Aug. 21, 2018
There will be many more 2018 Fantasy Football Rankings and features in the late spring and summer, including tons of 2018 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts, Player Rankings, Sleepers and Busts. I’ll also have an extensive 2018 NFL Fantasy Football Preseason Stock Report.
2018 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Re-Draft
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Saquon Barkley, RB, Giants
Saquon Barkley is more than just an ordinary running back; he’ll be the centerpiece of the Giants’ offense, much like Marshall Faulk was for the “Greatest Show on Turf” Rams teams. Barkley should be a first-round fantasy pick this year in all formats.
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Kerryon Johnson, RB, Lions
Kerryon Johnson is a great fit for Detroit’s offense, as he’ll catch lots of Matthew Stafford’s short passes. This obviously makes him more appealing in PPR leagues. Johnson has looked special thus far, and there might be some Alvin Kamara-type potential.
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Royce Freeman, RB, Broncos
Royce Freeman has been better than Devontae Booker, though that’s not saying much. Freeman should start, but fellow rookie Phillip Lindsay will take some touches away.
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Sony Michel, RB, Patriots
Bill Belichick tends to use a million running backs, but given that he spent a first-round pick on Sony Michel, he obviously has big plans for the 31st-overall selection. Michel should be able to function as Dion Lewis’ replacement in New England’s offense. Michel has missed training camp, but is expected to be available early in the season.
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D.J. Moore, WR, Panthers
The Panthers lacked a No. 1 receiver heading into the 2018 NFL Draft, but now they have one. Moore, taken 24th overall, was getting consideration from two teams picking in the teens, so teams obviously liked his talent. I’m sure Cam Newton will as well. Moore has been tremendous in practice, and it’s only a matter of time before it translates to the field.
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Michael Gallup, WR, Cowboys
The Cowboys didn’t really have any viable starting receivers on their roster heading into the 2018 NFL Draft – Allen Hurns doesn’t count – so it’s not surprise that Michael Gallup has been Dak Prescott’s best receiver thus far. Gallup should have a solid 2018 campaign, as he’s high on my Fantasy Football Sleepers page.
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Calvin Ridley, WR, Falcons
Calvin Ridley is a precise route-runner who should be able to integrate into an NFL offense quite easily, thanks to the superior coaching he received at Alabama. I don’t think I’d draft Ridley before the 10th or 11th round, but I could see him ascending into WR2 status if Julio Jones were to suffer an injury.
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Rashaad Penny, RB, Seahawks
Rashaad Penny, chosen 27th overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, will be a three-down back for the Seahawks, according to Pete Carroll. Penny, however, is injured, and hasn’t been as good as Chris Carson this summer.
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Jordan Wilkins, RB, Colts
Jordan Wilkins was a fifth-round pick out of Ole Miss. He has a chance to start this year, given that his competition is Marlon Mack. Wilkins is a strong pass-blocker, so that could be a way he gets on the field.
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Nick Chubb, RB, Browns
The Browns spent a high second-round pick on Nick Chubb. Carlos Hyde stands in his way this year, and I don’t expect Chubb to pass him on the depth chart, barring injury. Fortunately for Chubb, Hyde has been very injury-prone throughout his career, so he could get some starts in the second half of the season.
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Courtland Sutton, WR, Broncos
Courtland Sutton will have an impact this year despite Demaryius Thomas or Emmanuel Sanders being on the roster. Sutton will play in three-receiver sets, and he’s worth a look in the late rounds of standard leagues.
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Anthony Miller, WR, Bears
There’s an outside chance Anthony Miller could become Chicago’s No. 2 receiver this season, but I like him better for the long haul. I would draft him in the late rounds as a sleeper, as he has been impressive in training camp and the preseason games.
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James Washington, WR, Steelers
James Washington has been outstanding this preseason. He’ll play the Martavis Bryant role in Pittsburgh’s offense, except he won’t be a screw-up like Bryant was. Washington could have a huge year if Antonio Brown or JuJu Smith-Schuster were to get hurt.
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Ronald Jones, RB, Buccaneers
The Buccaneers lacked talent in the backfield heading into the 2018 NFL Draft, so the only person who can prevent Ronald Jones from thriving this year is Jones himself. I worry about the Tampa party lifestyle getting to Jones, as it has to many young Buccaneers over the years. Jones has struggled in training camp, so I’m not optimistic about his chances.
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Phillip Lindsay, RB, Broncos
The Broncos spent a third-round pick on Royce Freeman, but they found a gem in undrafted free agent rookie Phillip Lindsay. The former Colorado product has been outstanding in training camp and the preseason. He routinely beat linebackers in practice and then generated huge bursts during games with some impressive spin moves. Lindsay, who set Colorado’s all-time record in yards from scrimmage (4,683), should be Denver’s third-down back at the very worst. He could also push for a larger role at some point, especially if Freeman were to get hurt.
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Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR, Packers
Marquez Valdes-Scantling has been the most impressive of the three Packer receivers, so he’s worth a late-round grab. That said, none of them have been as impressive as Jake Kumerow.
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Christian Kirk, WR, Cardinals
Christian Kirk was once viewed as a first-round prospect, but he fell to the middle of the second frame. He should do well in the long term, but he might have a rookie quarterback throwing to him for most of 2018, making him pretty undesirable in standard formats.
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Kalen Ballage, RB, Dolphins
Kalen Ballage could take over as the starting running back in the event of a Kenyan Drake injury, so he’s someone to monitor on the waiver wire.
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Dante Pettis, WR, 49ers
It’s difficult to trust rookie receivers, and Dante Pettis has a couple of solid players ahead of him on the depth chart in Pierre Garcon and Marquise Goodwin. I wouldn’t draft him this year, though there have been positive reports from Pettis in training camp.
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Antonio Callaway, WR, Browns
The talented Antonio Callaway slipped in the draft because of character concerns. He has looked great in training camp, and he’s flashed at times in the preseason games.
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J’Mon Moore, WR, Packers
J’Mon Moore has a chance to be productive right away, as there’s a vacancy in Green Bay’s receiving corps in the wake of Jordy Nelson’s departure. Moore, however, has been guilty of way too many drops.
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D.J. Chark, WR, Jaguars
The Jaguars lost their top receiver, Allen Robinson, to free agency. D.J. Chark gets to compete against some mediocre talents at receiver, and he should be able to move up the depth chart quickly. Unfortunately, Blake Bortles’ incompetence will prevent Chark from doing great things.
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Chase Edmonds, RB, Cardinals
A fourth-round rookie out of Fordham, Chase Edmonds figures to be David Johnson’s direct backup. He’ll obviously be worth grabbing on the waiver wire if Johnson were to get hurt again.
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Nyheim Hines, RB, Colts
Nyheim Hines will act as a very poor man’s Darren Sproles in the Colts’ offense. He’s worth more in PPR formats.
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Mike Gesicki, TE, Dolphins
I’m usually not a fan of drafting rookie tight ends, but the Dolphins didn’t have a tight end on their roster prior to selecting the athletic Mike Gesicki in the second round, so he’ll start right away.
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Hayden Hurst, TE, Ravens
Hayden Hurst could come close to TE1 range, but I don’t think there’s any reason to draft him in standard leagues this year.
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Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles
Dallas Goedert was selected in the second round to be Trey Burton’s replacement. He’ll only be a major fantasy factor if Zach Ertz gets hurt.
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Jordan Akins, TE, Texans
I’m not a fan of fantasy rookie tight ends, but Jordan Akins has a chance to be productive this year, given that the Texans had nothing else at the position.
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Tre’Quan Smith, WR, Saints
No Saints receiver should ever be counted out, and third-rounder Tre’Quan Smith could become the No. 2 wideout this year, depending on what happens with Cameron Meredith’s health situation. Still, given that the Saints are more run-oriented, Smith is better left undrafted, barring some impressinve showings in the preseason.
- Sam Darnold, QB, Jets
- Josh Allen, QB, Bills
- DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Broncos
- Ian Thomas, TE, Panthers
- John Kelly, RB, Rams
- Chris Herndon, TE, Jets
- Dalton Schultz, TE, Cowboys
- Daurice Fountain, WR, Colts
- Equanimeous St. Brown, WR, Packers
- Keke Coutee, WR, Texans
- Cedrick Wilson, WR, Cowboys
- Braxton Berrios, WR, Patriots
- Jaleel Scott, WR, Ravens
- Mark Walton, RB, Bengals
- Ito Smith, RB, Falcons
- Trey Quinn, WR, Redskins
- Baker Mayfield, QB, Browns
- Jaylen Samuels, TE, Steelers
- Boston Scott, RB, Saints
- Trenton Cannon, RB, Jets
- David Williams, RB, Broncos
- Justin Jackson, RB, Chargers
- Bo Scarbrough, RB, Cowboys
- Josh Rosen, QB, Cardinals
- Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens
- Tyler Conklin, TE, Vikings
- Troy Fumagalli, TE, Broncos
- Justin Watson, WR, Buccaneers
- Marcell Ateman, WR, Raiders
- Jordan Lasley, WR, Ravens
- Dylan Cantrell, WR, Chargers
- Javon Wims, WR, Bears
- Ray-Ray McCloud, WR, Bills
- Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
- Damion Ratley, WR, Browns
- Richie James, WR, 49ers
- Auden Tate, WR, Bengals
- Austin Proehl, WR, Bills
- Russell Gage, WR, Falcons
- Jordan Thomas, TE, Texans
- Ryan Izzo, TE, Patriots
- Kyle Lauletta, QB, Giants
- Mason Rudolph, QB, Steelers
- Deon Cain, WR, Colts
More 2018 Fantasy Football Articles:
Fantasy Football Rankings
2018 Fantasy Football Rankings:
2018 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks - 9/5 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings - 8/29 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs - 9/5 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings - 8/29 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers - 9/5 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings - 8/29 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends - 9/5 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings - 8/29 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers - 8/21 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses - 8/21 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 8/21 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 5/18 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts:
Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 9/1 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/30 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/27 (Walt)
Fantasy Football PPR Mock Draft - 8/23 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/22 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/16 (Walt)
Fantasy Football PPR Mock Draft - 8/9 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 8/2 (Walt)
Fantasy Football PPR Mock Draft - 8/1 (Chet)
Fantasy Football PPR Mock Draft - 7/26 (Walt)
Fantasy Football 2-QB Dynasty Draft - 5/25 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets:
2018 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 PPR - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 2-QB - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 Touchdown League - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Custom - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football: Dynasty Rankings - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Spreadsheets - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Articles:
2018 Fantasy Football Stock Report: OTAs, Training Camp - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Sleepers - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Busts - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Mid-Round Values - 9/5 (Walt)
2018 NFL Preseason Game Recaps - 8/31 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Preseason Games - 8/31 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football Notes - 8/31 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Quarterback Preseason Targets Tracker - 8/30 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football D/ST Drafting - 8/28 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football ADP Values: Running Backs - 8/16 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Round-by-Round Strategy Guide - 8/15 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football ADP Values: Quarterbacks - 8/15 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Tight Ends to Target - 8/9 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football - PPR Draft Strategy: Rounds 1 and 2 - 7/27 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football: Doug Baldwin's Value - 7/25 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football: Chris Hogan's Value - 7/18 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football: Alvin Kamara's Value - 7/16 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule: Tight Ends - 7/11 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule: Wide Receivers - 7/6 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule: Running Backs - 7/5 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule: Quarterbacks - 7/4 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Tight Ends Better Than ADP - 6/29 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Wide Receivers Better Than ADP - 6/28 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Target Shares - 6/22 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Points Per Game - 6/13 (Chet)
2018 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator - 6/2
2018 Fantasy Football Value Players - 5/25 (Chet)
2017 Fantasy Football Quarterback Look-Back - 1/28 (Walt)
2018 Fantasy Football: Running Backs with the Most Carries - 1/28 (Walt)
NFL Picks - Dec. 13
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Dec. 11
NFL Power Rankings - Dec. 9
2026 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 29
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
