Fantasy Football Draft Values: Brandon Aiyuk, Lamar Jackson, DK Metcalf

Below, we look at the best fantasy football draft values in NFFC leagues based on average draft position (ADP) over the past month compared to FantasyPros’ Consensus Draft Rankings.

Best NFFC ADP Values

High-stakes fantasy football has seen tremendous growth over the years. What was once considered a high-roller exclusive has now drawn the interest of fantasy football, DFS and gambling enthusiasts alike. Since 2004, the National Fantasy Football Championship (NFFC) has been at the forefront of that conversation.

Brandon Aiyuk (WR – SF): NFFC ADP 31.6 | ECR 23

The uncertainty surrounding 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk has created a buyer’s market in current NFFC drafts. Aiyuk is currently “holding in” while seeking a long-term contract extension that is more in line with his skill set and production. Over the weeks, that uncertainty has pushed the 49ers wide receiver tumbling down draft boards.

While we’re still waiting on a conclusion to this drawn-out process, a reunion for Aiyuk in San Francisco is the most likely outcome. The Patriots and Browns have already been ruled out, leaving the Pittsburgh Steelers as the lone remaining suitor for Aiyuk’s services. The 49ers and Steelers reportedly have the framework of a deal in place, so it’s up to Aiyuk to determine where he goes from here.

Landing in Pittsburgh would significantly impact Aiyuk’s 2024 production; however, you should see this as an opportunity to acquire a great player at a discounted price. Aiyuk finished last season as the overall WR14, and his ADP on NFFC is more than a half-round lower than his spot in our expert consensus rankings (ECR).

DK Metcalf (WR – SEA): NFFC ADP 34.4 | ECR 38

Seattle wide receiver DK Metcalf is coming off his worst fantasy season since his rookie year, but his fall to the three-four turn is an overreaction by NFFC drafters. Even in a down season, Metcalf still finished as the WR21 in PPR (WR16 in half-PPR) on only 66 receptions in 2023.

Assuming Seattle’s offense takes a step forward with former Washington Huskies offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb now running things, Metcalf’s ADP could look silly once the NFL season kicks off. Seattle will need the 2022 version of Geno Smith to unlock this offense’s full potential, but getting Metcalf back to his usual volume (he had 75+ receptions every year from 2020-2022) would be considered a victory for fantasy football managers.

Lamar Jackson (QB – BAL): NFFC ADP 50.59 | ECR 31

One year after finishing as the QB3 in points per game (minimum six starts) and winning his second MVP award, Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson is still being disrespected across the fantasy industry. The QB hierarchy might differ by draft, but Jackson typically goes after Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts.

On NFFC, Allen (31.01 ADP) is the clear QB1, with Mahomes (38.46) and Hurts (41.67) going shortly after. Meanwhile, Jackson (50.59 ADP) is being drafted a full tier below the top three. I have no issues with Jackson being ranked where he is, but his ADP should be a half-round higher. Buy the dip.