The NFL preseason is less than a month away. The New York Jets were just picked for “Hard Knocks,” and training camps are about to begin.
With these training camps, we have a firm grasp on the position battles, and it’s important to sort through them as we evaluate fantasy value.
Using PPR league ADP and context, we’ll examine the Washington Commanders’ running backs, Arizona Cardinals’ receivers, and New England Patriots’ wide receivers.
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2023 Position Battles to Watch
Cardinals WRs
- Marquise Brown (ADP: 60 | WR31)
- Rondale Moore (ADP: 125 | WR59)
- Greg Dortch (ADP: 237 | WR100)
DeAndre Hopkins leaving town leaves opens the door for Marquise Brown to emerge as a No. 1 option on a team that will be bad and need to throw.
The problem, however, is the Kyler Murray timeline. We don’t know when he’s coming back. If Colt McCoy starts, it’s safe to wonder how effective even a No. 1 option on the Cardinals will be for fantasy value. McCoy started Week 10, 11 and 15 last year and played pretty much the entirety of Week 14.
In those games, Brown only played in Weeks 14 and 15, catching a combined eight catches on 16 targets for 52 yards and no scores.
So while it’s safe to target a player of Brown’s status as the WR31, there’s a risk here.
As for Ronald Moore, he’s likely going undrafted in a lot of places. If the Cardinals and new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who comes from the Kevin Stefansky coaching tree, move him primarily in the slot instead of out wide, he could have some sneaky PPR value.
Conclusion:
- Target: Marquise Brown, Rondale Moore
- Risky: Marquise Brown
- Dart throw: Rondale Moore
- AVOID: N/A
Patriots WRs
- JuJu Smith-Schuster (ADP: 119 | WR55)
- DeVante Parker (ADP: 193 | WR82)
- Kendrick Bourne (ADP: 250 | WR107)
As with any Patriots’ offensive situation, we first need to see how Bill O’Brien integrates his offense and what he asks quarterback Mac Jones to do. He threw 10+ yards on over 30% of his total attempts, but DeVante Parker didn’t reap many rewards.
The addition of JuJu Smith-Schuster and his contract indicates he’s the No. 1 option. For a WR1 at WR55 PPR value, that will easily be worth it. Still, there’s still risk with drafting any of these receivers because Jones isn’t capable of dishing out competitive fantasy volume to elevate the value of multiple, or perhaps even one player.
Conclusion:
- Target: JuJu Smith-Schuster
- Risky: JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne
- Dart throw: JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker
- AVOID: N/A
Commanders RBs
- Antonio Gibson (ADP: 96 | RB31)
- Brian Robinson (ADP: 114 | RB37)
- Chris Rodriguez Jr. (ADP: 296 | RB87)
Flat out: Neither Commanders’ running back was all that good in 2022. To be fair, Brian Robinson missed the first few weeks after getting shot before the season, and Antonio Gibson was ineffective rushing the ball, averaging 3.7 yards per carry and three scores on 149 attempts.
He did, however, catch 46 passes for 353 yards and two touchdowns, which will have value in PPR leagues. With rookie quarterback Sam Howell at the helm, dump-offs will be available early and often.
As for Robinson, his value is certainly limited (he averaged 3.9 yards per carry on 205 attempts in 2022) unless he can score more than two touchdowns.
Conclusion:
- Target: N/A
- Risky: Antonio Gibson, Brian Robinson
- Dart throw: N/A
- AVOID: Chris Rodriguez Jr.
More Position Battles: Players to Watch & Predictions
- Steelers WRs, Eagles RBs & Commanders WRs
- Chiefs RBs, Chiefs WRs & Dolphins RBs
- Giants WRs & Cowboys TEs
- 49ers QBs, Buccaneers QBs & Colts QBs
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