Fantasy Football Rankings 2017, Top 101 PPR Players: No. 44-42
As we continue our list of fantasy football"s top 101 PPR players of 2017, we have two of the top three quarterbacks checking in.
I've said it before, I'll say it again and I'll say it in the future: I'm not a fan of drafting quarterbacks early. It's a position where I believe I can find enormous value in the later rounds. If I am going to draft a quarterback early, it's because one of the three "elite" quarterbacks fell into my lap past their average draft position (ADP).
Today we see two of those three elite quarterbacks on the list. Who are they?
To be clear, the top 101 PPR players are for re-draft leagues only. Here's a look at players ranked No. 44-42:
Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) throws the ball prior to the against the Atlanta Falcons at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
44. Drew Brees, QB – New Orleans Saints
Despite turning 38-years old in January, Drew Brees still remains as one of the elite fantasy quarterbacks. Last season he finished as the No. 3 fantasy quarterback. It's the 11th-straight season Brees finished a top-six fantasy quarterback or better.
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There's nothing better than having a player who is consistent while also being a threat to finish No. 1 at his position every week. If you own Brees, you plug him in as your starter every week (other than his bye-week) and don't think twice about it. His stats may not be as strong on the road as they are at home but they aren't bad enough to make him bench material during those weeks either.
Usually, I draft two quarterbacks late and play the matchups until one of them takes the reins as a week-to-week starter. If owners choose to draft Brees, they don't need to draft a backup or extra quarterback. Instead, they can spend an extra draft pick on a running back or wide receiver. They won't have to make a decision on which player to drop until Brees bye-week (Week 5). By then, an owner may have found a player who is an unexpected fantasy starter.
Sep 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) catches a pass for a touchdown during the first half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
43. Travis Kelce, TE – Kansas City Chiefs
Last season Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce set career highs in receptions (85), receiving yards (1,125) and targets (117). He finished 2016 as the No. 1 fantasy football tight end. Since 2014, Kelce's receptions, receiving yards and targets have increased every year. Going into 2017, it wouldn't be a surprise if he set new career highs in some of those categories.
Less than a month ago, the Chiefs released their No. 1 wide receiver, Jeremy Maclin. With Maclin no longer in the picture, Kelce could/should lead the Chiefs in receptions, receiving yards and targets for the second-straight season. He's also an easy bet to see 100+ targets for a third-straight season.
As a rookie in 2013, Kelce missed all but one game with a knee injury. Since then, Kelce has played in every game for three straight seasons. Kelce is virtually a lock as a top-three tight end as long as he can stay healthy. Based on his history, there's a strong chance he plays all 16 games in 2017.
Jan 15, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) throws on the run against Dallas Cowboys safety Barry Church (42) in the NFC Divisional playoff game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
42. Aaron Rodgers, QB – Green Bay Packers
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers checks in as our No. 2 fantasy quarterback of 2017. Last season he finished as the best fantasy quarterback. It's the second time in three years Rodgers has been the No.1 fantasy quarterback.
Not only does Rodgers have a cannon for an arm but he also provides owners with fantasy points with his legs. In five out of the last nine seasons, Rodgers has three or more rushing touchdowns. He also has 316+ rushing yards in four out of the last eight seasons. His 369 rushing yards in 2016 was third-best among all quarterbacks. His 344 rushing yards in 2015 was fifth-best among all quarterbacks. Another benefit of having Rodgers as a fantasy quarterback is he doesn't turn the ball over.
In six-straight seasons, Rodgers has thrown eight or less interceptions. To give you an idea how impressive that is, last year's MVP, Matt Ryan, has thrown double-digit interceptions in seven out of nine seasons. Drew Brees has thrown double-digit interceptions in 12-straight seasons. Rodgers is a great passer, a good runner and smart with the football. With all of these qualities, it should be no surprise Rodgers is a top-three fantasy quarterback.