Standard Dynasty Rankings: 1-10

Bradley Ylitalo Posted On June 23, 2018

This article is the first in our Standard Dynasty Rankings Series that takes us through our full top 100 rankings.

I love the DLF dynasty rankings. It’s an awesome resource and tool. Because a majority of leagues today are played by a PPR format, that’s how the rankings are made. So what should we do if we have a dynasty league/startup in standard? While we can use the PPR rankings to get a good sense of what we should do, I felt it would be better to give readers a definite list they can use as they navigate their standard leagues.

Over the next series of weeks, we’ll take you through our top one-hundred standard players, so you can have a good grasp on how you should handle startup drafts, and who you should value when trading. We’ll start today with one through ten.

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1) Todd Gurley, RB LAR | 2017 Finish: RB 1 | Age: 23

This probably doesn’t come as a surprise. Todd Gurley is the number one running back in all of dynasty and when it comes to standard scoring, he’s pure gold. Gurley brings youth, recent success, talent, and very little injury concern. He thoroughly deserves the 1.01 billing. With a future as bright as any, we can comfortably call him the most valuable asset in dynasty.

2) Ezekiel Elliott, RB DAL | 2017 Finish: RB 9 (Suspension) | Age: 22

The only reason I even slightly hesitated to put Gurley at 1.01 is because of this young man. Ezekiel Elliott is an extremely strong back who has shown a lot of on-field production and long-term upside. 2018 will be a very important year for the former top-five pick. Can Zeke turn in elite numbers without attracting any off-field issues? If he can, His incredibly high rank may just climb a little higher.

3) Le’Veon Bell, RB PIT | 2017 Finish: RB 2 | Age: 26

Le’Veon Bell isn’t just a solid first rounder, he’s a back you can build your entire team around. The mind-blowing rushing and receiving numbers he puts up on a yearly basis make him an easy choice in the top five. Only his heavy career usage and never-ending contract drama will keep some owners from passing on him here. Teams who pick Bell may just be getting the best fantasy player in the NFL, who won’t slow down for a handful of years.

4) David Johnson, RB ARI | 2017 Finish: Injury | Age: 26

Through my projection process, I fell in love with David Johnson. It took every ounce of my body to not put him at number three. While the production from two years ago was absolutely absurd, there are two concerns with DJ. For one, he’s actually only started for one year. Some might say that’s an advantage citing that “there’s tread on those tires”, but in reality, we can’t be 100% sure in him as a player. What else? Johnson, in his historic 2016, had a mere 4.2 yards per carry. Bad offensive line play or not, that’s not what we call an encouraging sign.

5) Odell Beckham Jr., WR NYG | 2017 Finish: Injury | Age: 25

The first receiver off the board. Odell Beckham Jr. is a fantasy machine who, if not for a horrible ankle injury, would be the clear best receiver in dynasty. With OBJ, you’re getting a player who at the age of 25, already has one of the more impressive track records in the NFL and has many years ahead of him to add to it. He’s a WR1 lock every year he’s on the field and is a great way to start off a team.

6) DeAndre Hopkins, WR HOU | 2017 Finish: WR 1 | Age: 26

How can you not follow up Beckham Jr. with this man? DeAndre Hopkins and OBJ have been attached at the hip for quite some time now as analysts dispute who truly is the dynasty WR1. Whichever side of the debate you fall on, they both have to be seen as high-to-mid first round talents. They’re just too good to ignore. If Hopkins’ numbers going forward can look more like his 2017 season rather than his 2016 year, owners will be getting a week in, week out game-changer.

7) Antonio Brown, WR PIT | 2017 Finish: WR 2 | Age: 29

The receiver run continues with a player I feel comfortable calling an all-time great. There’s no guessing or conjecture with Antonio Brown. He gets it done each and every year. If you’re an owner looking to start your team with a consistent, stable producer, AB is your guy. His age will give a lot of drafters pause, and that’s legitimate. But there’s no denying who the most dominant receiver in all of fantasy is.

8) Saquon Barkley, RB NYG | 2017 Finish: N/A | Age: 21

My heart wanted to put Saquon Barkley in front of the group of three receivers. But then my brain chimed in, and I decided that we should make him prove himself before we’re giving him a top-five label. Projections for incoming rookies are always difficult. We can’t be sure how Barkley will do, or how exactly he will be used. But weigh his talent, opportunity, character, and youth against the uncertainty, and it’s not even close. Barkley is a risky investment, but one you know is worth it.

9) Kareem Hunt, RB KC | 2017 Finish: RB 3 | Age: 22

Kareem Hunt led the NFL in rushing as a rookie and barely snuck into the top ten? Yup. If you couldn’t tell already, we have ourselves an insane amount of exceptional talent. There’s really nothing not to like with him. He has clearly shown he can play at the NFL level, is in an offense that will have no problem moving the football, and is only 22. I doubt anyone would have a hard time grabbing him late in the first.

10) Alvin Kamara, RB NO | 2017 Finish: RB 4 | Age: 21

It’s easy to think of Alvin Kamara as a PPR back, but as you can see by his 2017 finish, he does just fine in standard. His magical rookie season efficiency will most likely not be repeated. But because he’s due for a significant bump in touches, his production doesn’t necessarily have to drop. 2018 will be a big year for the former Tennessee Volunteer. Did he catch lightning in a bottle last season? Or is he here to stay? My bet is on the latter.

Have a question about your team, a current player, or a prospect? Please leave a comment below. I’m always glad to interact with readers. If you have a more specific and in-depth question that you want to talk more about, feel free to shoot me an email at [email protected]. Hope you enjoyed the article!

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