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Fantasy Football Rankings 2017, Top 101 PPR Players: No. 41-39

By Dan Thomas

Sep 13, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) runs with the ball as Washington Redskins outside linebacker Martrell Spaight (50) attempts the tackle in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Dolphins won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) runs with the ball as Washington Redskins outside linebacker Martrell Spaight (50) attempts the tackle in the third quarter at FedEx Field. The Dolphins won 17-10. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Today’s list of fantasy football’s top 101 PPR players of 2017 features a PPR monster in a declining situation and an aging veteran somehow on the incline.

Every season an owner has to look at players and their current circumstances. Just because certain players have a history of success doesn’t mean they are destined to repeat that success. Today’s list has a wide receiver who has 84+ receptions in three straight seasons. Yet, the way the offense is shaping up, he might be in store for a down year.

To be clear, the top 101 PPR players are for re-draft leagues only. Here’s a look at players ranked No. 41-39:

Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts after a touchdown during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts after a touchdown during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

41. Tom Brady, QB – New England Patriots

Yesterday’s list ended with Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers at No. 42. Today’s list begins with Patriots 39-year old quarterback Tom Brady at No. 41. As you can see, there’s not much separating the two. I’m sure some would argue Rodgers is a better pick over Brady and I wouldn’t have a problem with that. The reason I give Brady the slight edge is due to his weapons heading into 2017.

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Last year Brady threw 28 touchdown passes and just two interceptions across 12 games. During the process, he averaged 296 passing yards per game. Despite the great season, Brady still averaged 2.3 points less than Rodgers on a per-game basis. Personally, I believe the additions of Brandin Cooks and a healthy Rob Gronkowski puts him over the top.

Since 2015, the speedy Cooks has averaged 1,156 yards and 8.5 touchdowns per season. Last year Gronkowski only appeared in eight games. However, a hobbled Gronkowski and Brady played in less than six games together. With Gronkowski expected to be 100% well before Week 1, we should see vintage Gronk. The same Gronk who averaged 77 receptions, 1,150 and 11.5 touchdowns per season between 2014-15. From top to bottom this might be the most dangerous Patriots offense since 2007.

Dec 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Colts won 18-12. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Colts won 18-12. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

40. Jarvis Landry, WR – Miami Dolphins

Since entering the league in 2014, Jarvis Landry has three straight seasons with 84+ receptions and has averaged 96 receptions per season in that time. Last year he finished as the 13th PPR wide receiver. Despite such a strong year, Landry’s numbers last season were a little deceptive.

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In Weeks 1-4 Landry averaged 11 targets and eight receptions per game. Between Weeks 5-17, Landry averaged seven targets and five receptions per game. The reason for the disparity in numbers is because the Dolphins transitioned to a run-heavy offense with Jay Ajayi. ESPN’s James Walker has reported Dolphins head coach Adam Gase said Ajayi could see 350 carries in 2017 if he stays healthy. Even if he doesn’t reach that milestone, it’s clear the Dolphins want to run early and often.

Going into 2017, the Dolphins are a run-first team, returning all their weapons from a season ago plus they added receiving tight end Julius Thomas. Personally, I’d be shocked if Landry didn’t lead the Dolphins in targets and receptions this season. At the same time, I wouldn’t be surprised if he finished with fewer than 84 receptions for the first time in his career.

May 5, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) catches a pass during practice at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
May 5, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey (22) catches a pass during practice at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

39. Christian McCaffrey, RB – Carolina Panthers

At the end of April, the Carolina Panthers spent the eighth overall selection on Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey. Even though he’ll be listed as a running back on the depth chart, McCaffrey is more of an offensive weapon. Instead of carrying the ball 20 times a game, he should average 12-15 touches per game with 4-6 of those touches being receptions.

Next: Fantasy Football Rankings, Top 101 PPR Players: No. 44-42

McCaffrey will spend time in the backfield and in the slot. He’ll be a mismatch and a nightmare for defenses that attempt to cover him with a linebacker. He’ll have a shot to finish top-five among all running backs in receptions as a rookie. He’s slippery, strong and as long as he stays durable, he’s going to be a high-floor RB2.

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