When it comes to fantasy football, value is the key word. We all want value, whether it be in the first round or the last round. One of the defining factors in winning a fantasy championship comes down to drafting valuable players. Last year it was Josh Gordon and Eddie Lacy, among others. Who will it be this year.
The following is a list of 10 players who are most undervalued at this point in the preseason. How is a player undervalued? Their ADP is a farther away from their value. For example, Gordon finished as the top wide receiver in fantasy football last year despite being drafted in the eighth round or later. That is what we are shooting for.
Without further ado, the top 10 most undervalued players in fantasy football:
10. Andy Dalton, Quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals
Currently, Dalton is being drafted 122nd overall as the 16th quarterback drafted. That makes sense right? He's an average quarterback, but young and some feel he has reached his upside. But, in fantasy football he is one of the biggest bargains in your draft. Last year, Dalton threw for just under 4300 yards and 33 touchdowns and finished as QB3 in most formats. Does anyone expect him to be a top five fantasy quarterback again? No, but as he is being drafted as the 16th quarterback, he presents a lot of potential value. Not to mention, Dalton has looked good so far this preseason under new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson.
9. Ahmad Bradshaw, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts
Everyone knows the story of Trent Richardson, and how he has "lost his way" as a running back. The issue is, he could not get the job done with an excellent offensive line in Cleveland, and not last year with the Colts. It seems he has issues with decision-making and hitting the hole with authority. Nevertheless, the chances of him becoming a star again is slim, so his backup would be in line for carries, right? Bradshaw has been one of the more reliable backs (when healthy) in the last few years, and it's expected that he sees a lot of work for the Colts. Rumor has it that the Colts will be passing the ball more this season, which is perfect for Bradshaw, who is one of the best pass blockers in the NFL. Currently, Bradshaw is being drafted at 131 as the 50th running back selected. It's not a stretch to say that he will be the starter at some point, so that has value in itself.
8. Justin Hunter, Wide Receiver, Tennessee Titans
Fantasy football analysts have been all aboard the Hunter train all off-season. Is he still a sleeper? Of course. Hunter is being drafted at 113 overall, as the 46th wide receiver drafted. Hunter has the potential to accrue over 1000 yards and possibly achieve double-digit touchdowns. As the 46th reciever drafted, that is a bargain. He will lose targets to Kendall Wright, but there will be plenty of passes to go around to feed both. The Titans are not expected to be a good football team, which means they should be passing the ball, a lot. Hunter caught 18 passes last year for 354 yards and four touchdowns. He has a two touchdown game already in the preseason, and is a prime candidate to break out in his second season.
7. Kelvin Benjamin, Wide Receiver, Carolina Panthers
At this point, you know that Benjamin is looked at as either a future star or a bust. But in reality, he could be very good right away. The "bust" community feels that way about Benjamin because of his age, among other things. But as detailed here, Benjamin could be a very good pro player. As for fantasy football this season, Benjamin may have the highest floor among all rookie receivers. As the top option for the Panthers, Benjamin will likely see over 100 targets and could even reach 10 touchdowns. That's not a bad value for a player being drafted after the 11th round in most leagues. It's not often a rookie can have this much value, but in Benjamin's case, it could be true.
6. Kyle Rudolph, Tight End, Minnesota Vikings
Vikings fans will be the first to agree, but Rudolph could be a massively undervalued player this season. He has been dominant this preseason, and is a matchup nightmare. Currently, the former Notre Dame tight end is being drafted at 85th overall as the eighth tight end drafted. Is that too high? Too low? Think about this. In Norv Turner's offense, the tight end has been used a lot.
What exactly is this "track record" that everyone speaks of? Turner has had a tight end finish near the top of the rankings every year with the Chargers. But, those tight ends were Antonio Gates and Jordan Cameron. Did these guys make Turner, or vice versa? There is only one way to find out, but there is no question he will use Rudolph exclusively.
5. Golden Tate, Wide Receiver, Detroit Lions
Tate has been on eDraft's radar for a few months, leading back to this column earlier in the preseason. It outlined how Tate was used in Seattle and his production based on limited targets and snaps. He should see a ton more opportunities this season. Currently, Tate is being drafted 78th overall as the 32nd wide receiver drafted. Those drafted ahead of him include names like Mike Wallace, Emmanuel Sanders and Marques Colston. All three of those have potential to get WR3 numbers, but considering Tate is the second wide receiver on a high-volume offense, he could get WR2 numbers. Keep him in your queue during your drafts.
4. Rob Gronkowski, Tight End, New England Patriots
Gronkowski on an undervalued list? Yes, it's true. Gronkowski is being drafted in the third round right now amid speculation of his injury history. The truth is, both of his injuries are freak accidents that would have happened to anyone with one coming in field goal formation. The other was a low hit that would have torn anyone's leg apart. Get past the injuries, and remember this one stat. Gronk has scored a touchdown in around 85 percent of his games. That number is far above anyone else in the NFL, and one of the highest rates (if not the highest) in NFL history. Draft him if you want touchdowns.
I'm with Mike.
3. Dez Bryant, Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys
Bryant will be one of the top 15 players off the board in your draft. How can he be undervalued? Many fantasy analysts have him ranked as their top wide receiver this year. Why is that? First off, here is one reason. That makes a huge difference if just two of these go a few more yards.
In addition, with new offensive coordinator Scott Linehan, the Cowboys will run a lot more plays and Bryant will be targeted a lot more. Remember that Calvin Johnson set records under Linehan, and Bryant is one of the most talented pass-catchers in the NFL. Draft him in the first round, with confidence.
2. Devonta Freeman, Running Back, Atlanta Falcons
Freeman could be a starting running back, which holds immense value in fantasy football. With Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers being role players at this point in their careers, Freeman could be the main back in Atlanta. That means not only will he run the ball, but he will be a feature in the passing game as well, which gives him value in PPR leagues as well. Freeman is being drafted 98th overall as the 40th running back selected. Taking him there is a steal, especially since he could be a starting running back. There are rumors that Jackson could be cut, and in that case Freeman has great value and could be taken in the top eight rounds.
1. Ben Roethlisberger, Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers
Roethlisberger is the top undervalued sleeper at this point in the preseason. Why is that? He is being drafted 127th as the 17th quarterback taken. Just behind Andy Dalton, who was discussed above. Why is he the most undervalued player in fantasy right now though? When Le'Veon Bell returned last season and gave Roethlisberger a safety valve, he was one of the best fantasy quarterbacks in the game. His pace with Bell was over 4400 yards and 30 touchdown passes. Can he repeat that? Yes, and he could do even better with a healthy offensive line, the addition of Martavis Bryant, a healthy Heath Miller and some of the fastest receivers in the NFL at his disposal. Draft Big Ben as your late round quarterback, and reap the benefits later.