2018 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings (Dynasty)


Updated Aug. 21, 2018

There are many more 2018 Fantasy Football Rankings and features here, including tons of 2018 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts, Player Rankings, Sleepers and Busts. Also, an extensive 2018 NFL Fantasy Football Preseason Stock Report.



2018 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty

  1. 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.

  2. 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.



  3. Sony Michel, RB, Georgia
    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. The downside from a dynasty perspective is that Michel has some injury complications that could cause him to have a shortened career.

  4. 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. He could be the starter heading into 2019.

  5. 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.



  6. 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. Ridley has a strong long-term outlook, as Matt Ryan should be his quarterback for most of his career.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. Derrius Guice, RB, Redskins
    Derrius Guice is out for 2018, but I still like his long-term outlook.



  10. 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.

  11. 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. That said, his long-term outlook appears bright because of Jimmy Garoppolo.

  12. 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.

  13. 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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.



  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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 his outlook is bright for 2019 and beyond.

  19. Sam Darnold, QB, Jets
    Sam Darnold doesn’t appear to be a desirable fantasy option in the near future, as the Jets’ offense is lacking in weaponry beyond Robby Anderson.

  20. Baker Mayfield, QB, Browns
    It’s unclear if Baker Mayfield will see action until late in 2018, but he’s someone to monitor in the future because of his scrambling ability.

  21. 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. Hopefully he’s replaced soon.

  22. 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.

  23. Hayden Hurst, TE, Ravens
    Hayden Hurst could come close to TE1 range, but I like him more for the long term.

  24. Dallas Goedert, TE, Eagles
    The highly athletic Dallas Goedert will replace Trey Burton in Philadelphia’s offense. Zach Ertz is standing in his way as far as long-term production.

  25. Antonio Callaway, WR, Browns
    Antonio Callaway has some major off-the-field problems, but he’s also supremely talented. If he stays out of trouble, he could become a big-time producer for the Browns.

  26. Kalen Ballage, RB, Dolphins
    Kalen Ballage figures to 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.

  27. 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.

  28. Tre’Quan Smith, WR, Saints
    Third-rounder Tre’Quan Smith could become the No. 2 wideout this year, depending on what happens with Cameron Meredith’s health situation. However, given that Drew Brees is 39, Smith won’t have elite quarterbacking for long.

  29. 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.

  30. Josh Allen, QB, Bills
    Josh Allen has accuracy issues, but he’s a big-armed, hard-working, mobile quarterback who should be able to post some strong fantasy performances.

  31. 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.

  32. 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.

  33. Ian Thomas, TE, Panthers
    Ian Thomas is an ultra-athletic tight end who should take over Greg Olsen’s job once Olsen retires.

  34. Josh Rosen, QB, Cardinals
    Josh Rosen has a chance to play sooner rather than later because of Sam Bradford’s injury history, but his lack of passion for football could mean that he’ll have a brief career.

  35. Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
    Lamar Jackson has great fantasy potential because of his legs, but he may not play until 2020 because of Joe Flacco’s albatross of a contract.

  36. Chase Edmonds, RB, Cardinals
  37. DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Broncos
  38. Chris Herndon, TE, Jets
  39. Dalton Schultz, TE, Cowboys
  40. John Kelly, RB, Rams
  41. Equanimeous St. Brown, WR, Packers
  42. Keke Coutee, WR, Texans
  43. Daurice Fountain, WR, Colts
  44. Mark Walton, RB, Bengals
  45. Ito Smith, RB, Falcons
  46. Jaylen Samuels, TE, Steelers
  47. Braxton Berrios, WR, Patriots
  48. Deon Cain, WR, Colts
  49. Trenton Cannon, RB, Jets
  50. Boston Scott, RB, Saints
  51. Cedrick Wilson, WR, Cowboys
  52. David Williams, RB, Broncos
  53. Jaleel Scott, WR, Ravens
  54. Justin Watson, WR, Buccaneers
  55. Justin Jackson, RB, Chargers
  56. Bo Scarbrough, RB, Cowboys
  57. Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens
  58. Tyler Conklin, TE, Vikings
  59. Jordan Lasley, WR, Ravens
  60. Ray-Ray McCloud, WR, Bills
  61. Troy Fumagalli, TE, Broncos
  62. Dylan Cantrell, WR, Chargers
  63. Damion Ratley, WR, Browns
  64. Marcell Ateman, WR, Raiders
  65. Javon Wims, WR, Bears
  66. Richie James, WR, 49ers
  67. Trey Quinn, WR, Redskins
  68. Auden Tate, WR, Bengals
  69. Austin Proehl, WR, Bills
  70. Russell Gage, WR, Falcons
  71. Jordan Thomas, TE, Texans
  72. Ryan Izzo, TE, Patriots
  73. Kyle Lauletta, QB, Giants
  74. Mason Rudolph, QB, Steelers
  75. Tanner Lee, QB, Jaguars
  76. Danny Etling, QB, Patriots
  77. Mike White, QB, Cowboys
  78. Luke Falk, QB, Titans
  79. Alex McGough, QB, Seahawks
  80. Logan Woodside, QB, Bengals







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)






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