👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
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
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
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.

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! 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
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Diego Pavia

Ravens Sign Former Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia
Emmett Johnson

Chiefs "Super High" on Emmett Johnson
Ty Simpson

Met With Sean McVay Before the Draft
Jonah Coleman

has Clear "Three-Down Potential" in Denver's Offense
Austin Ekeler

100 Percent Medically Cleared for Football Activities
Darius Slayton

Undergoes Core-Muscle Surgery, Expected to be Ready for Camp
Keaton Mitchell

Dynasty Value Rising Heading into 2026
Jadarian Price

Not Expected to Lead Seahawks' Backfield Right Away
Isaiah Bond

Dynasty Value Fading Following NFL Draft
James Cook

Can James Cook Continue to Ascend in 2026 and Beyond?
Lamar Jackson

Remains an Elite Dynasty Quarterback Despite Injury-Marred 2025
Kyle Williams

' Dynasty Value Limited by Uncertain Role in New England
Luis Robert Jr.

Officially Placed on Injured List
Isaac TeSlaa

Still a Dynasty Depth Piece Worth Holding
Pat Bryant

Still a Quality Buy-Low Despite Crowded Broncos Receiver Room
Luis Robert Jr.

Likely to Land on the Injured List
Troy Franklin

Dynasty Expectations Low for Troy Franklin
Trevor Lawrence

Dynasty Value Remains High Despite Quiet Jaguars Offseason
Courtland Sutton

Dynasty Value Unaffected by NFL Draft
Clayton Keller

Sets Up Two Goals Wednesday Night
Pavel Dorofeyev

Nets Special Hat Trick in Game 5 Win
Dan Vladar

Backstops Flyers to Series-Clinching Win
Leon Draisaitl

Oilers to Use Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl on Same Line Thursday
Brady Tkachuk

Remains Committed to Senators
Arttu Hyry

Could Be Available Thursday
James Harden

Contributes in All Areas Wednesday
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Plays Key Role in Game 5 Win
RJ Barrett

Records First Double-Double of the Season
Austin Reaves

Contributes 22 Points Off the Bench in Game 5 Loss
LeBron James

Regains Scoring Touch Wednesday
Paolo Banchero

Scores 45 Points in Game 5 Loss
New York Jets

Jets Pick Up Will McDonald's Fifth-Year Option
Azeez Al-Shaair

Texans, Azeez Al-Shaair Agree to Three-Year Extension
KC Concepcion

Looking to Build Chemistry With Second-Year QB
Deshaun Watson

"Looks Great," Leading QB Battle After First Minicamp?
Cade Cunningham

Helps Pistons Survive With 45-Point Effort
Jock Landale

to Remain Unavailable in Game 6
Peyton Watson

to Remain Out Thursday
Austin Reaves

Cleared to Return Wednesday
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Remains Without Timetable for Return
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Wednesday's Game With Hamstring Tightness
Brandon Ingram

Won't Play in Second Half Wednesday
Aaron Gordon

Questionable for Game 6
Josh Hart

Iffy for Game 6
Joel Embiid

Likely to Play in Game 6
Bones Hyland

Could Miss Game 6
Kevin Huerter

Not Available for Game 5
Jonathan Isaac

Remains Out for Game 5
Franz Wagner

Won't Play in Game 5
MLB

Phillies-Giants Postponed on Wednesday Due to Rain
Nils Lundkvist

to Remain Out Thursday
Jonas Brodin

Uncertain for Game 6
Matvei Michkov

Expected to Rejoin Flyers Lineup Wednesday
Noah Ostlund

Set to Miss "a Period of Time"
Viktor Arvidsson

Doubtful for Game 6 Against Sabres
Barrett Hayton

Close to Returning
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

a Game-Time Call Wednesday
MLB

Orioles-Astros Game Postponed Due to Inclement Weather on Wednesday
Gary Woodland

Riding Momentum Into Cadillac Championship
Jordan Spieth

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Cadillac Championship
Adam Scott

Looks Poised for Another Strong Finish at Doral
Maverick McNealy

Needs Approach Game to Click at Doral
George Springer

Being Activated From Injured List, Won't Start on Wednesday
Wyatt Langford

Expected to be Activated on Saturday
Garrett Crochet

Goes on Injured List With Shoulder Inflammation
CFB

Jameson Williams Files Lawsuit Against NCAA, SEC, Big Ten
Junior Caminero

Back in Wednesday's Lineup After Injury Scare
Harry Hall

Volatility Continues at Cadillac Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Looks to Rebound at Trump National Doral
Pierceson Coody

a Risky Value Play at Cadillac Championship
Jalen Johnson

Collects Second Playoff Double-Double
Akshay Bhatia

Offers Upside with Risk at Cadillac Championship
Jalen Brunson

Pours 39 Points on Hawks in Game 5
Connor McDavid

Extends Multi-Point Streak Tuesday
Justin Thomas

a Scary Proposition at Cadillac Championship
Nikolaj Ehlers

Hurricanes Hope to Have Nikolaj Ehlers Back for Second Round
Alexander Nikishin

Could Be Available in Round 2
Victor Hedman

Logs Full Practice
Scottie Scheffler

The Leading Favorite at Cadillac Championship
Noah Ostlund

Likely to Miss Time Due to Lower-Body Injury
Arttu Hyry

Unlikely to Play Thursday
Collin Morikawa

Still a Smash Play at Cadillac Championship
Jonas Brodin

Spotted Using Crutches After Game 5
Viktor Hovland

Showed at Augusta He Can Finish Well
Sepp Straka

Attempting to Finish Better in Miami
PGA

J.J Spaun Enduring Roller Coaster Start to 2026
Min Woo Lee

Seeks to Make Adjustments at Cadillac Championship
Max Homa

May Struggle at Old Doral This Weekend
Ben Griffin

Rebounds From Rough Stretch as Miami Looms
Shane Lowry

Searching For Answers at Cadillac Championship
Russell Henley

Daunting Test at Doral Likely Not a Place For Russell Henley
Justin Rose

Returns to Action After Finishing Third at Masters Tournament
Hideki Matsuyama

Has The Approach Game to Win at Cadillac Championship
Junior Caminero

Suffers Jaw Contusion on Tuesday, Considered Day-to-Day
Pete Fairbanks

Going on Injured List With Nerve Irritation
Spencer Strider

to Make Season Debut This Weekend
Roope Hintz

Likely to Miss Entire First-Round Series
Luis Robert Jr.

Out on Tuesday With Back Tightness
Juan Soto

Dealing With Forearm Tightness, Serving as DH on Tuesday
CFB

Brendan Sorsby Facing Potential Permanent Loss of Eligibility
Manny Machado

Departs Early With Undisclosed Injury on Monday
Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies Fire Manager Rob Thomson
Elmer Rodríguez

Yankees to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Elmer Rodriguez
Pete Fairbanks

Pulled on Monday With "Unusual Sensation" in his Thumb
Giancarlo Stanton

Heading to Injured List With Calf Strain
Travis Bazzana

Guardians Calling Up Former First Overall Pick Travis Bazzana
Will Smith

Back in Action in Series Opener Against Marlins
Carson Hocevar

Scores his First Career NASCAR Cup Series Victory at Talladega
Chris Buescher

Misses out on Winning at Talladega by Finishing Second
Alex Bowman

Earns First Top-Five Finish at Talladega Since Returning From Injury
Chase Elliott

Scores A Fourth-Place Finish at Talladega
Zane Smith

Nabs First Top-Five Finish of the 2026 Season at Talladega
CFB

Texas Tech Quarterback Brendan Sorsby Enters Rehab
Youssef Zalal

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Aljamain Sterling

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Norma Dumont

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 116
Joselyne Edwards

Scores Upset Win
Alexander Hernandez

Gets Dominated
Alexander Hernandez

Rafa Garcia Dominates Alexander Hernandez
Adrian Luna Martinetti

Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
Davey Grant

Gets Back In The Win Column
Denny Hamlin

Is Denny Hamlin Worth Rostering for Talladega?
NASCAR

Is Bubba Wallace Playable in Talladega DFS Lineups?
Tyler Reddick

Stay Away From Tyler Reddick at Talladega
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Shake Off The Bad Luck at Talladega?
Austin Cindric

Could Contend For Another Talladega Win
Kyle Busch

an Easy DFS Pick at Talladega
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. a High-Risk, High-Reward Pick at Talladega
Todd Gilliland

a Sleeper to Watch at Talladega
Brad Keselowski

Is Brad Keselowski Worth Rostering for Talladega Lineups?
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Talladega Lineups?
Christopher Bell

Should DFS Managers Trust Christopher Bell at Talladega?
Ty Gibbs

Is A DFS Risk for Talladega Lineups
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF