2021 Fantasy Football advice – Syndication Server

5 players returning from injury to target in your fantasy football draft

Highlighting 5 players returning from injury to target in your 2021 fantasy football draft.

Impactful injuries are a part of every NFL season, and fantasy football fortunes can often depend on being on the right side of those injuries.

To explain, we all know the feeling and ramifications of losing your stud first-round running back to an ACL tear two games into a season. On the flip side, though, we can often capitalize in drafts on players who are coming off a major injury and have had their average draft position (ADP) fall into value territory. Tread carefully, though, as not all players back from injury return to full glory and are sound fantasy investments.

That said, here are five players returning from 2020 injuries to consider in your fantasy drafts.

Fantasy draft targets back from injury

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com)

Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott

2020 injury: Ankle fracture (11 games missed)

Current QB ADP: 7 (51.44 average pick)

Quick thoughts: Prescott got off to a blazing start at a record pace in 2020, throwing for 1,856 yards and accounting for 12 total touchdowns before going down in Week 5.

There has been a shoulder issue that’s kept Dak out of the preseason, but all indicators reportedly suggest he’ll be a “go” for Week 1. Prescott has one of the league’s best array of weapons to work with, and he’s definitely worth a fifth- or sixth-round pick as a potential elite QB1.

New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley

2020 injury: ACL tear (14 games missed)

Current RB ADP: 8 (11.53)

Quick thoughts: Barkley has been extremely limited this preseason but is expected to start Week 1. He may be somewhat limited early in the year, but he’s still only 24.

If Barkley is soon approaching his previous workhorse levels (average of 20.8 touches and 20.8 PPR fantasy points per game) from the first 31 games of his career, he’ll be well worth the late first-round pick. Just grab new Giants backup Devontae Booker as a late-round handcuff.

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Cincinnati Bengals RB Joe Mixon

2020 injury: Foot injury (10 games missed)

Current RB ADP: 13 (22.45)

Quick thoughts: Mixon didn’t need surgery this offseason, and like Barkley, youth is on his side at age 25. The better fantasy news is that Cincinnati parted ways with longtime complementary back Giovani Bernard, leaving Mixon as the clear RB1.

We’d lean toward drafting an elite wide receiver late in the second round, but if all goes well, Mixon could still easily return first-round value.

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Cleveland Browns WR Odell Beckham Jr.

2020 injury: ACL tear (9 games missed)

Current WR ADP: 26 (70.99)

Quick thoughts: After 25 games missed and only one full season played among his last four, it’s safe to assume OBJ’s top-five fantasy wideout days are over.

However, there are still strong WR3 numbers to be had here if he plays at least three-quarters of the season. Just resist the temptation to overdraft the name.

Dallas Cowboys TE Blake Jarwin

2020 injury: Torn ACL (15 games missed)

Current TE ADP: 24 (167.30)

Quick thoughts: Jarwin entered 2020 as a breakout candidate, but a Week 1 knee injury dashed those hopes. Dalton Schultz emerged with a fantasy TE10 season as his replacement, and the duo figures to share starting tight end duties in 2021. That relegates Jarwin to late-round consideration in deeper or tight-end premium leagues.

Also see: 3 sleeper TEs to target

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Fantasy football draft: 3 sleeper defenses to target

Analyzing fantasy football average draft positions (ADPs) and highlighting three sleeper team defenses to target in your draft.

Every fantasy roster manager should be targeting a “sleeper” team defense in drafts.

Why? Because of the wild, year-to-year volatility of the position.
A quick run through the last five years of average draft position (ADP) data and the year-end top fantasy defenses from those corresponding seasons reveals the following:

The top five team defenses in terms of ADP in each of these five seasons (2016-20) finished with an average final ranking of 13.5 among the highest-scoring units for that year.
Conversely, the top five team defenses, in terms of total fantasy points (The Huddle Performance scoring), began those respective seasons with an average ADP of 14.8.
Only three team defenses from my five-year study — the 2016 Arizona Cardinals, the 2018 Los Angeles Rams and last season’s Pittsburgh Steelers — began the season among the ADP top five and finished the season ranked among the top five fantasy defenses.

This season doesn’t figure to be an exception. So avoid the temptation to use that 11th-round pick on your top-ranked fantasy D and instead use it on bolstering your running back or wide receiver depth.

Here are three sleeper team defenses for 2021 to target in the next-to-last round of your draft (if your league drafts kickers). The only condition is that these three units fall outside the current top 10 in ADP.

Fantasy draft team defense sleepers

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com)

Denver Broncos

Current defense ADP: 12 (164.53)

2020 key stats: 42 sacks, 6 fumble recoveries, 10 interceptions, 0 return touchdowns

Sleeper résumé: Pass-rusher supreme Von Miller is back after missing 2020 due to injury and pairs with Bradley Chubb. The cornerback room, meanwhile, has undergone an extreme makeover via free agency and the draft, giving Denver one of the league’s best secondaries. Some big-time positive regression is due for head coach Vic Fangio’s defense.

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Miami Dolphins

Current defense ADP: 13 (165.15)

2020 key stats: 41 sacks, 11 fumble recoveries, 18 interceptions, 2 return touchdowns

Sleeper résumé: Courtesy of a league-high 29 takeaways, including 10 interceptions by CB Xavien Howard, the Dolphins finished third among fantasy defenses in 2020 with 121 total points. Yet, they somehow own the 13th-highest defensive ADP entering 2021.

Count on the takeaway total to dip, but bumps in the Fins’ sack (41) and return TD (2) totals could keep them squarely among the top-10 fantasy defenses.

Arizona Cardinals

Current defense ADP: 19 (178.61)

2020 key stats: 48 sacks, 10 fumble recoveries, 11 interceptions, 0 return touchdowns

Sleeper résumé: Free-agent addition J.J. Watt isn’t the back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year Watt of six seasons ago, but he’s a fine pairing with Chandler Jones, who had a career-high 19 sacks in 2019 but was limited to one in five games a season ago due to injury.

Expect more takeaways (21 in 2020) and a few return scores (none) after a down season in those departments last year.

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Fantasy football draft: Three sleeper TEs to target

Analyzing 2021 fantasy football average draft positions (ADPs) and highlighting three sleeper tight ends to target in your fantasy football draft.

Tight end has been a notoriously shallow fantasy football position, and don’t look now, but it’s shaping up the same way in 2021.

You have your three elite top-tier guys in Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs), Darren Waller (Las Vegas Raiders) and George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers). Then there’s another tier a definite step below, consisting of Mark Andrews (Baltimore Ravens), T.J. Hockenson (Detroit Lions), Logan Thomas (Washington Football Team) and coveted rookie Kyle Pitts (Atlanta Falcons).

After that, though, it’s a scramble, and if you don’t have your tight end slot filled after the top seven are off the board, you’re better off waiting until the double-digit rounds to try to snare a sleeper or two with TE1 potential.

With that draft strategy in mind, here are three sleeper tight ends to consider. The only condition is they fall outside the top 10 tight ends in terms of average draft position (ADP).

Fantasy draft TE sleepers

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com)

Irv Smith, Minnesota Vikings

Current TE ADP: 13 (120.73)

2020 stats (13 games, 7 starts): 43 targets-30 receptions-365 yards-5 TDs

Sleeper résumé: In his two seasons since joining the Vikings as a second-round pick in 2019, Smith has had to share TE1 duties with veteran Kyle Rudolph.

That’s no longer the case as Rudolph has departed for the New York Giants in free agency after totaling 85 targets, 67 receptions, 701 yards and 7 TDs over the last two seasons in Minnesota.

In steps Smith to a more prominent role in a tight end-friendly offense where he figures to get ample opportunity with opposing defenses more worried about containing the likes of RB Dalvin Cook and wideouts Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen.

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Jonnu Smith, New England Patriots

Current TE ADP: 14 (129.24)

2020 stats (15 games, 14 starts): 65-41-448-8 TDs

Sleeper résumé: This Smith actually is coming off a top-10 fantasy finish at his position (No. 9 in standard scoring in 2020) after a career year with the Tennessee Titans in which he tied for third among tight ends with nine total TDs.

He was only 18th, in targets among tight ends but that figures to change in a hurry as he was a prize offseason signing for the league’s tight end-neediest team in the Pats.

Proven vet Hunter Henry also signed as a free agent, but Smith is every bit as talented if not more so, is more reliable from a health standpoint and should emerge as a top target in an offense still lacking top-end wide receiver talent.

Evan Engram, New York Giants

Current TE ADP: 16 (132.69)

2020 stats (16 games, 14 starts): 109 targets-63 receptions-654 yards-1 TD

Sleeper résumé: Engram finished fourth among league tight ends in 2020 with 109 targets but only 18th in fantasy points thanks primarily to a 57.8 catch percentage and only 1 TD reception.

Engram can improve on the first metric and is due some positive regression in the second. To wit, he has caught only 7 TD passes over the last three seasons after hauling in 6 as a rookie in 2017.

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Fantasy football draft: Who to select with No. 2 overall pick

Breaking down who you should take with the No. 2 overall pick in fantasy football drafts.

Well, you missed out on the No. 1 pick in your upcoming fantasy football draft, but you did secure the second selection.
Assuming Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey goes first overall as most every set of preseason player rankings project, who do you go with at No. 2?
Below, we look at the top candidates for the No. 2 overall pick in fantasy football drafts and who should be selected.

No. 2 overall draft pick candidates

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com)

Minnesota Vikings RB Dalvin Cook (average pick of 2.82). 2020 (14 games): 312 rushes-1,557 yards, 44 receptions-361 yards, 17 total TDs, 293.8 (standard scoring)/337.8 (point-per-reception scoring) total fantasy points
New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara (4.37). 2020 (15 games): 187 rushes-932 yards, 83 receptions-756 yards, 21 total TDs, 294.8/377.8 total fantasy points
Tennessee Titans RB Derrick Henry (5.27). 2020 (16 games): 378 rushes-2,027 yards, 19 receptions-114 yards,17 total TDs, 316.1/335.1 total fantasy points
Dallas Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott (8.46). 2020 (15 games): 244 rushes-979 yards, 52 receptions-338 yards, 8 total TDs, 179.7/231.7 total fantasy points
Green Bay Packers WR Davante Adams (8.66). 2020 (14 games): 149 targets-115 receptions-1,374 yards, 18 total TDs, 245.4/360.4 total fantasy points

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So who should you select second overall in your fantasy football draft?

Henry, with 316.1 total fantasy points, was the non-quarterback leader in standard-scoring formats in 2020 while Kamara (377.8) topped the non-QB charts in PPR scoring.

But other than McCaffrey, Cook averaged the most standard-scoring points (21.0) on a per-game basis last season and finished 1.1 points behind Kamara (25.2-24.1) in terms of average PPR fantasy points per outing.
And that foreshadows our No. 2-pick recommendation.

We’re going to start by eliminating Elliott and Adams from consideration. The Cowboys’ back simply has too much to prove coming off a career-worst season (979 rushing yards and six TDs in 15 games) while the latter is a player at a deep position coming off a career year with historical numbers (league-leading 18 receiving TDs) that aren’t likely to be approached in 2021.
In standard-scoring formats, Cook offers the best rushing-receiving balance of the remaining three running backs as Henry is too run heavy (95.2 percent of his 397 touches in 2020 were rushes) while Kamara is the opposite (30.7 percent of his touches were receptions).

That makes Cook the preferred No. 2-pick in standard leagues despite his relative durability concerns having missed 21 games in four seasons.
In PPR formats, though, we’ll give the slight lean to Kamara over Cook.

Kamara’s league-leading 21 total TDs are certainly due to regress. However, with QB Drew Brees gone and the Saints’ other top offensive weapon, WR Michael Thomas, likely to start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list, Kamara figures to be relied on more than ever. He very well could hit a career high in touches this season, and in doing so, he could also approach 100 receptions for the first time in his five pro campaigns.

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Fantasy football draft: 3 sleeper QBs who could help win your league

Looking at fantasy football average draft positions (ADPs) and highlighting 3 sleeper quarterbacks who could help win your league.

Another season, another round of fantasy drafts and the same old conundrum when it comes to selecting quarterbacks.

Do you pounce early to ensure an elite Tier 1 player from fantasy’s highest-scoring position or do you wait while loading up on running backs and wide receivers to later take advantage of the seemingly ever-expanding depth at the QB position?

Below, we offer up three later-round sleeper options, in no particular order, if you prefer to take the latter approach at quarterback. The only condition is each of these three fall outside of the top-10 QBs in terms of current average draft position (ADP).

Fantasy football sleeper quarterbacks

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com)

Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles

Current QB ADP (redraft): 12 (84.99)

2020 stats (15 games, 4 starts): 77 completions, 148 attempts, 1,061 yards, 6 touchdowns, 4 interceptions; 63 carries, 354 yards, 3 TDs

Sleeper resume: Hurts started the Eagles’ last four games and played a full contest in three of them as a rookie last season.

During that Week 14-16 span, which also coincided with the fantasy playoffs in the majority of leagues, Hurts averaged a whopping 30.7 fantasy points (Huddle Performance scoring) per outing, outscoring all but Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen and Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson at the position.

Despite playing more than 50% of the offensive snaps in only four games, Hurts finished ninth among QBs in 2020 with 354 rushing yards to give him a nice, high floor.

Now Philly’s unquestioned starter at age 23, Hurts certainly will have some growing pains but if 2020 Heisman Trophy-winner WR DeVonta Smith, lives up to his first-round expectations, Hurts has an underrated cast of weapons at his disposal and definite fantasy QB sleeper potential.

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Justin Fields, Chicago Bears

Current QB ADP: 20 (121.10)

2020 stats (8 starts at Ohio State): 158 completions, 225 attempts, 2,100 yards, 22 TDs, 6 INTs; 81 carries, 383 yards, 5 TDs

Sleeper resume: There are several promising dual-threat rookie QBs to choose from, but we’ll go with Fields, who owns a lower ADP than Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence (14) and San Francisco 49ers QB Trey Lance (18), as he breathes much-needed hope into the Bears’ long-dreadful QB situation.

Veteran Andy Dalton, of course, is standing in his way as the current starter, but if Fields performs as well as he did to finish Chicago’s first preseason game, he could leave coach Matt Nagy with no choice. Draft Fields now in the later rounds and reap the benefits later in the season as he finds his NFL footing.

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Ryan Fitzpatrick, Washington Football Team

Current QB ADP: 27 (139.99)

2020 stats (9 games, 7 starts): 183 completions, 267 attempts, 2,091 yards, 13 TDs, 8 INTs; 30 carries, 151 yards, 2 TDs

Sleeper resume: At first glance, it’s tough to get excited by a soon-to-be 39-year-old QB starting for his ninth NFL team, but Fitzpatrick has been an overlooked fantasy gem in recent seasons.

Across 30 starts and/or games in which he played the majority of his team’s QB snaps over the last four seasons, Fitzpatrick finished with at least 21.9 fantasy points 20 times and topped 25 points 16 times.

Now consider that Atlanta Falcons QB Matt Ryan, who finished with 2020’s 12th-highest fantasy-points-per-game scoring average among QBs who played at least half the season, averaged 22.1 points per outing and it’s a lot easier to get behind Fitzpatrick’s 2021 sleeper potential — especially when he’s there for the taking after most fantasy drafts have ended.

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Fantasy football draft: 3 first-round picks to avoid

Analyzing 2021 fantasy football ADPs and flagging three potential first-round picks to avoid on draft day.

It is said that you can’t necessarily win your fantasy football league title on the basis of your first-round draft pick, but you can certainly set yourself up for a disappointing season with the wrong opening-round selection.
With that in mind, we’re singling out players for 12-team leagues and explaining why they’re three first-round picks to avoid in fantasy football.

Three first-round picks to bypass

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com)

Green Bay Packers WR Davante Adams

Current ADP: 6 (average pick of 8.83)

2020 statistics (14 games): 149 targets, 115 receptions, 1,374 yards, 18 touchdowns

2020 fantasy points: 243.4 standard scoring (first among wide receivers), 358.4 point-per-reception scoring (first)

Why to shy away: There’s a bit of an asterisk here: We do like Adams as a first-round pick, just not at No. 6 overall with elite players at positions of much more scarcity (Kansas City Chiefs TE Travis Kelce and RBs Saquon Barkley (New York Giants) and Aaron Jones (Green Bay Packers)) still on the board.

Adams had a career/historical year in 2020 in terms of receptions, TDs and fantasy points as he became the fifth player in NFL history with at least 18 scoring grabs in a season; however, the issue with historical seasons is they’re typically by their very definition a once-in-career occurrence.

Aside from Sterling Sharpe, whose career ended due to a neck injury suffered late in his 18-TD-catch season of 1994, the three other wideouts (Randy Moss in 2007, Jerry Rice in 1987 and Mark Clayton in 1984) who’ve had at least 18 scoring receptions in a season all saw their TD and standard fantasy point totals decrease markedly the next season (by at least 12 TDs and 51 fantasy points).

None of those three missed a game to injury in those ensuing seasons, and it’s highly likely Adams will follow suit in 2021, making him more of a late-first/early-second round value.

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Cleveland Browns RB Nick Chubb

Current ADP: 11 (12.42 average pick)

2020 statistics (12 games): 190 carries, 1,067 yards, 16 receptions, 150 yards, 12 total TDs

2020 fantasy points: 191.7 standard (9th), 207.7 PPR (11th)

Why to shy away: Running backs are the most valuable first-round commodities, but not backs in near-equal timeshares. Chubb’s Browns teammate and former NFL rushing leader Kareem Hunt finished just one spot behind Chubb among the 2020 standard-scoring fantasy points leaders and one spot ahead in the PPR ranks.

In other words, this is the point in the first round to jump off the RB train and go with the elite wide receiver or tight end.

Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor

Current ADP: 12 (13.17 average pick)

2020 statistics (15 games): 232 rushes, 1,169 yards, 36 receptions, 299 yards, 12 total TDs

2020 fantasy points: 216.8 standard (4th), 252.8 PPR (6th)

Why to shy away: Taylor is entering his second season, and it’s not even accurate to call him a one-year wonder as roughly 55% of his fantasy production came in his final five games of 2020, largely playing against sub-par defenses.

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Fantasy football draft: Who to take with the No. 1 overall pick

Analyzing 2021 fantasy football average draft positions and looking at which player you should take with the No. 1 overall pick.

So you have the No. 1 pick in your upcoming fantasy football draft. Is it as clear as most of the preseason player rankings make it appear (Carolina Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey) or is there a darkhorse candidate who should be getting serious consideration? Below, we look at the top candidates for the No. 1 overall pick in fantasy football drafts and who should be selected.

No. 1 overall fantasy football draft pick candidates

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com)

Going by re-draft league ADP, which includes both standard and point-per-reception scoring formats, as of Monday, Aug. 16, here are your top five along with their notable 2020 statistics:

McCaffrey (average pick 1.35): 59 carries, 225 yards, 17 receptions, 149 yards, 6 total touchdowns | 73.4/90.4 (PPR) total fantasy points (three games)
Minnesota Vikings RB Dalvin Cook (2.94): 312 carries, 1,557 yards, 44 receptions, 361 yards, 17 total TDs | 293.8/337.8 total fantasy points (14 games)
New Orleans Saints RB Alvin Kamara (4.34): 187 carries, 932 yards, 83 receptions, 756 yards, 21 total TDs | 294.8/377.8 total fantasy points (15 games)
Tennessee Titans RB Derrick Henry (5.47): 378 carries, 2,027 yards, 19 receptions, 114 yards, 17 total TDs | 314.1/333.1 total fantasy points
Green Bay Packers WR Davante Adams (9.12): 149 targets, 115 receptions-1,374 yards, 18 total TDs | 243.4/358.4 total fantasy points (14 games)

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Who should you select first overall in your fantasy football draft?

Henry, with 314.1 total fantasy points, was the non-quarterback leader in standard-scoring formats in 2020 while Kamara (377.8) topped the non-QB charts in PPR scoring.

However, it was McCaffrey who came out on top in both scoring formats in terms of average fantasy points per game (24.5 standard, 30.1 PPR) when he wasn’t sidelined by ankle and shoulder injuries.

In 2019, when he played a full 16 games, Run CMC came through with a fantasy season for the ages, totaling 353.2 standard-scoring and 469.2 PPR points to dominate both formats. In 2018, also playing a full 16 games, McCaffrey finished third among non-QBs in total standard fantasy points (274.5) and a close second in PPR points (381.5).

Now McCaffrey’s back at full health, still very much in his prime — having just turned 25 in June — and is ready to rack up fantasy points in an RB-centric offense as one of the league’s true three-down backs.

Of course, there are naturally re-injury question marks after McCaffrey played in fewer than 20% of the Panthers’ games last season, but each of the other leading No. 1 pick candidates all have more readily visible concerns and flaws:

Cook missed at least two games in each of his first four seasons and a total of 21 during that span.
QB Drew Brees is no longer leading the Saints and peppering Kamara with dump-off passes; the running back has never had more than 194 carries or 932 rushing yards in a season and he is bound to regress from his league-leading 21 touchdowns.

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Henry, while a clear freak in a league of physical freaks, will turn 28 before the season is over and the wear-and-tear of a whopping 867 total touches (including playoffs) over the last two seasons could very well start showing.
The wideout Adams, of course, plays at a much deeper position with less relative fantasy value, and the career-best numbers he compiled in QB Aaron Rodgers’ surprise MVP season a year ago will be tough to duplicate.

That leaves McCaffrey as the clear No. 1 overall choice, particularly in PPR leagues.

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Fantasy football: 3 wide receiver sleepers to draft in 2021

Analyzing three wide receiver sleepers you should target in 2021 fantasy football drafts.

It’s true that stars help you win fantasy football leagues, but late-round sleepers and breakout players play a pivotal role in not only rounding out a roster but winning championships. Below, we look at three wide receiver sleepers you should target in 2021 fantasy football leagues.

At the wide receiver position, there are so many talented players from the first to the 15th round, with most teams going three receivers deep on the majority of plays.

None of these players are No. 1 receivers on their respective teams and they probably won’t be WR1s on your fantasy team, but they all carry great value in leagues this year, especially given their average draft positions (ADP). If you can get them late, they could help you win your league.

1. Dallas Cowboys WR Michael Gallup (ADP: 112.75)

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com)

Gallup plays on a team with WRs CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper. The Cowboys also have RB Ezekiel Elliott, who contributes as a receiver. There are a lot of mouths to feed in Dallas, but that’s why Gallup can be had at such a discount.

Last season, he was targeted 105 times and caught 59 passes for 843 yards – decent numbers for a guy on a deep roster with backup quarterbacks throwing him passes.

Now taking on more of a slot role, he should see an uptick in production with QB Dak Prescott back. With Cooper frequently in and out of the lineup, Gallup has a chance to increase his snap share if an injury does occur.

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2. Chicago Bears WR Darnell Mooney (ADP: 127.95)

Unlike Gallup, Mooney doesn’t play on a team with a lot of competition at wide receiver (or on offense in general). As a rookie last season, Mooney caught 61 passes for 631 yards with Mitchell Trubisky and Nick Foles as his quarterback.

Now he gets QBs Andy Dalton or Justin Fields under center. Most of the Bears’ targets will go to Mooney and WR Allen Robinson, which is why he has such good upside despite going around the 11th round in fantasy drafts.

3. Las Vegas Raiders WR Bryan Edwards (ADP: 181.84)

Edwards is more of a long shot than Gallup and Mooney because he hasn’t shown much in the NFL. He caught just 11 passes for 193 yards as a rookie last year, but the potential is there – and he has made some highlight-reel catches in practice.

TE Darren Waller will get most of the targets from QB Derek Carr, but WRs Henry Ruggs III and Hunter Renfrow aren’t exactly established WR1s. Edwards has a good chance to break out in Year 2 as a big-body receiver in the Las Vegas offense.

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Fantasy football draft: Should Patrick Mahomes or Lamar Jackson be QB1?

Analyzing Lamar Jackson’s and Patrick Mahomes’ 2021 fantasy football ADP and which should be QB1.

Fantasy owners will soon be holding fantasy football drafts. It is time to build draft strategy, and that starts with a plan regarding the top quarterback selected.

Two popular players in fantasy leagues are Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson and Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. Both are among the top performers at their position for different reasons.

But which one should be QB1 in fantasy? Below, we look at Lamar Jackson‘s and Patrick Mahomes‘ 2021 fantasy football average draft position (ADP) and which one should be QB1 in your fantasy draft.

Lamar Jackson’s ADP: 29.88

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com)

Jackson’s ADP is 29.88, which ranks 32nd among all players and third among quarterbacks. He was selected as high as No. 2 overall and as low as 74th.

Patrick Mahomes’ ADP: 13.69

Mahomes is ranked 12th among all players and is No. 1 among quarterbacks. He was selected as high as first overall and as low as 44th.

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Lamar Jackson’s 2020 stats

Passing: 64.4% completion, 2,757 yards, 26 TDs, 9 INTs

Rushing: 1,005 yards, 7 TDs

Patrick Mahomes’ 2020 stats

Passing: 66.3% completion, 4,740 yards, 38 TDs, 6 INTs

Rushing: 308 yards, 2 TDs

Should Lamar Jackson or Patrick Mahomes be QB1 in your fantasy football draft?

Fantasy owners are pretty clear. Mahomes is the better option.

Last year’s numbers bear it out. Mahomes had 73 more fantasy points and averaged nearly six points more per game.

Jackson gives you intrigue with his rushing numbers having surpassed 1,000 yards each of the last two seasons. He just doesn’t exhibit the passing polish you would like to see. Mahomes’ volume of passing numbers more than closes the gap.

Mahomes is coming off a foot injury, but he delivered through physical maladies last season. At the end of the day, Mahomes is proven to pile up the passing numbers with the offense he runs and the weapons he has.

If you have to choose between the two, Mahomes is the clear QB1.

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Fantasy football draft: Where to target Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers

Analyzing Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers’ 2021 fantasy football ADP and where you should target him in your drafts.

Having joined the Green Bay Packers at training camp after uncertainty loomed large this offseason, QB Aaron Rodgers, the 2020 NFL MVP, is set for another big-time season. Below, we look at Aaron Rodgers‘ 2021 fantasy football average draft position (ADP) and where you should draft him.

Rodgers clearly isn’t happy with the Packers organization, but, for now, that doesn’t matter. He’s set to play and there should be little uncertainty regarding his immediate future.

Having led the league in completion percentage, interception rate, and touchdowns last season, Rodgers, despite being 37 years old, is still playing at an elite level.

Rodgers’ ADP: 59.33

(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com)

Rodgers’ current position is an embarrassment, considering how good of a player he is. Rodgers is being taken 13th among quarterbacks, just ahead of Tennessee Titans QB Ryan Tannehill.

Rodgers’ ADP equates to him being taken 94th. The drafts include dynasty and keeper leagues, which explains a bit of his drastically low ADP. The fact that some leagues drafted before Rodgers joined training camp is also a factor.

He’s being taken as the fourth Packers off the board, behind RB Aaron Jones, WR Davante Adams and WR Amari Rodgers.

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Rodgers’ 2020 stats

Games: 16

Passing yards: 4,299

Touchdowns: 48

Interceptions: 5

Where should you take Rodgers in your fantasy football draft?

Rodgers is a much better actual quarterback than he is a fantasy quarterback. Most of his fantasy weakness comes from him not being much of a rusher, yet he’s coming off the best season of his career.

Last season, Rodgers finished with the third-most fantasy points and fourth-most points per game among quarterbacks. The Packers brought back Jones for the star quarterback and they still have Adams.

There’s no reason to think Rodgers’ production will take a hit. Feel great about getting Rodgers as your QB1. If he’s on the board in the sixth round, easily snag the three-time MVP.

He’s looking more like a second-wave quarterback despite his strong 2020. In almost every league the fifth or the sixth round is where he should be taken off the board.

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