Welcome to the "Original" Dynasty Rankings Fantasy Football Blog

This blog was born out of a Dynasty Rankings thread originally begun in October, 2006 at the Footballguys.com message boards. The rankings in that thread and the ensuing wall-to-wall discussion of player values and dynasty league strategy took on a life of its own at over 275 pages and 700,000 page views. The result is what you see in the sidebar under "Updated Positional Rankings": a comprehensive ranking of dynasty league fantasy football players by position on a tiered, weighted scale. In the tradition of the original footballguys.com Dynasty Rankings thread, intelligent debate is welcome and encouraged.

Monday, April 27, 2009

NFL Draft: Dynasty Fallout

I wrote this "Rounds 1-2 Draft Fallout" article for Rotworld's Pancake Blocks blog Saturday night, and I hope to have a Dynasty Winners/Losers article up soon. Since publication, Shonn Greene was drafted by the Jets with the first pick in the third round. I'd probably place him right around No. 6, in front of LeSean McCoy.

Initial reaction on the Top-12 Dynasty league rookie picks following the first two rounds of the NFL Draft:


1. Knowshon Moreno, Broncos - The draft's best all-around running back. Evan Silva and I debated the committee effect in Denver, and I just don't believe Josh McDaniels is married to that approach. He didn't use the No. 12 pick to have a dynamite player sit behind Correll Buckhalter, J.J. Arrington and LaMont Jordan.

2. Chris Wells, Cardinals - This was a crazy good fit for both player and team. Wells is the most explosive back in the draft and will step in as the workhorse in a scary offense starting in Week One.

3. Michael Crabtree, 49ers - Just because he fell in the draft, that doesn't mean he falls in fantasy leagues. Crabtree should step in as an immediate starter and easily the best playmaker of Shaun Hill's weapons.

4. Percy Harvin, Vikings - Sure to be the most controversial of these rankings, I love Harvin's fit with the Vikings. Harvin's explosiveness and first-step quickness will make him an outstanding playmaker on astroturf, and the Vikes "pick-your-poison" offense just got a whole lot tougher to stop.

5. Donald Brown, Colts - I've never been a Joseph Addai fan, but it's true that Brown won't just push him to the sidelines. The Colts offense is great, but I don't like waiting 2+ years on a running back if I'm not sure he's going to be special.

6. LeSean McCoy, Eagles - He's too similar to Brian Westbrook to carve out a significant role right off the bat, and I'm not wild about his shake and bake style making the easy transition to the NFL.

7. Hakeem Nicks, Giants - Silva's second-ranked wide receiver is also high on my list. Eli's hit-and-miss gun will be throwing to him, but the opportunity will be there right off the bat.

8. Matthew Stafford, Lions - Is he accurate enough? We'll find out, but you have to like a strong-armed quarterback's ability to find Calvin Johnson.

9. Mark Sanchez, Jets - The good news is that he was hottest name in the draft. The bad news is that the Jets didn't have a chance to find a starter opposite Jerricho Cotchery once they made the deal to get their franchise quarterback.

10. Kenny Britt, Titans - Silva believes he's a threat to Justin Gage's starting job, but I think it will end up Gage and Britt in the starting lineup with Nate Washington assuming his familiar deep-threat No. 3 role. Either way, Britt has the best chance of ending up as the go-to guy.

11. Jeremy Maclin, Eagles - Where does he fit in this offense? And is his game too similar to DeSean Jackson's? I love what the Eagles have done on offense this season, but how long until Maclin becomes a fantasy starter?

12. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Raiders - The biggest reach in the first round lands in a dysfunctional offense with a scatter-shot quarterback. The opportunity is there, but I'm skeptical of the Raiders passing game.

Read more!

Bengals Can't Change Their Stripes

MJD's outstanding Shutdown Corner blog recently included a "sad but true" article on the Bengals' ongoing policy of ignoring character in football players. As I mentioned on Facebook earlier in the day, this team deserves no benefit of the doubt. None. From the ownership, to the team philosophy, to the development, to the lack of a backbone, to the players getting arrested at an alarming pace, to their annual trip down the rabbit hole once the season gets out of hand, it's the most embarrassing franchise in profession sports. The only fans left are obvious victims of "battered wife syndrome." Since the article was written Sunday morning, the Bengals drafted a running back who has been arrested five times.

Character is still not a huge concern for the Bengals

But from the standpoint of the Cincinnati Bengals, with all the issues with character that they've had on their football team ... wouldn't you like to see more quotes in here like, "great motor, loves playing football, works hard on and off the field, never takes a play off, a tremendous natural leader, and stays out of trouble off the field"?

Instead, here's what they have so far:

1st round: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

National Football Post: "Maturity is a concern, showed up at the NFL Combine overweight and left without warning; there are big red flags in that area." Pro Football Weekly: "Too soft-bodied and soft-minded. Does not play hard every down and effort is too inconsistent. Makes little effort after the initial block and too often gives up after taking one shot. Does not like to work and relies too much on his natural ability. Loves to eat, and his weight has fluctuated throughout his career. Lacks discipline and does not play smart." ... "Has not proven he can handle the trappings of success. Very immature. Questionable character. Turned off teams in interviews at the Combine with his lack of energy and soft temperament." ESPN: "We also have questions about whether the Bengals' locker room is a good fit for Smith -- a team with more leadership would have probably been a better fit."

2nd round: Rey Maualuga, LB, USC

Wikipedia: "Off the field his career started with occasional spirited and reckless partying that led to an October 2005 incident where he got into a fight at a Halloween party and was arrested for misdemeanor battery. He agreed in an arraignment diversion program that included counseling, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and community service resulting in the charges being dismissed."

3rd round: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech:

National Football Post: "His production has never come close to matching his amazing athletic skill set. Takes too many plays off and lacks power and strength in his lower half." Pro Football Weekly: "Does not show a desire to play the run and can be blown off the line. Packed it in against better competition. Not a finisher." ESPN: "More importantly, there are concerns about his work ethic and dedication to improving his game." ... "There are some that question his physical and mental toughness."

And again, I stress, I'm not saying these are bad people. I'd invite any of them over for Christmas dinner, and if you only listed the negative qualities about anyone, you could paint a bleak picture of them. Obviously, they're all very talented, too.

My point is about the Cincinnati Bengals, the character problems that have plagued the team, and how they might occasionally want to think about that during the NFL draft.

Read more!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Quarterback Rankings | April 24, 2009

QUARTERBACKS

TIER ONE

1. Peyton Manning, IND | Age: 33.5 | Contract: Thru 2012 | Value Score: 99

2. Drew Brees, NO | Age: 30.6 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 99

3. #Tom Brady, NE | Age: 32.1 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 96

4. Matt Ryan, ATL | Age: 24.3 | Contract: Thru 2013 | Value Score: 95

TIER TWO

5. Aaron Rodgers, GB | Age: 25.8 | Contract: Thru 2014 | Value Score: 88

6. Philip Rivers, SD | Age: 27.8 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 87

7. Jay Cutler, CHI | Age: 26.3 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 86

8. Tony Romo, DAL | Age: 29.4 | Contract: Thru 2013 | Value Score: 85

9.
Ben Roethlisberger, PIT | Age: 27.5 | Contract: Thru 2014 | Value Score: 85

10. Matt Schaub, HOU | Age: 28.2 | Contract: Thru 2012 | Value Score: 83

TIER THREE

11. #Kurt Warner, ARI | Age: 38.3 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 75

12. Donovan McNabb, PHI | Age: 32.7 | Contract: Thru 2013 | Value Score: 74

13. Carson Palmer, CIN | Age: 29.7 | Contract: Thru 2014 | Value Score: 73

14. Eli Manning, NYG | Age: 28.6 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 68

TIER FOUR

15. Matt Cassel, KC | Age: 26.3 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 60

16. Joe Flacco, BAL | Age: 24.7 | Contract: Thru 2012 | Value Score: 57

17. Trent Edwards, BUF | Age: 25.9 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 57

18. Matt Hasselbeck, SEA| Age: 34.0 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 55

19. David Garrard, JAX | Age: 31.5 | Contract: Thru 2014 | Value Score: 48

TIER FIVE

20. Jason Campbell, WAS[T] | Age: 27.7 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 32

21. Brady Quinn, CLE[T] | Age: 24.9 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 32

22. JaMarcus Russell, OAK | Age: 24.1 | Contract: Thru 2012 | Value Score: 30

23. Chad Henne, MIA | Age: 24.2 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 28

24. Sage Rosenfels, MIN | Age: 31.5 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 26

25. Kyle Orton, DEN | Age: 26.8 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 26

26. *Michael Vick, ATL[x] | Age: 29.2 | Contract: Thru 2013 | Value Score: 25

27. Shaun Hill, SF | Age: 29.7 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 24

TIER SIX

28. Jake Delhomme, CAR | Age: 34.6 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 16

29. Luke McCown, TB | Age: 28.2 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 14

30. Kellen Clemens, NYJ | Age: 26.3 | Value Score: 13

31. Vince Young, TEN | Age: 26.3 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 12

32. Derek Anderson, CLE[T] | Age: 26.2 | Contract: Thru 2010* | Value Score: 12

33. Marc Bulger, STL | Age: 32.4 | Contract: Thru 2013 | Value Score: 11

34. Daunte Culpepper, DET | Age: 32.7 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 8

35. Byron Leftwich, TB | Age: 29.6 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 8

36. Kerry Collins, TEN | Age: 36.7 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 7

37. Matt Leinart, ARI[T] | Age: 26.3 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 6

38. Chad Pennington, MIA | Age: 33.2 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 6

39. Brett Ratliff
, NYJ | Age: 24.1 | Value Score: 6

TIER SEVEN

40. Kevin Kolb, PHI | Age: 25.0 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 5

41. Josh Johnson, TB | Age: 23.4 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 5

42. Colt Brennan, WAS | Age: 26.0 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 4

43. Chris Simms, DEN | Age: 29.0 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 3

44. Drew Stanton, DET | Age: 25.4 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 3

45. Tarvaris Jackson, MIN | Age: 26.4 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 3

46. Seneca Wallace, SEA | Age: 29.1 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 3

47. Matt Moore
, CAR | Age: 25.1 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 3

48. Brian Brohm, GB | Age: 23.9 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 3

49. Kevin O'Connell, NE | Age: 24.5 | Value Score: 3

50. Tyler Thigpen, KC | Age: 25.4 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 3

51. Dennis Dixon, PIT | Age: 24.7 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 3

LONG-SHOTS

52. Jeff Garcia, OAK | Age: 39.5 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 2

53. Alex Smith, SF | Age: 25.3 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 2

54. Dan Orlovsky, HOU | Age: 26.1 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 2

55. Jon Kitna, DAL | Age: 37.0 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 2

56. Troy Smith, BAL | Age: 25.2 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 2

57. Kyle Boller, STL | Age: 28.3 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 2

58. J.P. Losman, BUF | Age: 28.5 | Contract: [UFA] | Value Score: 2

RUBBISH

59. Billy Volek, SD | Age: 33.4 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 1

60. Rex Grossman, CHI |Age: 29.0 | Contract: [UFA] | Value Score: 1

61. Brian Griese, TB[x] | Age: 34.5 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 1

62. John David Booty, MIN | Age: 25.2 | Value Score: 1

63. John Beck, MIA | Age: 28.1 | Value Score: 1

64. Charlie Whitehurst, SD | Age: 27.1 | Value Score: 1

65. Brett Favre, NYJ[*] | Age: 39.9 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 1

66. #Brodie Croyle, KC | Age: 26.5 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 1

67. Josh McCown, CAR | Age: 30.2 | Value Score: 1

68. David Carr, NYG | Age: 30.1 | Value Score: 1

69. Damon Huard, SF | Age: 36.2 | Contract: ? | Value Score: 1

70. Cleo Lemon, JAX | Age: 30.1 | Value Score: 1

71. Ryan Fitzpatrick, BUF | Age: 26.8 | Contract: Thru ? | Value Score: 1

72. J.T. O'Sullivan, CIN | Age: 30.0 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 1

73. Patrick Ramsey, TEN | Age: 30.5 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 1

74. Andre Woodson, NYG | Age: 25.4 | Value Score: 1

75. Joey Harrington, NO | Age: 30.9 | Value Score: 1

76. Andrew Walter, OAK[x] | Age: 27.3 | Value Score: 1

77. Gus Frerotte, MIN | Age: 38.2 | Contract: [UFA] | Value Score: 1

Read more!

Running Back Rankings | April 24, 2009

RUNNING BACKS

TIER ONE

1. Adrian Peterson, MIN | Age: 24.5 | Contract: Thru 2012 | Value Score: 100

2. Maurice Jones-Drew, JAX | Age: 24.4 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 97

3. Chris Johnson, TEN | Age: 23.9 | Contract: Thru 2012 | Value Score: 97

4. Steven Jackson, STL | Age: 26.1 | Contract: Thru 2013 | Value Score: 94

TIER TWO

5. Matt Forte, CHI | Age: 23.7 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 88

6. Michael Turner, ATL | Age: 27.5 | Contract: Thru 2013 | Value Score: 87

7. Frank Gore, SF | Age: 26.2 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 86

8. DeAngelo Williams, CAR | Age: 26.4 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 84

TIER THREE

9. Brandon Jacobs, NYG | Age: 27.2 | Contract: Thru 2012 | Value Score: 74

10. Brian Westbrook, PHI | Age: 30.0 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 73

11. *Marshawn Lynch
, BUF | Age: 23.4 | Contract: Thru 2012 | Value Score: 73

12. Clinton Portis, WAS | Age: 28.0 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 72

13. Marion Barber III, DAL | Age: 26.3 | Contract: Thru 2014 | Value Score: 72

14. Ronnie Brown, MIA | Age: 27.7 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 71

15. Jonathan Stewart, CAR | Age: 22.5 | Contract: Thru 2012 | Value Score: 68

TIER FOUR

16. Darren McFadden, OAK | Age: 22.0 | Contract: Thru 2013 | Value Score: 61

17. LaDainian Tomlinson, SD | Age: 30.2 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 60

18. #Reggie Bush, NO | Age: 24.5 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 60

19. Steve Slaton, HOU | Age: 23.7 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 60

20. Pierre Thomas, NO | Age: 24.7 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 59

21. Kevin Smith, DET | Age: 22.7 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 57

22. Joseph Addai, IND | Age: 26.3 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 56

23. Ryan Grant, GB | Age: 26.7 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 55

TIER FIVE

24. Rashard Mendenhall, PIT | Age: 22.2 | Contract: Thru 2012 | Value Score: 46

25. Felix Jones, DAL | Age: 22.3 | Contract: Thru 2012 | Value Score: 44

26. Derrick Ward, TB | Age: 29.1 | Contract: Thru 2012 | Value Score: 43

27. Ray Rice, BAL | Age: 22.7 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 40

28. Willie Parker, PIT | Age: 28.8 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 39

29. Willis McGahee, BAL | Age: 27.9 | Contract: Thru 2013 | Value Score: 36

30. Thomas Jones, NYJ | Age: 31.0 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 34

TIER SIX

31. Ahmad Bradshaw, NYG | Age: 23.5 | Value Score: 26

32. Jamaal Charles, KC | Age: 22.7 | Value Score: 25

33. Cedric Benson, CIN | Age: 26.7 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 24

34. *Larry Johnson, KC[x] | Age: 29.8 | Contract: Thru 2012 | Value Score: 24

35. Laurence Maroney, NE | Age: 24.5 | Value Score: 23

36. Michael Bush, OAK[T] | Age: 25.3 | Value Score: 20

37. Darren Sproles, SD | Age: 26.3 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 19

38. Le'Ron McClain, BAL | Age: 24.7 | Value Score: 19

39. LenDale White, TEN | Age: 24.7 | Value Score: 17

TIER SEVEN

40. Fred Jackson, BUF | Age: 28.6 | Value Score: 13

41. Tashard Choice, DAL | Age: 24.8 | Value Score: 12

42. Leon Washington, NYJ | Age: 27.0 | Value Score: 11

43. Jamal Lewis, CLE | Age: 30.0 | Value Score: 10

44. Tim Hightower, ARI | Age: 23.3 | Value Score: 10

45. Julius Jones, SEA[x] | Age: 28.0 | Value Score: 10

46. Brandon Jackson, GB | Age: 23.9 | Value Score: 9

47. Earnest Graham, TB | Age: 29.7 | Value Score: 9

48. Jerious Norwood, ATL | Age: 26.1 | Value Score: 9

49. LaMont Jordan, DEN | Age: 30.8 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 8

50. Fred Taylor, NE | Age: 33.6 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 8

51. Chester Taylor, MIN | Age: 30.0 | Value Score: 8

52. Correll Buckhalter, DEN | Age: 30.9 | Contract: Thru 2012 | Value Score: 7

53. Justin Fargas, OAK | Age: 29.6 | Value Score: 6

54. Jerome Harrison, CLE | Age: 26.5 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 6

55. Ladell Betts, WAS | Age: 30.0 | Value Score: 5

56. Kevin Jones, CHI | Age: 27.0 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 5

57. Sammy Morris, NE | Age: 32.5 | Value Score: 5

58. #Ryan Torain, DEN | Age: 23.1 | Value Score: 5

59. Ricky Williams, MIA | Age: 32.3 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 5

TIER EIGHT

60. Maurice Morris, DET | Age: 29.7 | Contract: Thru 2011 | Value Score: 3

61. Danny Ware, NYG[R] | Age: 24.6 | Value Score: 3

62. Dominic Rhodes, BUF | Age: 30.6 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 3

63. Edgerrin James, ARI[x] | Age: 31.1 | Value Score: 3

64. J.J. Arrington, DEN | Age: 26.7 | Value Score: 3

65. #Mike Hart, IND | Age: 23.4 | Value Score: 3

66. Peyton Hillis, DEN | Age: 23.7 | Value Score: 3

67. Mewelde Moore, PIT | Age: 27.1 | Value Score: 3

68. Chauncy Washington, JAX | Age: 24.4 | Value Score: 2

69. Chris Brown, HOU[x] | Age: 28.4 | Value Score: 2

70. #Kregg Lumpkin, GB | Age: 25.3 | Value Score: 2

71. Jalen Parmele, BAL | Age: 23.7 | Value Score: 2

72. DeShawn Wynn, GB | Age: 25.9 | Value Score: 2

73. T.J. Duckett, SEA | Age: 28.6 | Value Score: 2

74. Selvin Young, DEN | Age: 25.9 | Value Score: 2

75. Gary Russell, CIN | Age: 23.0 | Value Score: 2

76. Greg Jones, JAX | Age: 28.3 | Value Score: 2

TIER NINE

77. Kevin Faulk, NE | Age: 33.3 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 1

78. Warrick Dunn, TB | Age: 34.7 | Contract: [UFA] | Value Score: 1

79. #Kolby Smith, KC | Age: 24.8 | Value Score: 1

80. Xavier Omon, BUF | Age: 24.6 | Value Score: 1

81. Jacob Hester, SD | Age: 24.3 | Value Score: 1

82. Ahman Green, HOU | Age: 32.5 | Contract: [UFA] | Value Score: 1

83. Chris Henry, TEN | Age: 24.3 | Value Score: 1

84. Antonio Pittman, STL | Age: 23.7 | Value Score: 1

85. Lorenzo Booker, PHI | Age: 25.3 | Value Score: 1

86. Chris Perry, CIN[x] | Age: 27.7 | Contract: Thru 2009 | Value Score: 1

87. Heath Evans, NO | Age: 30.7 | Value Score: 1

88. DeShaun Foster, SF | Age: 29.7 | Contract: [UFA] | Value Score: 1

89. Rudi Johnson, DET | Age: 29.9 | Contract: [UFA] | Value Score: 1

90. Deuce McAllister, NO | Age: 30.7 | Contract: [UFA]| Value Score: 1

91. Najeh Daveport, IND | Age: 30.6 | Contract: [UFA]| Value Score: 1

92. Michael Bennett, SD | Age: 31.0 | Value Score: 1

93. Kenny Watson, CIN | Age: 31.6 | Value Score: 1

94. Michael Robinson, SF | Age: 26.5 | Value Score: 1

95. Benjarvus Green-Ellis, NE | Age: 24.2 | Value Score: 1

96. #Cadillac Williams, TB | Age: 27.4 | Contract: Thru 2010 | Value Score: 1

Read more!