Fantasy Football Rankings 2017, Top 101 PPR Players: No. 53-51

On today’s list of fantasy football’s top 101 PPR players of 2017 we feature two wide receivers who are poised to set career highs in 2017.

If I have a chance to draft a workhorse-like running back or two in Rounds 1-3 I’m going to jump all over it. The reason is because there are plenty of wide receivers after Rounds 1-3 who I trust to put up quality numbers every week. Two of those wide receivers are featured on today’s 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. 53-51:

Oct 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) carries the ball for a touchdown in the second quarter against the Houston Texans at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

53. C.J. Anderson, RB – Denver Broncos

Back in 2014 the former undrafted free agent out of Cal broke out for 1,173 total yards and 10 touchdowns. Since then, it’s been back-to-back disappointing seasons for C.J. Anderson. In 2015 Anderson appeared in 15 games, but only ran for 720 yards. He finished the season as the 31st PPR running back.

Last season, a knee injury ended Anderson’s season after only seven games. Since 2014 Anderson’s carries, rushing yards and touchdowns have decreased every year. He also set a career low in yards per carry (4.0) in 2016.

Going into 2017 Anderson will be the Broncos starting running back but he’s going to find himself in a committee one way or another. Will it be with Jamaal Charles who appears to be on his last legs or will it be with second-year man Devontae Booker? Anderson should be treated as RB2/3.

Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) catches a touchdown pass against Green Bay Packers cornerback Damarious Randall (23) during the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

52. Stefon Diggs, WR – Minnesota Vikings

Last season Stefon Diggs got off to a hot start in Weeks 1-2. Over the first two games of the season Diggs totaled 16 receptions, 285 yards and 1 touchdown. After back-to-back 100-yard performances to open the season, Diggs only had one more 100-yard game for the rest of the entire season. He finished the season with 84 receptions, 903 yards and three touchdowns. He was the 30th PPR wide receiver.

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According to Vikings beat writer Matt Vensel, Diggs claimed he was never healthy after injuring his groin in Week 4. On top of the groin injury, Diggs dealt with a knee and hip injury. These injuries forced him to miss three games in 2016. Despite missing three games Diggs finished 14th among wide receivers in receptions. If he can stay healthy for all 16 games in 2017, Diggs could push for 100 receptions but has limited touchdown upside.

Nov 13, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Willie Snead (83) celebrates after a touchdown catch during the third quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

51. Willie Snead, WR – New Orleans Saints

Over his first two seasons in the NFL, Willie Snead has averaged 71 receptions and 940 yards on 103 targets. He has finished back-to-back seasons as the 32nd PPR wide receiver. This year he should set career highs in receptions and receiving yards with the departure of Brandin Cooks.

Next: Fantasy Football Rankings, Top 101 PPR Players: No. 56-54

Cooks, who is now in New England, averaged 81 receptions and 1,156 yards on 123 targets since 2015. With Cooks gone and the Saints only adding Ted Ginn Jr. to their wide receiver corps, Snead should be viewed as a WR2/3 with week-to-week upside. He has the benefit of playing in the Saints offense with Drew Brees slinging the ball. In that type of situation, he’s a threat to secure 7-10 receptions every week.

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