It’s that exciting time of the year again when we eagerly prepare for our draft picks and assemble the ultimate dream team. To help you make the best decisions, we’ve watched the latest insights from our FantasyPros analyst, Derek Brown, to identify the Top 10 fantasy football risers and fallers in the rankings for the 2023 season. Let’s dive right in!
Rising Stars
1. Dameon Pierce (RB – HOU)
After finishing as RB20 in Fantasy Points per game last year, Dameon Pierce is poised for a breakout season. He is expected to be the workhorse back for Houston, and he demonstrated his skills with an impressive 13th ranking in Missed Tackles Force per attempt last season. Keep an eye on his versatility; he can line up in the slot or out wide, and his receiving skills are yet to be fully showcased in the NFL.
2. Darren Waller (TE – NYG)
Darren Waller, the reliable tight end, is set for another successful season. Waller showed no decline last year and was heavily targeted in preseason. Don’t hesitate to draft him early for a strong performance.
3. James Cook (RB – BUF)
4. Zay Flowers (WR – BAL)
James Cook and Zay Flowers are standout players you should consider drafting aggressively. Cook has been the workhorse back in the last two preseason games, making him an intriguing fantasy option. Zay Flowers, with his high college dominator percentile, promises to be a playmaker, especially with Lamar Jackson at the helm. Keep an eye on Skyy Moore as well; he’s a talented player expected to start in two wide receiver sets.
Rankings Fallers
5. Jonathan Taylor (RB – IND)
Jonathan Taylor is falling down the ranks due to uncertainty about his playing status. He’ll be out for the first four games of the season, and beyond that, there are no guarantees regarding his playing time. Exercise caution when considering him in your drafts.
6. Cooper Kupp (WR – LAR)
7. Jerry Jeudy (WR – DEN)
Cooper Kupp and Jerry Jeudy should be approached with caution due to injury concerns. Cooper Kupp’s hamstring injury makes him a risky pick, and he may miss the first few weeks of the season. Jerry Jeudy’s hamstring injury has an uncertain timeline, ranging from four to eight weeks. While we may hope for Jeudy’s return before week four, it’s best to exercise caution when drafting him.
8. Terry McLaurin (WR – WAS)
Terry McLaurin injured his toe in the second preseason game, and the extent of his injury is uncertain, potentially affecting his production.
The Question Marks
9. Jameson Williams (WR – DET)
Jameson Williams is a risky but potentially valuable pick in fantasy drafts. His six-game suspension has caused his rankings to drop, and he won’t be able to rehab his injury with the team doctors until Week 4. While there’s an inherent risk in selecting Williams, his ADP already reflects this, making him an intriguing option.
10. Dalvin Cook (RB – NYJ)
Dalvin Cook, despite being the RB2 on the team, still has RB1 upside for this season. He’s returning from an ACL injury, so expectations should be tempered. While he may not be playing on passing downs, Breece Hall could serve as the passing-down back initially. Once Cook gets going, he has the potential to reach RB1 status. Keep in mind that Hall’s rankings have also dropped due to the signing of Dalvin Cook.
As you prepare for your fantasy football draft in 2023, keep a close eye on these rankings risers and fallers. Make informed decisions based on the latest updates and player insights. And don’t forget to subscribe to the Fantasy Pros YouTube channel for a chance to win a signed A.J. Brown Philadelphia Eagles jersey-a great addition to your fantasy football memorabilia collection! Happy Week 1, everyone!
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