Below are our Top 200 Fantasy Football Players as we inch close to Week 1 of the 2012 fantasy football season; This particular set of rankings was compiled via a staff average, however, I have also provided my personal commentary on several players that I see as overvalued, or undervalued, heading into 2012.
This top 200 rankings list is based on a standard PPR scoring format with line-up requirements of: 1QB, 2RBs, 2WRs, 1Flex, 1TE, 1K and 1DST.
Also, be sure to view both our redraft and dynasty cheat sheets.
Top 200 Players
Updated: 8/31/12
- Arian Foster
- LeSean McCoy
- Ray Rice
- Chris Johnson
- Darren McFadden
- Tom Brady
- Aaron Rodgers
- Calvin Johnson
- Julio Jones
- A.J. Green
- Drew Brees
- Cam Newton
- Andre Johnson
- Matt Forte
- Larry Fitzgerald
- DeMarco Murray
- Dez Bryant
- Wes Welker
- Greg Jennings
- Brandon Marshall
- Doug Martin
- Jimmy Graham
- Rob Gronkowski
- Matthew Stafford
- Maurice Jones-Drew
- Trent Richardson
- Roddy White
- Hakeem Nicks
- Mike Wallace
- Victor Cruz
- Ryan Mathews
- Jamaal Charles
- Marshawn Lynch
- Darren Sproles
- Adrian Peterson
- Steve Johnson
- Percy Harvin
- Jordy Nelson
- Miles Austin
- Kenny Britt
- Antonio Brown
- Steven Jackson
- Frank Gore
- Fred Jackson
- Michael Turner
- Ahmad Bradshaw
- C.J. Spiller
- Jacquizz Rodgers
- DeSean Jackson
- David Wilson
- Eric Decker
- Steve Smith CAR
- Aaron Hernandez
- Jermichael Finley
- Dwayne Bowe
- Brandon Lloyd
- Reggie Bush
- Donald Brown
- Vincent Jackson
- Jeremy Maclin
- Marques Colston
- Michael Vick
- Peyton Manning
- Philip Rivers
- Eli Manning
- Tony Romo
- Matt Ryan
- Willis McGahee
- Chris Wells
- Benjarvus Green-Ellis
- Shonn Greene
- Demaryius Thomas
- DeAngelo Williams
- Stevan Ridley
- Antonio Gates
- Vernon Davis
- Fred Davis
- Denarius Moore
- Torrey Smith
- Mark Ingram
- Cedric Benson
- Ben Tate
- Santana Moss
- Jason Witten
- Brandon Pettigrew
- Jermaine Gresham
- Randall Cobb
- Robert Meachem
- Michael Bush
- Darrius Heyward-Bey
- Pierre Garcon
- Danny Amendola
- Titus Young
- Reggie Wayne
- Greg Little
- Jonathan Stewart
- LeGarrette Blount
- Kevin Smith
- Ryan Williams
- Robert Griffin III
- Russell Wilson
- Peyton Hillis
- Isaac Redman
- Mike Williams
- Santonio Holmes
- Lance Moore
- Randy Moss
- Jared Cook
- Jacob Tamme
- Alshon Jeffery
- Anquan Boldin
- Lestar Jean
- Justin Blackmon
- Sidney Rice
- Emmanuel Sanders
- James Jones
- Doug Baldwin
- Malcom Floyd
- Jon Baldwin
- Vincent Brown (inj)
- Brian Quick
- Kendall Wright
- Brandon Stokley
- David Nelson
- Josh Gordon
- Nick Toon
- Sam Bradford
- Ben Roethlisberger
- Andy Dalton
- Matt Schaub
- Jay Cutler
- Josh Freeman
- Ryan Fitzpatrick
- Joe Flacco
- Andrew Luck
- Carson Palmer
- Evan Royster
- Isaiah Pead
- Ronnie Hillman
- Jahvid Best
- Toby Gerhart
- Roy Helu
- Robert Turbin
- Brent Celek
- Tony Gonzalez
- Kyle Rudolph
- Shane Vereen
- Rashad Jennings
- Javon Ringer
- Kendall Hunter
- Jake Locker
- Brandon LaFell
- Timothy Hightower
- Bilal Powell
- Daniel Thomas
- Lance Kendricks
- Dustin Keller
- Ed Dickson
- Mikel LeShoure
- Rashard Mendenhall
- Ronnie Brown
- James Starks
- Tim Tebow
- Armon Binns
- Michael Crabtree
- Laurent Robinson
- Jabar Gaffney
- Jacoby Ford
- Austin Collie
- Michael Floyd
- Stephen Hill
- Keshawn Martin
- Andre Roberts
- Golden Tate
- A.J. Jenkins
- Rueben Randle
- Cole Beasley
- Leonard Hankerson
- Matt Flynn
- Alex Smith
- Matt Cassel
- Blaine Gabbert
- Christian Ponder
- Jackie Battle
- Montario Hardesty
- Brandon Jackson
- Curtis Brinkley
- LaMichael James
- Brandon Saine
- Bernard Scott
- Dion Lewis
- Alex Green
- Vick Ballard
- Taiwan Jones
- Lamar Miller
- Ryan Tannehill
- Mark Sanchez
- Aldrick Robinson
- Nate Washington
- Nate Burleson
Redraft Analysis: I love the values of Darren McFadden, Cam Newton, A.J. Green and even the fast-climbing Julio Jones; both receivers can finish inside the top two for 2012 fantasy football wide receivers (I know, you think I’m crazy), Newt belongs in the first-round (even though you can get him in the late second), and McFadden has top 5 overall upside (yet he can be had in the 1.08-1.11 range). For more on these players, redraft and dynasty, check out this DraftCalc.com BlogTalk Radio podcast:
Listen to internet radio with DraftCalc on Blog Talk Radio
View our August 3rd, 2012 version here.
I love the new rankings, but two things I don’t understand.
Why Matt Ryan is still behind Rivers and Romo?
Why is LaFell ranked so low? (196?)
Well, it’s a staff average, so I’m not thinking that warrants the force of my pen. I can understand anyone liking any of those guys ahead of the other. Ryan isn’t a lock ahead of either Rivers or Romo IMO. I worry about Romo staying healthy, but he has Dez and Austin, that’s insane talent to throw to. Rivers has a bit more of an uphill climb to beat both Romo and Ryan, but any one of those guys can beat the other IMO. LaFell. I guess he deserves a bump, sure, I’ll look into that one now.
Thanks for the update, Smitty!
Are you going Foster every time with 1.01? I have been leaning towards Rice—I see him as a safer pick. If you do go Foster in a 10 team league, do you feel Tate is a ‘must’ handcuff? I don’t like the idea of having to reach for Tate.
I have been, yep. I just feel he is the most 20TD capable. The problem has been everyone is reaching for Tate, so I haven’t once landed him because I’d have to sacrifice a line-up spot. I have McCoy and Rice in a few leagues, though, but had the 1.02 or 1.03 in those.
Hey Smitty,
Big fan.. nice sleeper calls last year.
I was wondering, I’m in a 12 person standard scoring league at pick 5 and wondered what your strategy would be?
Currently I’m either thinking Brady then following that up with rbs/wrs ala Fred Jackson then AJ Green or taking a Chris Johnson then hoping for Cam/stacking up WRs if he’s not available. Thoughts??
Kevin, thanks. The 5 spot is nice this year, because I love both CJ2K and DMac. You can’t go wrong with either, and then yes, I love trying to get a Cam Newton with your second round pick… he usually falls, which is head-scratching. Then an AJ Green, I love that approach. McFadden, Cam, Green… that’s almost the exact three I just drafted in this league here, only I had the 1.01 and got Foster, but have drafted teams like that in different variations. If I can land Newt and AJ with the 1.01, I think you might be able to land at least Newt and McFadden (or CJ2K) with the 1.05. Keep us posted after you draft!
Hey Smitty I got an update on that draft.
It appeared that everyone in my draft paid attention to your picks because newton went 9th overall, j jones 15th, and aj green 18th(!), not to mention many of your sleepers going higher than their current ADP.
Rodgers fell to me at the fifth spot which was too enticing to pass up, then I got Forte coming back followed by brandon marshall in the 3rd rd (dez went the pick before) and p harvin in the 4th.
I feel like this team is still solid even though I couldn’t get everything I wanted and I hope this helps everyone else!
Not bad, I think you did well considering. Rodgers and Forte, you can’t argue that, so don’t be hard on that duo! Marshall is sneaky this year and could very well put up low-end WR1 numbers, so you didn’t do anything worth regretting in that first three rounds. Harvin is solid and consistent, and I admit I don’t give him enough credit, so nice work. I think you came out with some solid scoring players, and Rodgers alone can keep you in it every single week! Your season will ride on Forte. If Forte is able to remain a top 5RB, you will be really hard to stop with Rodgers and Forte doing their thing… it all depends on Forte, but I like the odds.
So impressed with this site! Already updated Ryan and LaFell’s ranking…thats great follow through, and above&beyond service.
Thanks Smitty
You know it, Joe!
Smitty,
Nice work on all the sleepers and rankings. I am in a league where we can keep one guy drafted 6th round or later from the previous years draft. Don’t have to keep a player. You just forfeit your 6th round pick this year. I am keeping Lynch. I have pick 8 in a 12 man league. Should I target a certain position with my first two picks or just go after the best available player? Who do you like at 8? The keepers are Stafford, Graham, Gronkowski, Sproles, Lynch and Steve Johnson. Thanks
At 8? If available, AJ Green, Julio Jones, DMac, CJ2K… not sure if any of those guys will be there, but I’d hope that one would. Nice keepers.
Smitty,
Trade question.
Trent Richardson (fell to me at 55) and maybe Pierre Garcon
For
A.J. Greene and David Wilson.
Thoughts?
Wow, that’s a good one… I think I take Green and Wilson, but I admit that’s very close. I think Wilson does pan out, and that’s how you crush this trade when all is said and done. If Wilson never really starts this year, and let’s say his future doesn’t look so bright (For whatever reason), I think you still break even, so yes, the AJ Green side has all kinds of upside! Let me put it this way … I like AJ way more than Richardson this year, as Richardson could start off slow… for the future, i see them as close to even. However, I take Wilson over Garcon in a second in all formats, and that doesn’t mean I don’t like Garcon, it just means I believe in Wilson so much more.
Thanks for the quick and fully baked response Smitty. Much appreciated.
Also, love the site. Your candid opinions are a refreshing change from a lot of the fantasy sites that won’t deviate much from one another.
Thanks, Drew!
Hi Smitty,
Could use your opinion on my one year keeper.
Start 1 Qb, Nonppr and 4pts/pass td.
Its an 8 team league.
I can keep Graham or Stafford at no cost (dollar or rd).
I was gonna keep Jimmy all along and grab a qb. Now with all the questions surrounding Romo, Vick, and Rivers, not really sure I like my QB that I end up with. So, thinking bout keepin Stafford and trying to grab Gates or Hernandez.
On another hand, if I let Jimmy go and draft a Cam or Stafford, I dont really like the strength of my RBs.
Looking at differnet articles/strategies, there seems to be a consensus that besides TE, QB is the most consistent position yr to yr and you need a stud QB.
So, was thinking all along to keep Jimmy but now am leaning toward Stafford.
Geez…just can t decide what to do.
Thanks!
GoPAck
Well, only you know your draft mates and how the flow is going to go. I can tell you all day long I like this or that, but if you feel the QB situation is going to blow if you keep Graham, you can’t go wrong with either, so keep the player that best plays to your draft day skills my friend! If that’s Stafford, by all means, keep him, it’s close enough to say go with your gut over anyone’s advice! Plus, if you land Hernandez (without missing out on a stud RB or WR), that’s one awesome TE to get while keeping Stafford. Trust your gut!
Thanks Smitty!
If I trusted Vick more, I would take him….but just not sure if I feel comfortable with him.
You have Vick right next to Stafford in your rankings and I agree…so that is why I am still contemplating…
I know it’s so close but would you prefer:
Stafford and Gates or Hernandez or
Vick and Graham
BTW…”3:19 am”? Get some sleep, man.
Thanks again….you are the reason that people come here!
GoPack
Thanks, buddy. Wow, tough call. I think I go Stafford/Hernandez if forced to choose, only because Vick is starting to concern even me. He is a stud per start, but how many games could he miss?
Smitty,
Love your rankings and your willingness to stray from yesterdays fossils for todays up and comers. I just finished my auction draft, 10 team league non PPR, QB, RB (2), WR (2), TE, Flex (who cares about K and DEF). I landed M. Ryan, J. Flacco, R. Mathews, D. Murray, D. Martin, C.J. Spiller, P. Thomas, A.J. Green, A. Brown, K. Britt, T. Young, M. Floyd (SD), D. Baldwin, J. Finley, C. Fleener. I think I’m stacked at RB (which was my goal), but I feel like I could upgrade at WR2. Any suggestions for who I should move and who I should target? I’m really not feeling C.J. Spiller this year, do you think he’s for real, or needs a F. Jax injury again? Thanks.
Nice squad, my friend. Green and Brown are strong, and Britt is your low-risk/high-reward secret weapon. Still landing Murray and Martin while investing in Mathews, that’s impressive. Nice work. Well, I think he is for real, but yes, there is a chance he needs Freddy to get hurt, that’s why my CJ Spiller predictions are bold and not locks to happen. Check out the Upside Board where i talk Spiller up and how I see him performing. Thanks for the kind words as well, I’ll toss them on our testimonials page!
Smitty,
Question for you in regards to being in multiple leagues. I am in two leagues and in both got the second pick in the draft. In the first league I went with McCoy as Foster was the first pick. For the second league would you put all your eggs in one basket or would you take someone like Rice to spread it around a bit. Curious on your thoughts on this. Thanks!
JRoss
It depends. I mean, at the 1.01, I keep taking Foster no question, but I have split McCoy and Rice at the 1.02 for some reason. My gut, nothing else, just tells me to split that one as well. At least with Foster you can target Tate and guarantee yourself a top 5-10RB with Tate, and top 1-3 with Foster. Not so sure any back up would thrive in either PHI or BAL. Good question, and I say split em unless your gut stays one is going to stand out more than the other.
Thank you very much for updating this list
I know you worked on it LATE last night
This is the list i am looking for
dennisfbfan
No prob.
do you have any rankings for standard format??
No, but here is a fresh (still ongoing) expert league draft that is non-PPR. This should help you a bit, although, there are some whacky early picks you may have to ignore.
We only have PPR scoring this year, but honestly, it’s pretty easy to look at a PPR rankings list and know who to bump down and up… RBs go higher, and really only guys like Sproles and Harvin, etc, don’t rise and fall relatively with the group when you move a chunk of runners above a chunk of WRs, etc.
Hey Smitty just finished a ppr 6td passing draft. Very interested in your opinion.
Rg3 Big Ben Russel Wilson
Chris Johnson Doug Martin Bradshaw Jacquizz Rodgers
Julio Jones Dez Bryant Percy Harvin Kendall Wright Santana Moss
Fred Davis Kyle Rudolph
Seahawks Lions
Alex henery
I love the QB situation. Risky, but I like it. And I run Wilson out there onto the field in Week 1, but that’s me, many would likely disagree. Your runners are sneaky-solid. Martin is a very undervalued RB2 this year. Love the WRs, and TE spot. Playoff team for sure, and most likely a top 4 team in your league without even looking. Nice work, very DC-like! Good luck in Week 1!
Smitty here’s my team I drafted what do you think I should do to improve my wrs. Qb-Shaub rbs-McCoy,Murray,Richardson,Spiller and Kevin Smith. Wrs-Harvin,Steve Johnson,Nate Washington andHeyward Bey Te- Jimmy Graham
Try trading Richardson once he starts impressing and upgrade your WR1, yep.
I’ve been offered Dez Bryant and Ced Benson for Steve Johnson and Trent Richardson should I go for it?
Redraft, no. Dynasty, yes.
Thanks for all your help ,Redraft league I’ve been offered Drew Bree’s for Schaub and Tre Richardson .
Kinda depends on what else you have, though, but Brees.
I’ve got Murray,McCoy ,Spillerat rb. At wr Harvin ,Steve Johnson ,heyward Bey andNate Washington.
Assuming it’s a redraft league, I take that and get Brees on your roster. If dynasty, I keep Richardson.