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There is no secret to building an elite dynasty team in fantasy football. Sometimes you need a lucky break or two. However, identifying the top player on every NFL team is critical. Similarly, fantasy managers must know which players to trade away before their fantasy value tanks.
Superflex leagues have become extremely popular over the past several years. However, that makes the starting quarterback the top dynasty player on most teams. Meanwhile, they rarely have the most value in single quarterback leagues. Most of the time, the team's top dynasty player is the elite running back or star wide receiver. However, that's not always the case.
Let's look at the top dynasty player for every AFC team in a single quarterback league.
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AFC East
Buffalo Bills – Stefon Diggs
Diggs had another excellent year in 2022, averaging 16.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Furthermore, it was the second-highest fantasy points per game average of his career. More importantly, the former Maryland star had a career-high 1,429 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns last season.
While Diggs turns 30 this year, the superstar is still one of the top wide receivers in the NFL. Meanwhile, the veteran averaged 2.49 yards per route run last season, the third-highest average of his career. While some are worried about Diggs' future in Buffalo, given rumors about his contract and other issues, the former Maryland star remains a top-10 dynasty wide receiver.
Miami Dolphins – Tyreek Hill
The superstar receiver made a significant announcement this offseason. Hill says he plans to retire after the 2025 season to get into the business side of things. However, that is still three years from now. Furthermore, the superstar is playing at an elite level and should continue that production for the next few years.
More importantly, Hill could easily change his mind in a week or even two years from now, so fantasy players shouldn't trade away the star receiver. Meanwhile, the veteran averaged 16.9 half-point PPR fantasy points per game last year, the second-highest average of his career. However, he only had seven receiving touchdowns despite averaging 10.8 scores per season over the previous four years with the Kansas City Chiefs. Hill should have positive touchdown regression in 2023.
New England Patriots – Rhamondre Stevenson
Typically, star running backs are drafted within the first three rounds of the NFL Draft. However, Stevenson has been an exception to the rule. The former Oklahoma Sooner was outstanding last year, ending the season as the RB11, averaging 12.6 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Furthermore, he became the featured running back and saw a significant increase in passing game work.
Stevenson had only 18 targets as a rookie but earned a team-high 88 last season. Meanwhile, the star running back had his first 1,000-yard rushing season in 2022. More importantly, the Patriots recently waived James Robinson after signing the former undrafted free agent earlier this offseason. Stevenson should have a third-year breakout.
New York Jets – Breece Hall
The Jets got a steal in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Hall was outstanding as a rookie. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in Week 7, ending his season.
Yet, the former Iowa State star was the RB7 on a points-per-game basis last year, averaging 15.1 half-point PPR fantasy points per contest. Furthermore, Hall was even better after a slow Week 1 performance, averaging 16.4 fantasy points per game after the opening week.
More importantly, the rookie averaged 5.8 yards per rushing attempt and 4.13 yards after contact per attempt last season. Some are worried about Hall's health following the knee injury. However, there are no indications that he has long-term damage. Meanwhile, Garrett Wilson could replace the star running back as the Jets' top dynasty player a year from now. However, that title still belongs to Hall. He will be a top-five running back in 2023 if he is healthy.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens – Mark Andrews
Over the past seven years, Andrews is the only tight end to beat out Travis Kelce for the TE1 title. He was the TE1 in 2021, averaging 14.6 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, a career-high. Unfortunately, the superstar's numbers regressed last year. Andrews had only five receiving touchdowns after totaling 26 over the previous three years, scoring at least seven in each.
However, fantasy players should expect the veteran to bounce back in 2023. Andrews averaged 12.7 fantasy points per game in the nine healthy contests with Lamar Jackson, compared to only seven points per game in the four games without the franchise quarterback. Meanwhile, the Ravens improved their wide receiver core this offseason. The additions will keep defenses from consistently double-teaming the star tight end.
Cincinnati Bengals – Ja'Marr Chase
The superstar is either the dynasty WR1 or WR2. Either way, Chase is the top player on the Bengals. He was excellent as a rookie, ending the year as the WR5, averaging 15.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Despite finishing 18th in receptions, the rookie finished top-four in receiving yards and touchdowns in 2021.
However, Chase missed five games last year because of a hip injury. Yet, the second-year receiver was still a superstar for fantasy players. The former LSU star ended the year as the WR12, averaging 16.6 fantasy points per game despite missing five contests. Cincinnati will get a long-term deal done with Joe Burrow and Chase, making the wide receiver a top-three dynasty startup pick for the foreseeable future.
Cleveland Browns – Nick Chubb
Yes, Chubb turns 28 years old in December. Based on the "sell your running backs before they turn 26" rule, fantasy players shouldn't have the superstar on their team. However, Chubb has been arguably the most consistent fantasy running back since his rookie year. Over the past four years, he has averaged 14.7 or more half-point PPR fantasy points per game.
More importantly, Chubb has averaged 5.2 yards per rushing attempt and 3.94 yards after contact per attempt in his career. Some are concerned he will see less work with Deshaun Watson on the team. However, the superstar running back can play a role in the passing game. Remember, the veteran averaged four targets per game in the eight games without Kareem Hunt in 2019. Chubb remains an RB1 for contending teams.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Najee Harris
Last year was a disappointing one for Harris. The second-year running back was the RB14, averaging 11.9 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, he was outstanding as a rookie, ending the year as the RB4 and averaging 15.5 fantasy points per contest. While his numbers regressed last year, the former first-round pick played part of the season with a foot injury. Yet, Harris had 10 scrimmage touchdowns for the second consecutive year.
Meanwhile, Harris was much better to end the season. Over the final eight games, he averaged 86.4 scrimmage yards and 14.7 fantasy points per game, making him the RB4 during that span. More importantly, the Steelers improved their offensive line this offseason, including using their first-round pick on Broderick Jones. Therefore, fantasy players shouldn't be surprised when Harris has another top-10 finish in 2023.
AFC South
Houston Texans – Dameon Pierce
Despite being a fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Pierce was a popular dynasty rookie draft pick last year. The rookie didn't disappoint, totaling nearly 1,000 rushing yards despite missing four games. Meanwhile, the former Gator averaged 11.6 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Furthermore, Pierce was a top-15 running back before suffering a season-ending injury.
Meanwhile, the rookie was an explosive runner, totaling 10 or more yards on 10% of his rushing attempts last year. Pierce also forced a missed tackle on 28.2% of his rushing attempts. While the Texans added Devin Singletary in the offseason, the veteran is there to provide rotational depth, not replace Pierce as the starter. While his featured role is gone, the former Gator should still be a top-24 running back.
Indianapolis Colts – Jonathan Taylor
Unfortunately, the superstar running back struggled to stay healthy last year. However, Taylor remains a top-10 dynasty startup draft pick. The former Wisconsin star was the RB6 his rookie season, averaging 15.7 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Yet, Taylor took his game to another level in 2021. He was the RB1 that year, averaging 20.8 fantasy points per game while leading the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns.
More importantly, the superstar running back has averaged 5.1 yards per rushing attempt and 3.37 yards after contact per rushing attempt in his career. Furthermore, the former Wisconsin star is an underrated pass catcher. Meanwhile, Anthony Richardson's rushing ability will keep defenses from going all out to stop the superstar running back. Taylor should return to his top-five form this year.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Calvin Ridley
Ridley has been one of the most talked about players in the fantasy football community this offseason. The last time we saw the former star receiver was over a year ago. Furthermore, Ridley has played only five games over the past two seasons. However, the veteran was outstanding in 2020. That year, the former first-round pick was the WR4, averaging 15.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game.
However, Ridley wasn't a significant target hog. He finished ninth in targets that year with 143 but averaged 1.7 fantasy points per target. The veteran might struggle early this season as he gets back into game form. Yet, head coach Doug Pederson says Ridley hasn't shown any signs of rust. The veteran should return to his star production level, with Trevor Lawrence being his quarterback for the next several years.
Tennessee Titans – Treylon Burks
Unfortunately, Burks had a disappointing rookie season, ending the year as the WR79 and averaging 7.1 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, the former Arkansas star is one of my top dynasty trade targets this offseason. Last season, the rookie struggled with injuries and inconsistent quarterback production. Yet, he ended the year playing well.
Burks averaged 1.6 fantasy points per target over his final six games despite missing time with a concussion and playing with three different quarterbacks. Meanwhile, the Titans lost their top two targeted players from last year -- Robert Woods and Austin Hooper. More importantly, Tennessee waited until the seventh round of the NFL Draft to select a wide receiver. Even if the Titans add a veteran before the start of the year, Burks will have a sophomore-season breakout.
AFC West
Denver Broncos – Javonte Williams
Last year, Williams was a popular breakout candidate after ending his rookie season as the RB17, averaging 10.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Unfortunately, the former North Carolina star suffered a severe season-ending knee injury in Week 4 last year. However, Williams was on pace to have another solid season, averaging 10.3 fantasy points per game before the injury.
Furthermore, the young running back showed more potential in the passing game than as a rookie. Williams averaged 2.5 receptions per game in 2021 before seeing that number jump to four receptions per contest last season. More importantly, he appears on track to play in Week 1 this season. While the injury likely won't be 100% behind him until the 2024 season, Williams remains a top-15 dynasty running back.
Kansas City Chiefs – Patrick Mahomes
Kansas City has two future Hall of Fame players on offense in Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Some will argue that Kelce is the top Chiefs dynasty player in single quarterback leagues. However, he turns 34 this season. Furthermore, Kelce could retire as early as next offseason when his brother calls it quits (despite saying he's nowhere near retirement). Meanwhile, Mahomes is a fantasy cheat code.
The superstar quarterback has averaged at least 20.5 fantasy points per game every year as the starter. Furthermore, the former first-round pick led the NFL with a career-high 5,250 passing yards in 2022 despite losing Tyreek Hill. Mahomes is the clear-cut 1.01 pick in dynasty startup Superflex drafts. Yet, the veteran is also worthy of a top-24 pick in single quarterback leagues.
Las Vegas Raiders – Josh Jacobs
Fantasy players could argue that Davante Adams is still the top dynasty player in Las Vegas. The superstar has averaged at least 16.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game in four of the past five seasons. However, the veteran turns 31 in December and might see a decreased target volume moving forward than he saw in the past.
Meanwhile, Jacobs was the RB3 last season, averaging 17.8 fantasy points per game, a career-high. Furthermore, the former first-round pick led the NFL in touches (393), rushing yards (1,653), and scrimmage yards (2,053).
More importantly, he matched his career-high in rushing touchdowns with 12. Jacobs became the focal point of the offense last year under Josh McDaniels. The star running back has three top-14 finishes in the past three years and should have another in 2023.
Los Angeles Chargers – Justin Herbert
Unfortunately, Herbert had the worst year of his career in 2022. However, the superstar played through a severe shoulder injury and never had his entire supporting cast healthy. Yet, the former Oregon star ended the season as the QB11, averaging 16.4 fantasy points per game. While he struggled last year, fantasy players have no reason to worry about Herbert's long-term fantasy outlook.
The former Oregon star was a fantasy superstar his first two years in the NFL. Herbert was the QB2 in 2021, averaging 22.4 fantasy points per game. The superstar had the third-most passing touchdowns that year. More importantly, the Chargers improved Herbert's receiving core this offseason, using their first-round pick on Quentin Johnston. While the superstar struggled last year, Herbert is among the top dynasty quarterbacks.
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