With Tomoyuki Sugano
Zac Gallen

Talks Heating Up for Zac Gallen, Multiple Teams Interested
Aaron Civale

A's Agree on One-Year Deal
Bryce Eldridge

a Full-Go for Spring Training
Gavin Sheets

the Top Option at First Base
Spencer Schwellenbach

to Miss Significant Time With Elbow Inflammation
Kumar Rocker

in Competition for Final Rotation Spot
Jack Leiter

Likely Locked into Starting Rotation
Brooks Lee

the Leader to Start at Shortstop
Marcelo Mayer

Without a Set Position Entering Spring Training
A.J. Puk

Expects to be Back Before July
Nacho Alvarez Jr.

Working Out With Catchers at Spring Training
Corbin Burnes

Hoping to Return Around All-Star Break
Ryo Hisatsune

a Scary Play at Pebble Beach Regardless of His Recent Performance
Justin Martinez

Tentatively Targeting an August Return
Chris Gotterup

Heads to Pebble Beach as the Hottest Player in Golf
Klay Thompson

Could Be Rested Tuesday
Darius Garland

Without Timeline for Return
Jimmy Butler III

Undergoes ACL Surgery
Stephen Curry

Won't Play in All-Star Game
Miles Bridges

Moussa Diabate Ejected for Fighting
Isaiah Stewart

Jalen Duren, Isaiah Stewart Ejected After Brawl
Jason Day

Looks to Keep Long-Running Success Going at Pebble Beach
Pierceson Coody

to Keep Good Form Going at First Career Pebble Beach Appearance
Sam Burns

Needs a Good Showing at Pebble Beach to Shift Fleeting Momentum
Ivica Zubac

Uncertain for Pacers Debut Tuesday
Mitchell Robinson

Won't Play on Tuesday
Jayson Tatum

Takes Part in G-League Practice
OG Anunoby

is Tagged as Questionable for Tuesday
Dyson Daniels

Sidelined Monday, CJ McCollum Enters Starting Five
Jalen Johnson

Ruled Out Monday vs. Timberwolves
Wendell Carter Jr.

is Cleared for Monday's Game
Guerschon Yabusele

Jalen Smith Out Monday, Guerschon Yabusele to Start
Tre Jones

Josh Giddey, Tre Jones Miss Monday vs. Nets
Bennedict Mathurin

Set for Clippers Debut on Tuesday
Kenneth Walker III

Runs Away With Super Bowl MVP Honors
Johnny Furphy

Out for Remainder of Season
Vinicius Oliveira

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Mario Bautista

Gets Back In The Win Column
Kyoji Horiguchi

Dominates At UFC Vegas 113
Amir Albazi

Gets Dominated At UFC Vegas 113
Rizvan Kuniev

Earns His First UFC Win
Jailton Almeida

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 113
Marc-Andre Barriault

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Michal Oleksiejczuk

Gets His Third Win In A Row
Las Vegas Raiders

Klint Kubiak Confirms he Will be Next Raiders Head Coach
Jonas Rondbjerg

Out for Olympics
Brad Marchand

Good to Go for Olympic Opener
Gabriel Landeskog

Healthy for Olympics
Jack Hughes

Cleared for Olympics
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Returns to Super Bowl After Injury Scare
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Being Evaluated for Concussion, Questionable to Return
James Pearce Jr.

Arrested Following Police Chase
Quinn Hughes

Enters Olympics in Red-Hot Form
NHL

Juho Lammikko Returns to Switzerland
Pavel Zacha

Misses Olympics
Travis Kelce

Undecided on Playing Future, Leaning Towards Returning in 2026?
CFB

Rutgers Hiring South Dakota Head Coach Travis Johansen as Defensive Coordinator
Vinicius Oliveira

Looks For His Seventh Consecutive Win
Mario Bautista

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 113
Kyoji Horiguchi

Set For UFC Vegas 113 Co-Main Event
Amir Albazi

Looks To Bounce Back
Rizvan Kuniev

Looks For His First UFC Win
Jailton Almeida

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Marc-Andre Barriault

In Dire Need Of Victory
Michal Oleksiejczuk

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Michael Penix Jr.

Says he's Ahead of Schedule After Knee Surgery
Cleveland Browns

Jim Schwartz Resigns as Browns Defensive Coordinator
Malik Nabers

Says his Rehab has Been "Phenomenal"
CFB

Oklahoma Hiring Former NFL Defensive Lineman DeShawn Williams to Analyst Role
CFB

Jahmal Edrine Charged with Sexual Assault, No Longer Enrolled at Virginia
Jakob Chychrun

Makes Big Impact in Thursday's Win
Brandon Bussi

Shuts Out Rangers With 16 Saves
Anze Kopitar

Reaches 1,300 Career Points
Mark Stone

Becomes First Vegas Player With 100 Multi-Point Games
Daniil Tarasov

Injured in Battle of Florida
Andrei Kuzmenko

Hurt Versus Vegas
John Carlson

Suffers Lower-Body Injury
Matthew Stafford

Named 2025 NFL MVP, Will Return in 2026
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Takes Home Offensive Player of the Year Honors
Christian McCaffrey

Named Comeback Player of the Year
Tetairoa McMillan

Named Offensive Rookie of the Year
Myles Garrett

Unanimously Wins Defensive Player of the Year Award
Brad Marchand

Evan Rodrigues Among Panthers Absentees Thursday
Calum Ritchie

Rejoins Islanders Lineup as Second-Line Center
Zach Benson

Sits Out Second Straight Game
Pierre-Luc Dubois

Available Against Predators
Rickard Rakell

Out Thursday
Brayden Point

Won't Play in Olympics
Jonathan Huberdeau

to Have Season-Ending Hip Surgery
CFB

Houston, Vanderbilt, Tennessee Land Top-Three QBs in 2026 Class
Joe Mixon

Committed to Playing in 2026
CFB

Michigan Signs Top-15 Recruiting Class Despite Coaching Change
CFB

USC Finishes with No. 1 Signing Class in 2026
CFB

Trinidad Chambliss Denied Medical Redshirt Waiver By NCAA
CFB

Sam Leavitt to be Limited In Spring Practice
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF