This year we’re playing for keeps! For the six of you readers who haven’t already scrolled hastily down to the list, there’s a few matters to clarify regarding keeper leagues, dynasty leagues, rankings for both, and my neighbor, Bucky. Over the past month I gave you my early top 10 and top 20 rankings for 2021 dynasty leagues as well as my top 25 rankings for superflex dynasty leagues. It’s important to note that those rankings are intended for full fledged dynasty leagues where you retain your entire roster from year to year. In dynasty formats, the career longevity of both wide receivers and quarterbacks needs to be reflected in valuations along with the short shelf life of the running back position.
The keeper league rankings below are designed to reflect player valuations in leagues where you retain only a portion of your roster—maybe only one play even. These rankings assume all players have an equal cost associated with keeping them, if any. Of course, most keeper leagues have their own quirks like my neighbor Bucky who thinks the dinosaurs never existed and their bones were planted across the earth by visiting alien lizards. Nice guy, Bucky. Crazier than a juggling monkey on a unicycle, but really nice guy. Bucky aside, if you want some input regarding your specific keeper rules and options then feel free to hit me in the comments. Anyway, here’s an early look at the top 100 keepers for 2021 fantasy football:
*rankings geared towards 1/2 point PPR scoring
| Rank | Name | Team | Position | Age on 9/1/2021 | Year of Free Agency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Christian McCaffrey | CAR | RB | 25 | 2026 (2023 out) |
| 2 | Dalvin Cook | MIN | RB | 26 | 2026 (2023 out) |
| 3 | Derrick Henry | TEN | RB | 27 | 2024 (2022 out) |
| 4 | Alvin Kamara | NO | RB | 26 | 2026 (2024 out) |
| 5 | Jonathan Taylor | IND | RB | 22 | 2024 |
| 6 | Nick Chubb | CLE | RB | 25 | 2022 |
| 7 | Davante Adams | GB | WR | 28 | 2022 |
| 8 | Saquon Barkley | NYG | RB | 24 | 2023 |
| 9 | J.K. Dobbins | BAL | RB | 22 | 2024 |
| 10 | Tyreek Hill | KC | WR | 27 | 2023 |
| 11 | Austin Ekeler | LAC | RB | 26 | 2024 (2022 out) |
| 12 | D’Andre Swift | DET | RB | 22 | 2024 |
| 13 | Miles Sanders | PHI | RB | 24 | 2023 |
| 14 | Antonio Gibson | WAS | RB | 23 | 2024 |
| 15 | D.K. Metcalf | SEA | WR | 23 | 2023 |
| 16 | Travis Kelce | KC | TE | 31 | 2026 (2022 out) |
| 17 | DeAndre Hopkins | ARI | WR | 29 | 2025 (2023 out) |
| 18 | Stefon Diggs | BUF | WR | 27 | 2024 (2022 out) |
| 19 | David Montgomery | CHI | RB | 24 | 2023 |
| 20 | Josh Jacobs | LV | RB | 23 | 2024 |
| 21 | Ezekiel Elliott | DAL | RB | 26 | 2027 (2023 out) |
| 22 | James Robinson | JAC | RB | 23 | 2023 |
| 23 | Aaron Jones | FA | RB | 26 | 2021 |
| 24 | A.J. Brown | TEN | WR | 24 | 2023 |
| 25 | Michael Thomas | NO | WR | 28 | 2025 (2022 out) |
| 26 | Justin Jefferson | MIN | WR | 22 | 2025 |
| 27 | George Kittle | SF | TE | 27 | 2026 (2023 out) |
| 28 | Darren Waller | LV | TE | 28 | 2024 |
| 29 | Keenan Allen | LAC | WR | 29 | 2025 (2022 out) |
| 30 | CeeDee Lamb | DAL | WR | 22 | 2025 |
| 31 | Cam Akers | LAR | RB | 22 | 2024 |
| 32 | Patrick Mahomes | KC | QB | 25 | 2032 |
| 33 | Clyde Edwards-Helaire | KC | RB | 22 | 2025 |
| 34 | Calvin Ridley | ATL | WR | 26 | 2023 |
| 35 | Chris Carson | FA | RB | 26 | 2021 |
| 36 | Kyler Murray | ARI | QB | 24 | 2023 |
| 37 | Chris Godwin | FA | WR | 25 | 2021 |
| 38 | Mike Evans | TB | WR | 28 | 2024 |
| 39 | Terry McLaurin | WAS | WR | 26 | 2023 |
| 40 | D.J. Moore | CAR | WR | 24 | 2023 |
| 41 | Julio Jones | ATL | WR | 32 | 2024 |
| 42 | Allen Robinson | FA | WR | 27 | 2021 |
| 43 | Kenny Golladay | FA | WR | 27 | 2021 |
| 44 | Adam Thielen | MIN | WR | 31 | 2025 |
| 45 | Will Fuller | FA | WR | 27 | 2021 |
| 46 | Chase Claypool | PIT | WR | 23 | 2024 |
| 47 | Ronald Jones | TB | RB | 24 | 2022 |
| 48 | Joe Mixon | CIN | RB | 25 | 2025 (2022 out) |
| 49 | Myles Gaskin | MIA | RB | 24 | 2023 |
| 50 | Robert Woods | LAR | WR | 29 | 2025 |
| 51 | Brandon Aiyuk | SF | WR | 23 | 2025 |
| 52 | Kenyan Drake | FA | RB | 27 | 2021 |
| 53 | Lamar Jackson | BAL | QB | 24 | 2023 |
| 54 | Josh Allen | BUF | QB | 25 | 2023 |
| 55 | Kareem Hunt | CLE | RB | 26 | 2023 |
| 56 | Melvin Gordon | DEN | RB | 28 | 2022 |
| 57 | Deshaun Watson | HOU | QB | 25 | 2026 (2024 out) |
| 58 | David Johnson | HOU | RB | 29 | 2022 |
| 59 | Tyler Lockett | SEA | WR | 28 | 2022 |
| 60 | Diontae Johnson | PIT | WR | 25 | 2023 |
| 61 | Cooper Kupp | LAR | WR | 28 | 2024 (2022 out) |
| 62 | Justin Herbert | LAC | QB | 23 | 2025 |
| 63 | Odell Beckham Jr | CLE | WR | 28 | 2024 |
| 64 | Amari Cooper | DAL | WR | 27 | 2025 (2022 out) |
| 65 | Dak Prescott | FA | QB | 28 | 2021 |
| 66 | Mark Andrews | BAL | TE | 24 | 2022 |
| 67 | T.J. Hockenson | DET | TE | 24 | 2023 |
| 68 | Jalen Hurts | PHI | QB | 23 | 2024 |
| 69 | A.J. Dillon | GB | RB | 23 | 2024 |
| 70 | Chase Edmonds | ARI | RB | 25 | 2022 |
| 71 | Brandin Cooks | HOU | WR | 27 | 2024 (2021 out) |
| 72 | James Conner | FA | RB | 26 | 2021 |
| 73 | Leonard Fournette | FA | RB | 26 | 2021 |
| 74 | Salvon Ahmed | MIA | RB | 22 | 2022 |
| 75 | Robby Anderson | CAR | WR | 28 | 2022 (2021 out) |
| 76 | Juju Smith-Schuster | FA | WR | 24 | 2021 |
| 77 | Corey Davis | FA | WR | 26 | 2021 |
| 78 | Jarvis Landry | CLE | WR | 28 | 2023 |
| 79 | DeVante Parker | MIA | WR | 28 | 2024 (2021 out) |
| 80 | Tee Higgins | CIN | WR | 22 | 2024 |
| 81 | Russell Wilson | SEA | QB | 32 | 2024 (2022 out) |
| 82 | Jamaal Williams | FA | RB | 26 | 2021 |
| 83 | Benny Snell | PIT | RB | 23 | 2023 |
| 84 | Marquise Brown | BAL | WR | 24 | 2024 |
| 85 | Nyheim Hines | IND | RB | 24 | 2022 |
| 86 | Jerry Jeudy | DEN | WR | 22 | 2025 |
| 87 | Raheem Mostert | SF | RB | 29 | 2022 |
| 88 | Deebo Samuel | SF | WR | 25 | 2023 |
| 89 | Tyler Boyd | CIN | WR | 26 | 2024 (2021 out) |
| 90 | Zack Moss | BUF | RB | 23 | 2024 |
| 91 | Devin Singletary | BUF | RB | 23 | 2023 |
| 92 | Curtis Samuel | FA | WR | 25 | 2021 |
| 93 | Courtland Sutton | DEN | WR | 25 | 2022 |
| 94 | Preston Williams | MIA | WR | 24 | 2022 |
| 95 | T.Y. Hilton | FA | WR | 31 | 2021 |
| 96 | Mike Williams | LAC | WR | 26 | 2022 |
| 97 | D.J. Chark | JAC | WR | 24 | 2022 |
| 98 | Darnell Mooney | CHI | WR | 23 | 2024 |
| 99 | Dallas Goedert | PHI | TE | 26 | 2022 |
| 100 | Rashaad Penny | SEA | RB | 25 | 2023 |
Do you have a suggestion on how to weight these ranks vs round value? Let’s say you’re weighing Cam Akers (rank 31, keep round 5) vs Brandon Aiyuk (rank 51, keep round 11). Is it basically weighing the value or Akers+whoever you can get in rd11 vs Aiyuk+whoever you can get in the 5th?
Yes that’s one way to look at it. Of course how your league values RBs should be factored into that as well.
For me I’d rather lock in the upside RB in most instances.
Where would you rank waller in full ppr? He was top 10 flex in our league. Also why are you so high on dobbins? Isnt miles sanders in a similar situation and he was consensus 1st round last yr.
Thx!!
Waller and Kittle would both get a slight bump in full PPR but only a couple spots.
As for Dobbins, Ingram should be gone next year. He’s clearly more talented than Gus and I expect his workload to grow big time in 2021.
I still love Sanders but I’ve bumped him down slightly because of Jalen Hurts. I think Hurts ends up stealing a chunk of the rushing TDs…
No problem!
Re: JKD that is v solid reasoning…i think ill throw waller back and find the next waller baller.
Re; sanders true but i have him JKD and Ekeler so i might go for keeping all 3 and hoarding top % RBs
Thx again
I can only keep3, i should have added
I think that’s what I’d do as well, no problem!
I am curious about your low ranking for Ridley. He seems poised for big production in the next few years as he takes over the #1 mantle in Atlanta from Julio Jones. Ranking him as the 10th WR and 34th overall for Keeper leagues seems harsh. Why no love for Calvin?
I might be under rating him a little. I’ve never been a huge fan, but gave to admit he was very consistent this year. I’ll say, odds are Julio plays a full season next year and there’s a decent chance Matt Ryan will be gone in 2022.
Taylor in the 2nd or Dobbins in the 6th?
Hard to put Taylor back but feels like Dobbins is the longer term value.
Yeah think I’d take the value on Dobbins but wouldn’t blame you for going with Taylor either.
Hi, which two would you keep in a 10-Team Standard League:
Henry (1st round … 2021 only)
Jacobs (1st round… 2021-22)
Taylor (2nd round …. 2021-22)
Dobbins (6th round… 2021-22)
Gibson (13th round … 2021-22)
Herbert (10th round… 2021-22)
If I keep the two 1st rounders, they will cost me a 1st and a 2nd.
Thanks in advance for your response.
Hey Jeff,
For me Gibson would be a must keep at that cost. From there I could see going with any of Henry, Taylor or Dobbins. Do you know when your 1st round pick will be? I think if you know you’re in the back end then I’d just lock up Henry. If it’s random or you know you’ll be at the front end then I’d lean Taylor.
Really tough to go wrong with these options, nice team!
No problem.
Hey, I was in my first Dynasty league this year and I finished second to last. However, through the draft and some trades I really like the makeup of my team moving forward. All-keeper and standard league (not super flex).
QBs: Ben Roesthlisberger, Jalen Hurts
RBs: Jonathan Taylor, JK Dobbins, D’Andre Swift, Antonio Gibson, AJ Dillon, Marlon Mack, Joshua Kelley, Tony Pollard, Gus Edwards
WRs: Diontae Johnson, Chase Claypool, Deebo Samuel, Sterling Shepard, Bryan Edwards, John Brown
TEs: Dalton Shultz, Harrison Bryant
I also have 2 of the top 5 draft picks and my question is more about the draft. Originally I planned on reaching for Trevor Lawrence, but after seeing how Jalen Hurts played at the end of last season I feel better at the quarterback position. I wonder if I should stockpile another young running back like Najee Harris or Travis Entienne, or if I should try and double up on wide outs like Jamarr Chase and Devonta Smith? Or should I try and stick with my core and package my picks for one of these more established players? Any advice would be great! Thank you.
Hey Connor,
That’s a great young team! I think Najee Harris will end up being the prize of this draft class. If you could land him and one of Devonta Smith, Ja’Marr Chase, Etienne or Jaylen Waddle that’d be a great haul. But a lot does depend on where guys land in the NFL draft, so I’d keep an open mind. We’ll have plenty of predraft and post draft dynasty rookie content in the coming months, stay tuned!
Hey Donkey Teeth.
Just finished 8th in my 10 team standard league, meaning I’m 2nd most likely to get the top pick in the draft next year. We get 3 keepers, here are my options.
I feel like picking these two is a no-doubter:
Jonathan Taylor – 3rd rd
Antonio Gibson – 10th rd
Then for my third, I have a choice between:
Cam Akers – 5th rd
Darren Waller – 6th rd
Claypool – 15th rd
I’m leaning picking Waller as my 3rd since I’ll most likely have a high draft pick to grab another top RB. Plus, Akers had a lot of volume late in the season, but I feel a bit less confident in his production.
What are your thoughts? Anything else you think I should I consider when making my decision? Any reason I shouldn’t pick Waller over Akers?
Hey Stan!
DT’s taking a well-deserved trip to Ghostbusters Fantasy Camp for a few weeks, so he’ll be back in February to give his opinion.
From my point of view, I think it’s a coin flip. If you take Waller, you’ve got a premium TE and don’t need to worry about getting one of the few TEs that garner points in 2021. For example, there are 6 TE that made DT’s Top 100 list…that’s pretty scarce! Of those TE, Kittle has basically been injured every minute of his NFL career (waits for thrown tomatoes) and the bottom two are the Lions’ TE and the Eagles TE. Adam Gase has a real chance of being the Eagles’ head coach! (Of course, this list was made before the Pederson firing!). So, I think you grab Waller and take the sure value at a scarce position, and don’t overthink it too much.
Good luck!