As the fantasy season has come to an end it’s important to evaluate each position gaining understanding of their current value. Current season value and previous season finishes are great evaluating factors to where each player should reside for the upcoming season. This evaluation is based on a 16-game fantasy season PPR custom format. Let’s review!





















2018 Top 10 Fantasy Football Wide Receivers:





DeAndre Hopkins (HOU)

2018 Points: 333.5 | 2017 Points: 309.8 | Net Gain/Loss: +23.7 (Rank #1)

The Texans DeAndre Hopkins took the bull by the horns in 2018 to lead all receivers in fantasy points scored, edging out the Packers Adams by a mere 4 points. Nuk again proved he is one of the best in the business and should always be in the conversation with the other elite brand receivers in the game. As Deshaun Watson matures and refines his overall game, the prospects for D-Hop to continue the pace for the next several seasons is likely an afterthought. Houston is on the cusp of being a truly dominating bunch that requires a few extra pieces to bring them over the top. Either way, Nuk is virtually un-coverable and can score points at will.





Heading into the 2019 season, Hopkins and the Texans should only add more talent to the squad which will raise the potential for Hopkins to again challenge to be the best in football at his position. It very hard to argue Nuk not being the number one receiver off the board in next year’s drafts.





Davante Adams (GB)

2018 Points: 329.6 | 2017 Points: 222.5 | Net Gain/Loss: +107.1 (Rank #2)

The Packers Davante Adams is something of an enigma as he simply turns out monster performances but doesn’t get the respect around the league that he so rightfully deserves. Over the last three seasons, Adams has done nothing but tally touchdowns at an incredible rate securing a whopping 35 scores in that time. His average touchdown mark over that three year span is 11.7 per season which would challenge for top spot in the NFL. While playing with Aaron Rodgers is an obvious benefit and one that should continue produce big numbers over the next few years, adding more talent to this receiving core will only help his cause.





With long tenured head coach Mike McCarthy fired, Green Bay has a glorious opportunity to correct the inadequacies in their play calling and personal sub-packages. Adams is a true play maker that was finally force-fed and proved he belongs atop the elites. Adams should remain a top five receiver next season.









Tyreek Hill (KC)

2018 Points: 328.0 | 2017 Points: 239.2 | Net Gain/Loss: +88.8 (Rank #3)

Coming into training camp, the Chiefs number one receiver Tyreek Hill preached that behind Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City would be the most explosive offense in the NFL. His words at the time came with optimism as we all felt that Mahomes would bring a fantastic dynamic to this offense over the departed Alex Smith. The NFL couldn’t have expected the lights out showing of this offense which we had the joy of witnessing as Tyreek became a household name lifting his rank to sit in the top 3 of fantasy producing receivers. Hill nearly managed to secure an additional 100 points to his numbers from a season ago, and could’ve done far better had he not dealt with a few minor injuries over the course of the season.





While the Chiefs came out guns-blazing scoring points at will, the natural thought is regression for next season as matching these heights will be a difficult task all in itself. With that said, the drop off shouldn’t be too drastic as it appears the Chiefs should be a team the opposition will have to contend with for at least the next few years while seeing this elite level play. Hill will sit in the top five again in 2019.









Julio Jones (ATL)

2018 Points: 325.8 | 2017 Points: 251.9 | Net Gain/Loss: +73.9 (Rank #4)

th best receiver in PPR formats. In our eyes, if we had to start a team from scratch and had our pick for a starting wide receiver, Julio would undoubtedly be our first choice. Jones is an absolute beast that continues to play at world class levels with the only knock to his game being the lack of touchdowns he scores for a player with his talent level. Only seeing one season in his 8 year career hit the 10 touchdown mark is the difference from Jones being the best in the game each and every season. Getting back on track and securing 8 scores while hauling in over 100 receptions and leading the league in total receiving yards is proof that Julio isn’t ready to slow down just yet. ADF has never been shy to show our fandom for the great Julio Jones, and again he found his way to sit as the 4best receiver in PPR formats. In our eyes, if we had to start a team from scratch and had our pick for a starting wide receiver, Julio would undoubtedly be our first choice. Jones is an absolute beast that continues to play at world class levels with the only knock to his game being the lack of touchdowns he scores for a player with his talent level. Only seeing one season in his 8 year career hit the 10 touchdown mark is the difference from Jones being the best in the game each and every season. Getting back on track and securing 8 scores while hauling in over 100 receptions and leading the league in total receiving yards is proof that Julio isn’t ready to slow down just yet.





Moving on to next season, the Falcons made the best decision early in their offseason, and have parted ways with mediocre offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. Atlanta requires a play caller that understands how to get Jones the ball in key situations while continuing to feed the super-star talent. With Calvin Ridley having a fantastic rookie campaign and poised to replicate that success next season, Julio should again see fewer double teams come his way. It’s not hard to envision Julio replicating his success next season.









Antonio Brown (PIT)

2018 Points: 323.7 | 2017 Points: 310.3 | Net Gain/Loss: +13.4 (Rank #5)

th placement in the season ending ranks, it was his yardage which didn’t match previous seasons which lead to the drop. With that said, the influx of greater passing this season around the league allowed for others to feast in their own rights marking greater competition at the position. The amount of elite level talent at the receiver position is staggering and the glut will continue to grow. With all the controversy surrounding the Steelers this season, Antonio Brown again found his way to world-class numbers and hitting career highs in touchdown receptions with 15. While it may be surprising to witness Brown hold the 5placement in the season ending ranks, it was his yardage which didn’t match previous seasons which lead to the drop. With that said, the influx of greater passing this season around the league allowed for others to feast in their own rights marking greater competition at the position. The amount of elite level talent at the receiver position is staggering and the glut will continue to grow.





Looking to 2019, the Steelers have made early headlines with Brown showing his displeasure with the organization and players in the locker room, to only skip the last game of the season. Brown has been viewed on social media being openly critical and leaving the potential for both him and the Steelers to part ways. While Brown would instantly make another club that much better, we have concerns to who would throw him the ball if he in fact finds a new home. This is a situation to watch this offseason.









Michael Thomas (NO)

2018 Points: 315.5 | 2017 Points: 258.5 | Net Gain/Loss: +57 (Rank #6)

Making arguments to who is better among the top six at wide receiver is like splitting hairs at this point. Michael Thomas is a complete freak of nature with glue like hands securing a catch rate over 90%. Thomas isn’t the fastest guy on the field, but all this man does is make plays. Hitting career highs in nearly every statistical category in 2018, Thomas again proved he belongs in the conversation of the best in the NFL. What could be most impressive about Thomas is that he literally has no viable receiving option on the other side that can draw coverage from him, meaning he sees double teams more often. Thomas is the poster boy for consistency and should continue to dominate so long as Drew Brees is throwing him the ball.





Looking ahead to 2019, there has been no indication that Drew Brees has any interest in hanging up the cleats just yet, which is a great positive for Thomas. Michael fell just 18 points shy of matching Hopkins for the top spot, and if the Saints could find another talent to help pull coverage from his side, Thomas could very well be the top producing pass catcher next season.









Adam Thielen (MIN)

2018 Points: 307.3 | 2017 Points: 239.8 | Net Gain/Loss: +67.5 (Rank #7)

While most thought Adam Thielen’s career season from 2017 was something special, he again added to his stat book showing there is still more of a ceiling to his game. While the Vikings didn’t have great team success this season, the addition of Kirk Cousins proved to be great for fantasy football purposes. The one concern for Thielen was the drastic drop off in overall productivity as the year wore on. From weeks 1 to 8, Adam posted 74 receptions, for 925 yards, and 6 touchdowns. From weeks 9 to 17 Thielen only managed 39 receptions, for 448 yards, and 3 touchdowns - you see what we’re saying. It’s clear the opposition figured out the Vikings offensive scheme in the second half of the season which dropped the overall outlook.





Moving to next season, the Vikings will again be a team that will produce good-to-great levels of offense making Adam prime to get close to his numbers again. Kirk Cousins will have to improve his overall game in year two with the Vikings and we would bet that should happen.









JuJu Smith-Schuster (PIT)

2018 Points: 296.9 | 2017 Points: 191.7 | Net Gain/Loss: +105.2 (Rank #8)

Last season we had JuJu Smith-Schuster as one of our high potential players at the position, and he didn’t disappoint. Gaining 100 more fantasy points in year two is quite the feat, and it appears JuJu is only scratching the surface. Smith-Schuster showed he could be the best secondary receiving option in the NFL while putting up WR-1 numbers in the process. Falling just 4 points shy of 300 total fantasy points with the great Antonio Brown on the other side is very impressive. Some have put in the argument that JuJu could have standalone value as a primary pass catcher in this league and we are beginning to believe that notion.





For the 2019 outlook for Smith-Schuster, a lot could be riding on this next season. If everything falls apart with Antonio Brown and the Steelers and they manage to trade the super-star, JuJu would instantly be placed in the top position. The future of their quarterback Ben Roethlisberger also will be put into question making next year completely unpredictable for JuJu at his point. Keep tabs of the Pittsburgh dysfunction throughout the offseason.









Mike Evans (TB)

2018 Points: 284.4 | 2017 Points: 203.1 | Net Gain/Loss: +81.3 (Rank #9)

Remember when some called out Mike Evans to have a massive regression this season after a down performance in 2017? Well we at ADF weren’t in that circle as we pumped the tires of Evans having a rebound campaign and he surly didn’t disappoint. Even as the Buccaneers struggled with their quarterback situation for most of the season, Mike Evans turned out career best numbers in almost every category including receptions of over 40+ yards, very impressive.





As we move to 2019, the outlook on Evans should remain as a clear WR-1 as rumors have it that Jameis Winston will be back for another season after some speculation that Tampa would move on. If the Bucs could finally solve their running back situation, Evans should enjoy the fruits of more play action opening up his prospects down field. Tampa Bay employs a plethora of talent at the receiver position which will also keep single coverage to his side. The value for Evans is off the charts for where you can draft his services next season.









Stefon Diggs (MIN)

2018 Points: 266.3 | 2017 Points: 198.2 | Net Gain/Loss: +68.1 (Rank #10)

We all knew the great potential of the Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs, and he finally turned out a campaign that hit over 1000 receiving yards. Hitting career highs in every major category, Diggs proved that with Kirk Cousins and Adam Thielen, they could work some magic. The issue for Diggs season-over-season is that consistency remains the largest concern. At times the target share didn’t come his way leaving him touchdown dependent to save his fantasy days. Of the last 7 weeks of the season, Diggs managed 5 touchdowns which inflated his overall point totals to look better than what they could’ve been.





While we recognize that Minnesota had issues all over the field in 2018, there is a lot to like and build from going into 2019. The Vikings need to improve the offensive line to assist Cousins and the run attack to form stability for this team to have a breakout high-octane unit. With coaching and player change-over coming, we fully expect fantasy owners to step back on Minnesota players in the new-year. Our early advice is to remain patient, as great value can be had with Diggs potentially falling to later rounds in the 2019 draft.













2018 Top 5 Failed Value Wide Receivers:





Marvin Jones (DET)

2018 Points: 115.8 | 2017 Points: 225.1 | Net Gain/Loss: -109.3 (Rank #1)

th best fantasy receiver and was poised to put up similar numbers this season, which never transpired. While we never like to throw injured players in the top failed classification, we have no choice with this group as missing time was the key factor in most of their declines. The Lions Marvin Jones only played 9 contests this season due to finding his way to the medical room leaving nearly 110 fantasy points off the board. Jones finished last season at the 12best fantasy receiver and was poised to put up similar numbers this season, which never transpired.





With the Lions shipping Golden Tate away via trade to the Eagles and second year pro Kenny Golladay taking the giant leap in his progression, Marvin Jones has a perfect opportunity to be a massive sleeper pick in the 2019 fantasy drafts.









Doug Baldwin (SEA)

2018 Points: 141.8 | 2017 Points: 225.3 | Net Gain/Loss: -83.5 (Rank #2)

ADF went on record this past offseason advocating in staying away from the Seahawks Doug Baldwin in 2018 for potential large regression. Hitting that point dead on, Doug feel victim to a knee injury which hampered him the entire season. Dropping over 80 points in total production leaving his owners scrambling for answers for the price he cost them in drafts. As health increased in the latter parts of the schedule, Baldwin did find more success but nothing to write home about.





th best receiver in 2017, to holding the 46th slot in 2018. Depending on how the offseason goes for Seattle, Doug should be poised for a rebound possible holding good value in drafts. The 2019 edition of the Hawks could be much the same as it was in 2018 where a run heavy approach could dictate the offensive system. Baldwin’s fall from grace saw a sharp drop from being the 11best receiver in 2017, to holding the 46slot in 2018. Depending on how the offseason goes for Seattle, Doug should be poised for a rebound possible holding good value in drafts.









AJ Green (CIN)

2018 Points: 149.4 | 2017 Points: 226.8 | Net Gain/Loss: -77.4 (Rank #3)

The complete debacle of the Bengals season derailed the overall outlook for their super-star AJ Green. There is no question that this was a complete anomaly year for Green, and we fully expect him to find his way back to being a top flight earner next season. For where Green would’ve been selected in drafts, his failed season would’ve crippled fantasy clubs looking hard for better options.





As the offseason has already begun for the Bengals, a new head coach and potential change over at quarterback could take place this offseason. There could be a lot of change coming for the jungle cats and would have to be watched closely for appropriate value on Green in 2019.









Sammy Watkins (KC)

2018 Points: 115.1 | 2017 Points: 146.3 | Net Gain/Loss: -31.2 (Rank #4)

Well we gave it one last shot to place support on now colossal draft bust Sammy Watkins, and now we can no longer tell lies. Sammy is now with his third team in 5 years and has failed to produce a full season outside of his rookie campaign in Buffalo. It’s clear that when Sammy is on the field he could be a true difference maker as we never questioned his overall talent. For whatever reason, Sammy simply can’t put everything together consistently enough to be trusted any longer.





While Watkins could have a role during the NFL post season and could perhaps be a difference maker in a game or two, we would need to see high productivity over the course of an entire season to throw any more support his way. Draft bust, fantasy bust, is the stench that will follow Watkins after so much promise.









Demaryius Thomas (HOU)

2018 Points: 156.7 | 2017 Points: 205.9 | Net Gain/Loss: -49.2 (Rank #5)

Oh how the mighty have fallen. This will be the third failed season for the once fabulous fantasy receiver, now looking more like an afterthought. Injuries have filled his last two campaigns and entering the ripe age of 31, his best days are likely behind him. Being traded to the Texans this season from Denver, Thomas fell to another severe achilles injury that should get him his walking papers this offseason.





Thomas’ outlook for 2019 looks rather grim as Houston has no contractual obligation to Thomas if they chose to cut bait this offseason, removing the 14 million he is owed with no dead cap applied. This surly will mean that he will be on a new club in 2019 leaving the prospects very murky at best.













2019 High Potential Wide Receivers:





Zay Jones (BUF)

2018 Points: 165.2 | 2017 Points: 70.6 | Net Gain/Loss: +94.6

There was a great deal of hype for the Bills Zay Jones entering his 2017 rookie season only to see a great failure. 2018 was more kind to Jones as it appeared he began to understand the NFL game around week 10 of this season. With Buffalo potentially having their answer at the quarterback position with Josh Allen, Zay managed to find the endzone a healthy 7 times while hauling in a career high 56 receptions. Buffalo still has a lot of work to do this offseason, but Zay is known for being sure handed and could turn out to be a great PPR product. There is still great risk applied to Jones, but it is beginning to fade.

2019 Projected Points: 200-210









DJ Moore (CAR)

2018 Points: 157.0 | 2017 Points: N/A | Net Gain/Loss: N/A

The Panthers drafted a gem in DJ Moore this past offseason to which he turned out some great performances in the process. When key players found their way to the medical room, Moore was able to capitalize showing his fantastic ability. Based on his size (5 foot 11 inches) it took Moore some time to acclimate himself to the pro game to understand where he could make the most damage. While the Panthers season started hot, it was relegated to the trash bin ultimately missing the playoffs. With changes forthcoming and rumors indicating Devin Funchess has played his last down in a Panther uniform, DJ Moore could solidify himself as the primary target in this offense. He is a player to watch for next year.

2019 Projected Points: 220-250









Randall Cobb (GB)

2018 Points: 86.4 | 2017 Points: 159.4 | Net Gain/Loss: -73.0

Some may scoff at the notion that Randall Cobb will ever regain fantasy relevance, but hear us out before you move on. The Packers will be moving in another direction this season as Cobb has finally played out his final year of his lucrative deal in Green Bay. Injuries and lack of usage has been the issue for Cobb since his fantastic breakout season back in 2014. Undoubtedly, Cobb will hit the open market and could be snagged by a club that is looking for a player of his caliber (perhaps the Saints or Patriots?). Cobb is only 28 years old and would be able to muster at least two more productive seasons given the right opportunity. If he can land on the right squad and stay clear of the medical room, the value could be off the charts.