2017 Razzball Rankings Versus…

We are here today to point out the differences between the Razzball Rankings (which finished Top-3 in 2016) and those that ESPN has released to the masses. Haha, just kidding. You know, it used to be that Matthew Berry, Tristan Cockraft (lovely human being, totally serious. Met him at the LABR party down in Arizona Spring Training, probably one of the nicest guys in the industry along with Eno Sarris), and Eric Karabell submitted their rankings for the Accuracy Challenge that our friends over at FantasyPros host… After both Berry finishing in the lower 80’s back in 2015 and then Karabell finishing in the same area-ish (“ish” because I can’t remember exactly ) last season, they have yet to be seen this season putting their rankings to the test. So while I used to be able to compare our rankings to what the “industry” had made “standard” (parenthesis for sarcasm I suppose), the first thing you’ll notice with our yearly “Rankings Versus” series is that there won’t be any Matthew Berry. Whether that’s ultimately a good or bad thing, I’ll let you decide. Because, hey, I’m just that kind of guy. But don’t worry! Instead, we’ll be taking a look at how our “industry” leading rankings stack against the ECR (Expert Consensus Rankings), and last season’s top “Accuracy Expert” (no sarcasm), Dalton Del Don from Yahoo! (do I have to yell it every time? Geez, that gets old real fast…) Sports, not to be confused with “Yoohoo! Sports”, which I do all the time. Then again, I usually confuse most things with chocolate drinks. Totally normal.

So be sure to check out our 2017 Fantasy Football Rankings, Auction Values, and our very own Cheat Sheet for any context you may need. I’d say that context needs more chocolate drink to be honest…

Jay Vs. The ECR

I really have no idea what’s going on with Torrey Smith. As many of the regular readers can attest to, I’ve never liked him in terms of fantasy. As a person, I just don’t know, but if he treats life like he does receiving yards, I don’t have much hope for him. So what’s changed? I’m not terribly sure if anything has, true, he has gotten out of San Francisco which probably raised his rankings by half all by itself. But I’m not sure how much volume the number two receiver will get in Philadelphia. There’s Nelson Agholor, Zach Ertz, and Darren Sproles to compete with, but on the flipside, another year on Carson Wentz’s belt (is that really where you want to put it bro?) should provide the offense with room to grow. So this is me basically saying I don’t get why I’m so high on Smith… maybe everyone else is just so low?

Cole Beasley and Terrance Williams always seem to hover in the top-200 for me, mostly because Dez Bryant‘s idea of a full season is a few weeks short of reality. Missing eight games the last two seasons will not just drop your own draft day value, but also raise those around you. A high tide lifts all boats type of situation, if you’re into the whole nautical thing. This far down the rankings, things start getting easily interchangeable so I wouldn’t read too much into my love for Terrance Williams, but Beasley seems like a good bet to have immense PPR value. Think of him as the Danny Woodhead of wide receivers, gritty (white), underrated (short and white), and a pass-catcher (a white pass-catcher).

Some other notable players that didn’t make the cut were Jamaal Williams (who I really really like), Chris Thompson (PPR Leagues), and Bilal Powell, who should make all Matt Forte owners a bit nervous.

While some may get the sense that I like Jeremy Hill less than my peers merely for personal reasons, then I say to you: Yeah, could be. The dude vultures more than actual vultures. Vultures actually call him up to get tips on their game. And do you even know what carrion eating does to your gums? I’ll tell you what: I don’t want to know. Taking a metaphor too far aside, I’m not sure what purpose he serves on your team. The Cincy backfield is not just crowded, but it’s crowed with plenty of middling talent (Giovani Bernard and Hill) mixed with potential talent in Joe Mixon. Even if you own everyone, it’ll be a fools errand to try and figure out who starts and is relegated to the bench, and based on what we’ve seen in the past, it’ll be Hill sitting on your bench with three carries, fifteen yards, and 28,456 touchdowns while Bernard has a 120 yard rushing day. I’m staying away from the whole depth chart, but especially Hill who just adds complications when setting your roster. It’s a weird reason, but I’m standing by it. Because science.

Looks like my Antonio Gates love has finally faded after nearly 15 years, just way children of divorce like it. I still like him as a streaming and bench option, but it’s pretty clear he’ll be getting few looks outside the red zone, and Hunter Henry has looked really solid, last season and this preseason.

Some other notable names that the ECR liked more than myself were Travis Kelce, Paul Perkins (the worst running back in the NFL, and Eddie Lacy could eat his favorite restaurant. Literally the actual restaurant.), Randall Cobb, and Terrelle Pryor.

Jay vs. Dalton Del Don

Of course the J-E-T-S Jets! require any football analysis to be graded on a curve… a very friendly one (we’re not monsters here!), but still, with Quincy Enunwa out for the year, they’ll have to throw it to someone other than Matt Forte and Bilal Powell… I think? Yeah, there’s something called a Hackenburg (Swedish ice cream company? Heisenberg, but with something stuck in his throat?) in charge of passing the football, but I’m surprised we’re that far apart on Robby Anderson.

Another huge gap (say hello to your mother for me) that raised an eyebrow was Frank Gore. I’m not a fan by any means, but seeing as how RB depth this season is almost non-existent, I’m happy to grab Gore up at the right spot. And I support ageism as much as the next Xennials, but not enough to justify a 77-spot difference.

I think the most general conclusion I can proffer here is that Del Don seemingly dislikes players who catch the ball for a living. Every player on that list is a receiver sans Powell (who I really really like this year) and Gore. Beyond that, it’s something I’ll be watching this season and deconstructing a bit, because sweeping generalizations generally don’t mean much.

Other names that I like more: Jamaal Williams, Allen Hurns, Rex Burkhead, Ameer Abdullah, Tevin Coleman, Eric Decker, and Keenan Allen.

I understand that O.J. Howard is garnering some hype, and while I’m willing to go all in with my Austin Hooper love, I’m a bit weary on what Howard will bring to the table. I like Joe Williams, I really do, but I still believe in Carlos Hyde, and while the current staff doesn’t have anything invested with Hyde, there’s enough talent there to hold Williams off for a while. A great handcuff to own though. (And even with the “likes less” label here, the same could be said for James Conner and Robert Turbin, legitimate handcuffs.)

And yeah, I’ll always like John Brown less. I think former John Brown owners can back me up there…

Some other interesting names we differ on: Kirk Cousins, Julius Thomas, Devante Parker, Andy Dalton (GINGER LOVER, I KNEW IT), Doug Martin, Paul Perkins (surprise, surprise) and Doug Martin. 

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