Check out a few of my must-have fantasy football players that I’m targeting in dynasty startup drafts. And you can find all of my must-have dynasty startup targets in this article.
- More Dynasty Articles & Advice
- Dynasty Startup Draft Primers: QB | RB | WR | TE
- Dynasty Rookie Primers: QB | RB | WR | TE
- Dynasty Rookie Draft Simulator
Must-Have Dynasty Startup Targets
Here are the fantasy football players I’m targeting in my dynasty startup drafts.
J.K. Dobbins (RB – BAL)
(May Startup ADP per DLF: RB15)
J.K. Dobbins is a SMASH VALUE
Listen Why:https://t.co/7qgEJUHGZV pic.twitter.com/szISaSCltE
— Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) May 11, 2023
Dobbins enters a contract year prepared to smash in a revitalized offense under the direction of Todd Monken. When Dobbins has been on the field he’s been one of the best rushers in the NFL. Last year operating one healthy leg, he ranked 22nd in yards after contact per attempt, sixth in breakaway percentage, and 24th in PFF elusive rating (minimum 90 carries per PFF). The last time we saw him at full health in his rookie season he was top 12 in each of these metrics (eighth, second, 11th). Marry Dobbins’ talent with Monken who fed top-ten opportunity shares in his last two years as an offensive coordinator to Nick Chubb and Peyton Barber and we have the recipe for an undervalued Dobbins to earn a lucrative second contract and crush in 2023.
Cam Akers (RB – LAR)
(May Startup ADP per DLF: RB23)
What I hear when people fade Cam Akers pic.twitter.com/qM8i4dPSzJ
— Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) April 1, 2020
Toss Akers into the same beautiful bucket as Dobbins. A contract-year running back primed and motivated to shut the doubters up. Akers displayed last season that he is fully back from the Achilles injury that derailed his career. In Weeks 10-18 last season, he was 21st in yards after contact per attempt and seventh in PFF elusive rating (per PFF). If we zoom in further, the numbers only get sexier. In Weeks 13-18, Akers averaged 19.1 touches, 101.8 total yards and was the RB6 in fantasy points per game. During that timeframe, he was tied for 11th in high-value touches among running backs as he gobbled up 100% of the team’s carries inside the ten-yard line. With Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp returning, Akers should be Sean McVay’s workhorse. Akers is only 23 years old, with plenty of tread left on the tires. Even if the Rams don’t resign him, if he fills up the box scores this season, he should have no problem earning a starting job and a second contract with another team for 2024.
James Cook (RB – BUF)
(May Startup ADP per DLF: RB29)
— Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) May 31, 2023
A second-year running back with second-round draft capital that is currently being drafted in startups outside of the top 24 running backs, yeah, this is a smash pick. Cook was electric with his touches last year. He ranked 28th in yards after contact per attempt, first in breakaway percentage, and 19th in PFF elusive rating (per PFF). Damien Harris and Latavius Murray are looming goal-line sloths, but Cook has the talent to be the lead back in Buffalo. Devin Singletary produced RB30 and RB24 fantasy points per game finishes over the last two years with 58-59% opportunity shares. Cook could produce similar (if not better) results on less volume. Cooks also has a sizzling pass game upside after ranking ninth in yards per route run and sixth in targets per route run last season (minimum 30 targets). If Cook can cement himself as the lead option in this backfield, he should hold the role for the next few seasons. Damien Harris and Latavius Murray are on one-year deals and likely out the door after 2023.
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