These 10 players will be underdrafted or overdrafted in PPR leagues
With the NFL draft finished, the dead time of the offseason is largely underway. Not much will change for teams between rookie minicamp and training camp save for bottom-of-the-90-man-roster moves. What does start to come into focus during this period, though, is fantasy draft positioning.
Of course, training camp is when players hash out roster battles and positioning finalizes. Still, there are already many sets of fantasy rankings available, slotting in the rookies based on their teams’ current depth charts. Fantasy Pros provides an expert consensus ranking for each player.
There are some players whose consensus ranking is either too high or too low based on their projected role. Sometimes, the rating is based on previous performance, but other times, it’s truly hard to understand.
Here are 10 players whose ranking I believe is wrong — five that are underrated and five overrated.
Underrated: RB Zack Moss, CIN
Moss’ consensus ranking is RB34 in PPR leagues. That’s hard to believe after he finished 2023 as RB27 despite starting only half the season. Cincinnati’s starting running back in 2023, Joe Mixon, finished as the RB6 in PPR leagues. Moss’ current consensus ADP is No. 103; he’s great value there.
Overrated: WR Stefon Diggs, HOU
The problem with Houston’s wide receivers is that it’s difficult to know who will emerge as the top target. Nico Collins (WR12 in 2023), Tank Dell (WR39), and Stefon Diggs (WR9) are all viable options for C.J. Stroud. Considering that Diggs fell off toward the end of 2023, he seems the most likely to underwhelm of the three. His consensus ranking as WR19 seems a bit rich with the other weapons on the team, especially with Dell at WR32 and Collins at WR20.
Underrated: WR Jordan Addison, MIN
With T.J. Hockenson coming off a late-season knee injury, Jordan Addison should be the clear-cut No. 2 receiving threat in Minnesota. Addison finished his rookie season as WR23, but he’s listed as WR37 in the consensus rankings. Obviously, Justin Jefferson rules the day in Minnesota, but Addison is a strong slot threat and should finish higher than WR37.
Overrated: RB Derrick Henry, BAL
While Derrick Henry and the Ravens could be a match made in heaven, the 30-year-old running back is due for a decline if his volume is heavy. RB12 seems a bit high for him.
Underrated: RB Jaylen Warren, PIT
After the Steelers declined Najee Harris’ fifth-year option, don’t be surprised if Jaylen Warren emerges as the clear-cut starting running back for the Steelers in 2024. Warren put up almost equal PPR numbers to Harris in 2023 despite having fewer touches and far fewer red zone touches than Harris. With the Steelers’ ample improvements along the offensive line, don’t be surprised to see a classic Pittsburgh running game emerge in 2024 — with Warren as the focal point. RB27 is a total steal; he was already RB22 in 2023.
Overrated: Miami Dolphins D/ST
After losing Vic Fangio and Christian Wilkins, the Dolphins’ defense looks vulnerable. Their top two edge rushers both sustained injuries late in the season. I wouldn’t draft them as your D/ST.
Underrated: WR Mike Evans, TB
Mike Evans finished 2023 as the WR7 in PPR leagues — but he’s ranked as WR17 in the consensus rankings for 2024. He’s still the WR1 in Tampa with the same quarterback. He’s been doing the same thing for a decade. Why underestimate him? If you can get him as WR17, more power to you.
Overrated: RB Josh Jacobs, GB
Some may see Josh Jacobs’ down 2023 season as a fluke, but let the buyer beware when it comes to his stock. I would look toward surer options for the RB1 spot. On the flip side, Jacobs’ viability as a receiver may keep his floor at the high-end RB2 range.
Underrated: WR Ladd McConkey, LAC
Ladd McConkey is really good at getting open, and he’s the de facto No. 1 target in Los Angeles. He’s just the sort of compiler who’s perfect for PPR leagues. WR47 is way too low for McConkey. Don’t be shocked if he leads all rookies in receptions.
Overrated: TE Brock Bowers, LV
Vegas is looking at a QB competition between Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew — not exactly an inspiring pair. Michael Mayer, the Raiders’ second-round tight end in 2023, finished his rookie season as TE30. Tight ends generally struggle significantly entering the NFL. How Bowers is TE13 and ahead of Cole Kmet, who finished 2023 as TE8, is difficult to believe, even with the Bears’ increased receiving manpower.