Fantasy football is alive and well with the NFL draft a couple of weeks behind us now and rookie minicamps taking place. No matter how you slice it, this offseason’s moves by each team will have some sort of fantasy impact. Our consensus rankings for the 2019 season are available to help guide you through all the changes, but to take it one step further, we asked our group of featured experts below to provide further insight into the current set of Half-PPR rankings. We know how important it is to nail your draft with the best running backs and wide receivers, so here’s who the pundits believe are currently undervalued across the fantasy industry.
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Q1. What one WR outside the top 20 in early consensus rankings (half-ppr) is the most undervalued in your opinion?
DaeSean Hamilton (WR – DEN)
Consensus Rank: WR56
“I expect a high dose of Sammy Watkins mentions, so let’s talk BAESean… err, DaeSean Hamilton. Players rarely return near 100% or even perform much at all after Achilles injuries (Emmanuel Sanders), and Hamilton is a better fit for Joe Flacco’s wonderful 3-yards at a time approach. Courtland Sutton is a terrific talent as well, but Hamilton was underrated in the draft already and now, he’s being underrated in his second season despite the distinct possibility that he could be the Broncos No. 1 option and a Top 20 WR.”
– Jake Ciely (The Athletic)
“Hamilton came on strong late last season after Emmanuel Sanders tore his Achilles tendon. He averaged 6.25 catches on 9.50 targets and scored twice over his last four games while tallying at least 40 yards in each contest. The sophomore pass-catcher may turn into Joe Flacco’s new safety valve out of the slot. If Sanders can’t make a full recovery or is hampered at all, Hamilton will obviously have an even larger role than he already will. Look for a WR4 finish or better if the stars align.”
– Zach Greubel (Gridiron Experts)
Sammy Watkins (WR – KC)
Consensus Rank: WR26
“Not only is Kansas City home to one of the most undervalued running backs, but a wide receiver with league-winning potential can also be found on the Chiefs roster. Sammy Watkins was a low-end WR2 through the first 9 weeks of the season, before struggling with injuries the rest of the way. While dynasty owners are excited about the potential of 2nd-round pick Mecole Hardman, it is Watkins who is set up to be the Chiefs’ go-to receiver in 2019. Watkins’ lengthy injury history is baked into his ADP, but for the weeks he is active, he offers a safe floor with massive upside in the Patrick Mahomes-led offense. If he were to stay healthy for the bulk of the season, owners will have enjoyed year-long WR1 production at a WR3 price tag.”
– Matthew Hill (DataForce Fantasy Football)
Mike Williams (WR – LAC)
Consensus Rank: WR30
“Not only did Mike Williams finish as the No. 24 wide receiver last year, but he did it while in a lesser role than that of Tyrell Williams, who is now in Oakland. While playing as the No. 3 receiver, Williams totaled 66 targets and somehow amassed 10 touchdowns (one every 6.6 targets). He’s not going to match that touchdown rate, but fortunately, he won’t have to. He should be locked into 100-plus targets in 2019.”
– Mike Tagliere (FantasyPros)
Q2. What one RB outside the top 15 in early consensus rankings (half-ppr) is the most undervalued in your opinion?
Josh Jacobs (RB – OAK)
Consensus Rank: RB35
“The rookies are understandably underrated since it’s early in the offseason. Josh Jacobs narrowly beats out David Montgomery as the most underrated, but both are criminally low. This was true of Jacobs even before Isaiah Crowell had a season-ending injury. Jon Gruden has actually leaned on his lead running back quite a bit when given a half-decent option (Cadillac Williams had 290 carries in 14 games one year! and even Earnest Graham saw 222 in just 10 starts). I’d rather have Jacobs than Todd Gurley and his 75-year-old knee.”
– Jake Ciely (The Athletic)
David Montgomery (RB – CHI)
Consensus Rank: RB41
“It blows my mind that most don’t realize just how valuable the starting running back job for the Bears is, which makes David Montgomery a steal in early drafts. Think about this for a minute: The Bears traded away Jordan Howard for a sixth-round draft pick. He finished as the RB20 in PPR formats and they were so unhappy with his performance that they traded him for essentially nothing. Then they trade up in the third-round to select Montgomery, who’s a tackle-breaking machine and one who can offer more than Howard did in the passing game. Yes, Tarik Cohen is still there, but he was there last year finishing as the RB13 while Howard did his thing. Montgomery should be in the low-end RB2 conversation. ”
– Mike Tagliere (FantasyPros)
Damien Williams (RB – KC)
Consensus Rank: RB18
“The fantasy community collectively expected Kansas City to either bring in a big-name free agent or spend a high draft pick to lead the Kansas City backfield. Instead, the Chiefs signed an underwhelming Carlos Hyde and waited until the 6th round to select their first running back, speaking volumes on how they view Damien Williams. Williams was not just ‘kinda productive’ at the end of 2018, he was a league winner. From weeks 14-16 (most league’s fantasy playoffs), he was the number three overall running back, compiling 74 PPR points. His excellence continued in Kansas City’s playoff games, making him a staple of winning DFS lineups. With Williams entering training camp seated comfortably atop the running back depth chart, I expect more of the same this season. It’s time to start believing in Damien Williams as an RB1 in 2019.”
– Matthew Hill (DataForce Fantasy Football)
Miles Sanders (RB – PHI)
Consensus Rank: RB55
“This year’s faction of rookie running backs leaves something to be desired – especially compared to last year’s class – but there are a few who shouldn’t be overlooked. One such newcomer is Miles Sanders. Jordan Howard will technically start for the Philadelphia Eagles, but Sanders’ skills complement Howard’s. Following the departure of Saquon Barkley, Sanders scampered for nearly 1,300 rushing yards and nine touchdowns while catching 24 passes for Penn State. Josh Adams, Corey Clement and others will stunt Sanders’ full potential, but Sanders possesses RB3 upside in one of the league’s best offenses. Another name to consider as a value in his first year with the New Orleans Saints is Latavius Murray.”
– Zach Greubel (Gridiron Experts)
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Thank you to the experts for naming their early undervalued running backs and wide receivers in fantasy football. Be sure to give them a follow on Twitter and for more advice, check out our latest podcast below.
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