Once the Super Bowl ends, the dynasty league analysis officially begins. Debating the perfect balance between talent and age is always an enjoyment for fantasy football enthusiasts. It is time to light up the dynasty “hot stove,” with our 2017 Fantasy Football Dynasty League Rankings.

These rankings are based on PPR scoring format and for a window of the next five seasons. All ages are based on the projected opening game next season.

2017 Fantasy Football Dynasty Rankings

(All statistics from PlayerProfiler.com)

Quarterback Rankings

Skinny: Dak Prescott‘s age, offensive line, and mobility elevate him into the top three. Matt Ryan may very well play into his late 30’s, but his skills will deteriorate quicker than a more athletic player like Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady. Derek Carr‘s passing offense and strong offensive line put him in the top five. He ranked fifth with 92 Red Zone passing attempts despite missing one game.

Even if Brady plays just three more years, he must rate in the top ten even in dynasty leagues. Ben Roethlisberger‘s recent comments about a possible retirement moved him outside the top twelve. Tyrod Taylor, who led the position with 580 rushing yards, could be substantially higher if his offense improves or he lands on a different team (Denver would be ideal). Jimmy Garoppolo rates ahead of the established Ryan Tannehill because his potential ceiling is higher. Tannehill has proven to be an average NFL quarterback, with just 229.7 passing yards per game last season.

Running Back Rankings

Skinny: There is no debating the first three running backs. Ezekiel Elliott gets the nod after leading the league with 1,632 rushing yards as a rookie. Very quietly, Bears rookie running back Jordan Howard finished second with 1,314 yards, so he gets the fourth spot over the more fantasy productive Melvin Gordon (12 total touchdowns in only 13 games).

In a PPR scoring league, Devonta Freeman is undervalued. Freeman is only 25 years old, and finished fifth at the position with 54 receptions. Despite the presence of Tevin Coleman, Freeman ranked third with 53 Red Zone carries as well. If DeMarco Murray stumbles, Derrick Henry will gladly take the lead role in Tennessee behind an underrated offensive line. If Jamaal Charles is really finished? Spencer Ware moves into the top twelve immediately. Ameer Abdullah still has a great opportunity in a high -scoring Detroit offense.

The question in Green Bay remains: Can Ty Montgomery continue producing at a 5.97 yards per carry pace as a full time running back? Jalen Richard could inherit the goal line back duties in Oakland if Latavius Murray leaves. T.J. Yeldon should be much better, and hopefully a coaching change in Jacksonville helps. If LeSean McCoy ever gets hurt, Mike Gillislee is a great later round flier. Wendell Smallwood is a quality lottery ticket.

Wide Receiver Rankings

Skinny: Mike Evans gets the top nod as the top dynasty wide receiver, having ranked first in Air Yards (1,146), Targets (171), and Target Share (30 percent) in 2016. Evans’ pairing with a young quarterback in Jameis Winston, rates among the best over the next five years. With Michael Crabtree turning 30 next season, Amari Cooper nabs the coveted fifth spot among this elite group. Two players not getting the attention they deserve are T.Y. Hilton and Michael Thomas. Hilton led the league with 1,448 receiving yards on the fourth most targets (155), while also rating second in Air Yards, just 46 behind Evans. The best fact about rookie Michael Thomas? How about that he led all receivers with the best Air Yards/Target (8.9 per target). As a rookie slot receiver, that is impressive.

The next tier of receivers are characterized with poor quarterback play or injury concerns. Allen Robinson and DeAndre Hopkins were fantasy busts this season, but are still both 24 and 25 years old respectively. Stefon Diggs and Corey Coleman are younger than that, and showed flashes of greatness in poor offenses. Sterling Shepard could have a breakout season, especially if the Giants cut ties with Victor Cruz. If Terrelle Pryor leaves Cleveland, he could quickly vault into the top 20 depending on destination.

Jordan Matthews, Tyrell Williams, and Cameron Meredith are all under 26 years old and possess explosive athleticism. Patriots rookie Malcolm Mitchell caught four touchdowns passes and played a fantastic second half of the Super Bowl. If the 25-year-old Martavis Bryant can stay on the field and keep Ben Roethlisberger for a few years, he would be in the top 25. Robby Anderson, the undrafted rookie out of Temple, is a great lottery ticket. He runs a 4.41 40 yard dash, and is in the 75th percentile or above in Burst Score, Height-Adjusted Speed Score, and Catch Radius. Taylor Gabriel has found a home on the carpet in Atlanta, and fantasy owners will never give up on the mercurial, but lethally talented Josh Gordon.

Tight End Rankings

Given the underwhelming year Rob Gronkowski had, many fantasy owners will forget how dominant he was when healthy. Gronkowski ranked first among all tight ends with 21.6 yards per receptions, and still finished 20th in receiving yards despite playing roughly seven games. Travis Kelce had the breakout season many have been waiting for, finishing second among all tight ends in receptions (85) and first in receiving yards (1,125). Antonio Gates turns 37 this season, which means Hunter Henry will see an increase in playing time and targets. Henry ranked third in Red Zone receptions (11) and led the position with eight total touchdowns, four more than Kelce.

Zach Ertz, Eric Ebron, and Cameron Brate are highly targeted players in good offenses. Don’t give up on Coby Fleener yet, as he will only be 28 years old and is in an offense that always scores points. Jordan Reed ‘s injury history is a huge red flag, with 18 missed games over his four NFL seasons. Very few tight ends possess the metrics Austin Seferian-Jenkins does, and he just needs a good work ethic and a chance to produce. If Dennis Pitta gets hurt, Maxx Williams is the best lottery ticket in this group.

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