2023 Fantasy Football Stacks: Ranking all 32 Teams
Fantasy football draft season is here and as we all know, stacking can be a critical strategy in this game we all love. Particularly in tournaments and BestBall formats. With just one month before the regular season kicks off, it’s time to evaluate the 2023 Fantasy Football Stacks: Ranking all 32 Teams.
Stacking has only gotten more popular in recent years but it’s not a strategy without risk. Pairing or tripling up on offensive players on high-powered teams can lead to some astronomical scores on any given week. But finding the right players to stack can often be tricky.
Check out the stacking rankings for all 32 NFL teams below. I have included each quarterback with their top-three fantasy options according to FFWC high-stakes advanced ADP. Also, sometimes you can’t get a top option on the offense with your quarterback. So I have also included one contingency, late-round selection from each squad that could be worthy of a stack. Let’s dive in!
Please Note: All ADP data is from Firday, August 4.
Elite Fantasy Football Stacks
Philadelphia Eagles
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Jalen Hurts | 36 | A.J. Brown (WR) | 10.5 | DeVonta Smith (WR) | 22 | D’Andre Swift (RB) | 74 | Dallas Goedert (TE) | 86.5 |
The NFC champs have a huge chip on their shoulder after losing to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. The high-stakes community seems to be all in on Philly, too. Both A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith are currently being selected in the first and second rounds, respectively.
Last year, Brown was selected a good 30 picks before Smith so the former Alabama product is closing the gap. Still, Brown is clearly the superior option. Plus, there is some concern that Smith may not be quite as productive if Philly’s offense is fully healthy.
Fantasy managers who have a late draft slot have a great chance at taking Brown in Round 1. Then they can follow that up with perhaps the top quarterback in fantasy, Jalen Hurts, in Round 3. Hurts was extremely successful slinging the rock in 2022 (3,729 passing yards and 24 passing touchdowns compared to just six interceptions). But he was also unstoppable in the rushing game. Opposing defenses simply have no answer for Philly’s go-to goal-line play. Hurts amassed a whopping 15 touchdowns on the ground last season. The only downside with selecting Hurts is the Eagles’ propensity for rushing the football with their running backs.
However, Philly has a new backfield after moving on from Miles Sanders. Former Detroit Lions stud D’Andre Swift should lead this new committee. Although Swift may split touches with Rashaad Penny and Kenneth Gainwell, High-stakes players seem to be warming up to the idea of Swift dominating in an Eagles uniform. The tailback is currently being selected early in Round 7.
Lastly, Dallas Goedert has the potential to be a top-three tight end. He could also have the most value based on ADP of any member of the Eagles. I absolutely LOVE the idea of a Hurts-Brown-Goedert stack and you should too.
Los Angeles Chargers
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Justin Herbert | 76.5 | Austin Ekeler (RB) | 9 | Keenan Allen (WR) | 25 | Mike Williams (WR) | 38 | Quentin Johnston (WR) | 94.5 |
Coming off a massive contract extension and heading into his first year with new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, Justin Herbert is expected to do big things in 2023. He’s been rising up draft boards but fantasy owners can still snag the big-armed signal caller in Round 7 of high-stakes drafts.
Managers who want to stack a team with a ton of talent such as the Chargers would have to select Austin Ekeler late in the first round. But, that is a bit of a gamble in a format where you can start up to five receivers (two flex). However, getting your star running back is also critical in all formats. That said, it’s tough to envision managers being fortunate to snag both Ekeler and Keenan Allen based on their current ADPs.
Herbert’s go-to option is currently being drafted at the end of Round 2 or early in Round 3. Mike Williams is expected to take another step up and is currently being selected in the early fourth round. It’s very possible to pair Ekeler with Williams if you truly believe in this offense as I do.
If you are able to grab Herbert but miss out on Allen or Williams, the Chargers selected Quentin Johnston out of TCU in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He has some serious sleeper appeal and is being drafted accordingly by high-stakes players.
Los Angeles has five players going within the first eight rounds of fantasy drafts. That clearly means the high-stakes community thinks this offense is about to erupt. I wouldn’t disagree with them. It doesn’t hurt that the Chargers have the sixth-easiest strength of schedule at the quarterback position and the seventh-easiest strength of schedule at the wideout position. A Herbert-Allen-Johnston stack would be a sneaky good one. I’d also consider a QB-RB stack since Ekeler is such a phenomenal pass catcher out of the backfield.
Cincinnati Bengals
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Joe Burrow | 72.5 | Ja’Marr Chase (WR) | 2 | Tee Higgins (WR) | 23.5 | Joe Mixon (RB( | 40 | Tyler Boyd (WR) | 130 |
Fantasy managers who are all in on the Cincinnati Bengals could take the non-traditional route of selecting a team’s top two receivers in the first two rounds. Ja’Marr Chase is currently being selected second (only behind Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson). Also, teammate Tee Higgins is going at the tail end of Round 2.
It’s also conceivable for managers to add Jow Burrow to the stacking mix (despite his recent injury scare). Burrow is currently being selected at the end of Round 6 or early in Round 7. For this stack to work, it will likely have to just be the players in the passing game. Joe Mixon is going in the middle of Round 4 and the other members of the Bengals are being selected with an early or late draft slot.
Subsequently, managers who draft Burrow may want to target Tyler Boyd late as he has immense upside should Chase or Higgins suffer an injury. Cincinnati is going to throw the ball a ton this year and this high-potent offense will be off to the races.
Buffalo Bills
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Josh Allen | 47.5 | Stefon Diggs (WR) | 8 | Gabriel Davis (WR) | 74.5 | James Cook (RB) | 83 | Damien Harris (RB) | 110 |
A Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs stack has the potential to win a ton of fantasy leagues in 2023. Of course, that means selecting Diggs in the first round over a star running back. And also spending a fourth-round pick on Buffalo’s signal caller. In 2022, Allen finished as the QB2 and Diggs finished as the WR4. Obviously, this is one of the top stacks in the entire NFL.
Gabe Davis is an amusing mid-round selection after showing plenty of flashes of brilliance. The question is whether he can put it all together despite Buffalo’s addition of rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid.
Also, the Bills also have two running backs whom I consider to have some sleeper appeal. James Cook is slated to be the starter in his second NFL season after Devin Singletary’s departure. However, Buffalo did sign former Patriots RB Damien Harris, who has huge touchdown upside in the later rounds. Finally, an Allen-Diggs-Cook/Harris stack would be absolute money in the bank!
Kansas City Chiefs
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Patrick Mahomes | 44 | Travis Kelce (TE) | 5 | Kadarius Toney (WR) | 80.5 | Isiah Pacheco (RB) | 90 | Skyy Moore(WR) | 92.5 |
The Chiefs’ high-powered offense was forecasted to take a huge hit in 2022 after the loss of Tyreek Hill. However, Patrick Mahomes did Mahomesesque things and still found a way to finish as the QB1. If the Chiefs had better peripheral players on their offense, they would be much higher on this list as there is no stack more dominant than Mahomes and Travis Kelce.
Yes, drafting these two studs means spending a ton of early draft capital on the quarterback and tight end positions. But this strategy allows fantasy drafters to wait until the very late rounds to select backups at both positions. If a manager decides to go all in on Kelce, reaching for Mahomes is a slam dunk.
Although Kadarius Toney should slide down draft boards after getting injured on the first day of training camp, Skyy Moore is an alluring potential sleeper. Especially with Andy Reid calling plays. Reid will find a way to get the ball into his playmakers’ hands.
Plus, Isiah Pacheco is an intriguing running back to target in the middle rounds despite Jerick Mckinnon and Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s presence. I’m a Pacheco believer so a Mahomes-Kelce-Pacheco/Moore stack would make for a very solid build. Especially in BestBall formats.
Potential League Winners
Jacksonville Jaguars
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Trevor Lawrence | 83.5 | Calvin Ridley (WR) | 28.5 | Christian Kirk (WR) | 41.5 | Travis Etienne (RB) | 43 | Evan Engram (TE) | 116.5 |
The Jaguars caught fire late in the 2022 season and should only improve in 2023 with Calvin Ridley returning from his suspension. There is an inherent risk in selecting Ridley with a third-round pick considering the talented wideout has missed so much time over the last few years. However, he’s looked like an absolute monster in training camp. Ridley has reportedly developed great chemistry with Trevor Lawrence.
Lawrence has the potential to sneak into the top-five quarterbacks in 2023 if he protects the ball and continues to improve his accuracy. Also, Lawrence has four elite pass-catchers at his disposal this season in Ridley, Christian Kirk, Travis Etienne, and Evan Engram. A Lawrence-Ridley-Kirk/Etienne stack has about as much upside as any stack in the NFL.
Minnesota Vikings
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Kirk Cousins | 145.5 | Justin Jefferson (WR) | 1 | Alexander Mattison (RB) | 58 | Jordan Addison (WR) | 66 | T.J. Hockenson (TE) | 70 |
Minnesota’s passing game was on point last season and Justin Jefferson established himself as the consensus top pick amongst the high-stakes community. There won’t be many QB-WR duos that produce more fantasy points than Kirk Cousins and JJ. The Vikings are poised for another playoff run and if I have the top pick in a draft, I’m grabbing Jefferson, snagging Captain Kirk late, and adding either rookie wideout Jordan Addison or tight end T.J. Hockenson in the mid-rounds.
Addison may be a rookie but Adam Thielen is now in Carolina so there are plenty of vacated targets for the rookie. Hockenson was a completely different player in Minnesota versus Detroit. In his first seven games, Hock only caught 5+ balls once. But once he landed with the Vikings, the big tight end was a PPR machine. This was highlighted by a 13-catch game against the Giants in which he accumulated 109 yards and two touchdowns.
Alexander Mattison is another compelling player who has been perhaps the most productive handcuff in the NFL the past few years playing behind Dalvin Cook. With Cook gone, Mattison should see upwards of 20 touches a game with no sustainable backup option in the backfield. Minnesota could very well finish as a top-five offense in 2023.
Miami Dolphins
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Tua Tagovailoa | 176.5 | Tyreek Hill (WR) | 7 | Jaylen Waddle (WR) | 16 | Jeffrey Wilson (RB) | 131 | Devon Achane (RB) | 132.5 |
I’ll be the first to admit that I am not a big fan of Miami’s running game at this point. Therefore, I’m fading the entire backfield.
That said, Tua Tagovailoa was on pace for an absolutely brilliant season before concussions got in the way. Also, this passing game is one of the most explosive in the NFL. With Jaylen Waddle sneaking up draft boards, it would be next to impossible to get a Tua-Hill-Waddle stack. But if you can pair this quarterback with either of his top options, you are likely in good shape.
Tagovailoa is just the QB14 amongst the high-stakes community but something tells me that if he can remain healthy, he’ll finish among the top-12 in 2023.
Detroit Lions
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Jared Goff | 184 | Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR) | 11 | Jahmyr Gibbs (RB) | 34 | David Montgomery (RB) | 81 | Jameson Williams (WR) | 103 |
Detroit took huge strides last year and I anticipate another step in the right direction in 2023. This will be the year of the Sun God and high-stakes drafters agree as Amon-Ra St. Brown is being selected at the end of the first round.
Lions believers may want to snag rookie RB Jahmyr Gibbs with St. Brown. Gibbs has seen his stock skyrocket despite the presence of veteran David Montgomery. Montgomery is one of the top handcuffs to target in fantasy football this year and even Jameson Williams has some sleeper appeal despite the fact that he will miss the first six games of the season due to a suspension.
Williams is a playmaker and is known for his ability to break games open with big plays. He’s the perfect type of player you want to target in BestBall contests. Because the Lions have a pretty atrocious defense, Jared Goff should have a ton of opportunities in 2023.
Finally, a Goff-St. Brown stack with either Gibbs/Montgomery or Williams could be the difference between a championship and missing the fantasy postseason.
Dallas Cowboys
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Dak Prescott | 117 | CeeDee Lamb (WR) | 6 | Tony Pollard (RB) | 17.5 | Brandin Cooks (WR) | 70.5 | Michael Gallup (WR) | 166 |
The Dallas Cowboys will look much different in 2023 without Ezekiel Elliott. Unfortunately for Cowboy fans, it will be next to impossible to get a WR-RB stack given that CeeDee Lamb is going midway through the first round and Tony Pollard is going midway through the second. Both players are poised for breakout seasons.
Dallas doesn’t have a ton of great options at the running back position behind Pollard so Dak Prescott should let it loose in 2023, especially with the addition of Brandin Cooks. While I’m not crazy about Cooks’ value this season (nor Michael Gallup’s), Cooks’ over-the-top speed should help Lamb find more open space.
Fantasy managers can do much worse than a Prescott-Lamb stack. But that’s probably as good as it gets in terms of stacking in Dallas this season. A drafter could pivot to a less traditional QB-RB stack with Prescott and Pollard. But I’d much prefer the connection with Lamb. CeeDee will finish as a top-five wideout this season.
Baltimore Ravens
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Lamar Jackson | 53 | Mark Andrews (TE) | 43.5 | J.K. Dobbins (RB) | 63 | Rashod Bateman | 69.5 | Zay Flowers (WR) | 90 |
Lamar Jackson’s stock has plummeted in recent years due to injuries. But, when healthy, there aren’t too many quarterbacks with more upside. The former MVP produced 28.1 points per game in his 2019 season, three points more than any quarterback tallied in 2022. Heading into the 2023 season, Jackson is the QB4 in the high-stakes community.
When both are healthy, there aren’t a ton of stacks more dominant than Jackson and Mark Andrews. In 2021, Andrews finished as the TE1 overall, but he struggled to produce consistently last year. The veteran tight end struggled to keep pace with Travis Kelce last season and the gap between the two has widened.
Still, Andrews is the clear-cut TE2 overall and it’s not impossible to pair Jackson and Andrews together with a little luck in the fourth and fifth rounds. It also helps that the Ravens have the second-easiest strength of schedule at the tight end position.
But Baltimore also has some other interesting players to build around, including J.K. Dobbins. Dobbins is going just 10 picks after Jackson though so a QB-RB stack doesn’t seem very plausible in Baltimore.
Rashod Bateman never really put it all together as a rookie and may not see quite as many targets with the addition of rookie Zay Flowers, a player with tons of hype. Although Flowers is going a bit too early for my liking, his upside is undeniable, particularly in BestBall formats. A Jackson-Andrews-Flowers stack is one that could hit on all cylinders if the Ravens can keep their skill position players healthy in 2023.
New York Jets
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Aaron Rodgers | 182 | Garrett Wilson (WR) | 15.5 | Breece Hall (RB) | 34.5 | Allen Lazard (WR) | 111 | Michael Carter (RB) | 181 |
I can’t believe I am writing that the New York Jets contain a potential league-winning stack. However, with Aaron Rodgers in town, the Jets could have a pretty explosive offense in 2023. Sure, Rodgers was a complete bust last season, averaging a measly 14.8 points per game (and failed to deliver 20+ points in any game all season). But I believe Rodgers when he says he can still perform at an MVP level.
Rodgers may not have Davante Adams anymore but second-year wideout Garrett Wilson has emerged as a top-10 wide receiver and is being drafted in the early second-round of high-stakes leagues. Wilson was phenomenal in his rookie season but couldn’t quite reach his potential due to horrendous quarterback play. Ultimately, he finished as the WR21 but it’s clear that he has top-10 upside. Quarterback play shouldn’t be an issue for Wilson in 2023, which should lead to more consistent outings.
Breece Hall is another second-year player who can do big things in 2023 if the Jets don’t sign a veteran running back such as Dalvin Cook. Hall was on pace to win Offensive Rookie of the Year before suffering a season-ending injury in 2022. A Rodgers-Hall-Wilson stack or a simple RB-WR stack containing just Wilson and Hall would be very contrarian but potentially game-changing.
This sophomore Jets duo likely has the largest range of outcomes of the potential skill position stacks. Hall was electric in his rookie season before tearing his ACL in Week 7 but should be healthy for the season opener. Wilson also had an incredible start to his career and won Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2022.
The success of this pairing will rest on the shoulders of Aaron Rodgers and I’m trusting the four-time MVP. Plus, the Jets brought in Allen Lazard, who obviously has a ton of chemistry with Rodgers from their days in Green Bay. If a fantasy drafter isn’t able to pair Wilson with Rodgers, Lazard is probably the next-best option in the passing game. Michael Carter Jr. also makes for an intriguing handcuff for Hall if the Jets don’t add anyone to their backfield.
Mid-Tier Stacks
San Francisco 49ers
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Brock Purdy | 227 | Christian McCaffrey (RB) | 4 | Deebo Samuel (WR) | 39.5 | Brandon Aiyuk (WR) | 51.5 | George Kittle
(TE) |
79.5 |
The 49ers have an absolute dominant offense outside of the quarterback position but Brock Purdy did prove plenty down the stretch of the 2022 season to earn the starting gig over Trey Lance in 2023. Purdy was one of the biggest surprises of 2022, going from Mr. Irrelevant to San Francisco’s starter. He played efficient real-life football in eight full games and even scored as a top-10 fantasy QB over that span. As the 22nd quarterback off the board, he’s nothing to write home about. However, Purdy could be a decent bye-week replacement.
San Francisco’s other skill positions are loaded with talent, starting with the first running back off the board in 2023 fantasy drafts in Christian McCaffrey. We all know that so long as CMC stays healthy, he is the top running back in fantasy football. If I’m all in on the Niners, I’m trying to stack CMC with either Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, or George Kittle.
A CMC-Aiyuk stack is my favorite on this team. I wouldn’t be surprised if Aiyuk finished with more fantasy points than Deebo in 2023. Kittle is being drafted a bit too early for my liking but obviously, his upside is undeniable. I trust in Kyle Shanahan which is why even though I’m not sold on Purdy, I am sold on the offense overall.
Seattle Seahawks
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Geno Smith | 179.5 | DK Metcalf (WR) | 25 | Kenneth Walker III (RB) | 52 | Tyler Lockett (WR) | 54.5 | Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR) | 64.5 |
Pete Carrol’s Seahawks took the league by surprise last season and were one game away from inching into the playoffs. Geno Smith played out of this world so some regression is certainly expected. But Seattle did add more offensive weapons for Smith to work with in his arsenal.
Seattle’s top player coming off the board in high-stakes drafts is DK Metcalf and for good reason. He’s currently being selected at the end of Round 2 or early in Round 3. Kenneth Walker should start plummeting after a training camp injury. And don’t forget Seattle invested a second-round pick in rookie RB Zach Charbonet. However, Tyler Lockett and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba have massive upside, particularly in BestBall formats due to their propensity for huge plays.
I love Geno Smith’s value at this point in the draft season. And I think he will easily exceed his current ADP of QB15. He has three REALLY good receivers at his disposal and although there may be some regression, I don’t expect Smith to fall flat out in his face. A Smith-Metcalf-Lockett/JSN stack could go a long way in 2023.
Cleveland Browns
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Deshaun Watson | 96.5 | Nick Chubb (RB) | 19.5 | Amari Cooper (WR) | 29 | Elijah Moore (WR) | 80 | David Njoku (TE) | 117.5 |
Now that the Browns finally have a franchise quarterback, there is plenty of fantasy prowess in Cleveland. Last year, I would have said to avoid stacking the Browns simply because there wasn’t enough clarity on the quarterback situation. However, Watson is locked and loaded and has Nick Chubb in the backfield to help him out. Without Kareem Hunt in the mix, Chubb should see the majority of the touches in the running game. That, along with his talent and previous success, is why he is being selected in the second round of high-stakes drafts.
It will be pretty impossible to stack Chubb and the Browns’ WR1 in Amari Cooper. However, Cleveland has a few more intriguing options in the middle rounds in former New York Jet, Elijah Moore. Also, they boast the 10th tight end off the board in David Njoku.
I’m not the biggest Watson fan but I can’t deny his talent. Stacking him with Cooper could prove to be a league-winning build but I have a feeling that Watson is going to spread the ball around and that the Browns are going to commit big time to the run.
For that reason, I’d prefer a RB-WR/TE stack in Cleveland simply because I’m all aboard the Chubb train and I’ve been very impressed with Cooper, Moore, and Njoku. Njoku may have to compete for targets but he has the fourth-easiest strength of schedule among tight ends. These Browns don’t necessarily have the sexiest names on their offense but they have a ton of talent.
Denver Broncos
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Russell Wilson | 196.5 | Jerry Jeudy (WR) | 28 | Courtland Sutton (WR) | 82.5 | Javonte Williams (RB) | 86.5 | Samaje Perine (RB) | 94 |
The Broncos were absolutely atrocious last season but Rusell Wilson received way too much of the blame. There were simply too many cooks in the kitchen and Nathaniel Hackett was one of the worst coaches I’ve ever seen. Therefore, I’m willing to toss out 2022 as an anomaly, especially with the arrival of Sean Payton. With Payton at the helm, Denver should get their offense together in 2023.
Jerry Jeudy is a player that high-stakes drafters are absolutely all over. I’m not quite as high on him as others but clearly, many think that the Broncos are going to bounce back this season. Jeudy currently costs an early third-round pick.
Later in the draft, Courtland Sutton and Javonte Williams are going just four picks apart, and backup running back Samaje Perine is going just a few picks after Williams. I am all in on Javonte and think he is a huge sleeper. I don’t foresee Perine taking a ton of touches away from Williams other than in the passing game. Also, if this offense does indeed bounce back, Williams will get plenty of opportunities near the goal line. A Wilson-Jeudy-Williams stack would make for a very stressful but potentially amazing fantasy season.
Overall, the value is absolutely there and this offense can make some serious strides under their new head coach.
Los Angeles Rams
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Matthew Stafford | N/A | Cooper Kupp (WR) | 4 | Cam Akers (RB) | 67 | Tyler Higbee (TE) | 148.5 | Van Jefferson (WR) | 150.5 |
The 2021 Super Bowl champs took a major step in the wrong direction last season, largely due to injuries. Despite some concerns surrounding Matthew Stafford’s arm (perhaps why he is being undrafted in high-stakes leagues), he still has Cooper Kupp on the squad who is one of the most dynamic wideouts in the NFL. It’s possible some drafters are staying away from Stafford since he has the third-most difficult strength of schedule among quarterbacks. I’ll admit that I’m higher on Stafford than most and believe last year was an outlier season so he’s the ideal player to target late for fantasy owners who want to wait on the quarterback position.
Running backs that have a clear-cut role in Sean McVay’s offense have typically fared well in fantasy. Cam Akers should get the nod in Week 1, but is he worth taking a flier on at his current ADP? It entirely depends on your build but a Stafford-Kupp-Akers stack could have much more firepower than many other analysts think. Akers’ strong finish to the 2022 season came in Weeks 13 through 18 where he was RB4 in total points and RB6 in points per game. Given how Akers looked to end the 2022 campaign, I’m officially on the bandwagon entering 2023.
Tyler Higbee also looks like a pretty solid value at the tight end position, currently coming off the board as the TE13. Considering the lack of depth the Rams have at the wide receiver position, Higbee could be in for another solid year. Lastly, Van Jefferson may be a decent handcuff to Cooper Kupp.
Risk/Reward Teams
Chicago Bears
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Justin Fields | 77 | D.J. Moore(WR) | 30 | Khalil Herbert (RB) | 108.5 | Darnell Mooney (WR) | 123 | Roschon Johnson (RB) | 129 |
Justin Fields emerged as one of the most explosive quarterbacks of the 2022 season. Fields is currently the QB7 in the high-stakes world which seems exactly where he should be. His ability to move the chains with his legs is where he really thrives. However, he’s never had a true WR1 at his disposal.
That all changed this year as the Bears traded for former Carolina Panthers WR D.J. Moore. Moore is currently being drafted quite early for a guy who has always struggled to find the end zone and is playing on a team that likes to run the football. However, this is the best situation Moore has ever been in. The talented wideout managed three straight 1,000-yard seasons from 2019 to 2021. His problem is that he never produced more than four touchdowns in a season during that stretch.
Before last year’s poor campaign, Moore has finished as the WR16, WR25, and WR18 in the previous three seasons despite some very questionable quarterback play. Moore seems to always steal fantasy owners’ hearts before the season so if you decide to invest a third-round pick in him, make sure some of your other receivers have a bit of a safer floor. Still, this Fields-Moore stack could surprise many analysts.
The Bears also have a new starting running back in Khalil Herbert. Herbert led the league in yards per carry last season and although Fields may vulture some touchdowns, Herbert has passed the eye test. He seems like an incredible value in the middle-to-late rounds.
A Fields-Moore-Herbert stack could make some serious noise. Darnell Mooney is another player who has shown flashes but has never put it together for a full season. Will the arrival of Moore help Mooney? I wouldn’t expect a monumental stride from Mooney.
Lastly, the Bears selected Rochon Johnson in the 2023 NFL Draft and although he’s a bit raw, he will definitely earn some playing time.
Pittsburgh Steelers
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Kenny Pickett | 239 | Najee Harris (RB) | 39 | Diontae Johnson (WR) | 45.5 | George Pickens (WR) | 61.5 | Pat Freiermuth (TE) | 112 |
Call me crazy but outside of the quarterback position, I really like this Steelers offense, particularly the pass catchers. Kenny Pickett isn’t going to be your starting quarterback but he’s more than serviceable as your QB2.
Najee Harris is currently being selected in the early fourth round as the RB13 after an abysmal 2022 campaign. In 2021, Harris was much more involved in the passing game but Jaylen Warren’s emergence has caused some trepidation when it comes to drafting Harris.
Diontae Johnson would have been a stud last season if he had just found the end zone a few times. I think with a season under his belt with Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh’s passing game has some real potential in 2023. George Pickens has looked great in training camp, one of the reasons he continues to move up the ADP list.
But personally, I believe Pat Freiermuth has the most value based on ADP of any member of the Steelers. I wouldn’t go with a QB or RB from Pitt but I like the WR-TE stack with Johnson/Pickens and the Muth. Johnson and Pickens have the upside while Freiermuth has the trustworthy floor. There are certainly worse stacks you could go with.
New York Giants
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Daniel Jones | 145 | Saquon Barkley (RB) | 13 | Darren Waller (TE) | 81.5 | Isaiah Hodgins (WR) | 147 | Wan’Dale Robinson (WR) | 156 |
Fantasy football owners in the high-stakes community are beginning to come around on Daniel Jones. Jones finally figured out how to protect the football and also move the chains with his legs in his first year under Brian Daboll. All reports out of training camp indicate that he’s ready to take another stride in the right direction.
With Saquon Barkley signing a deal, a fantasy owner should be ecstatic to get a top-four back at the end of Round 1 or the beginning of Round 2. Barkley is playing for a big contract and has a lot riding on this season so I’m expecting big things barring an injury.
The G-Men also brought in Darren Waller this offseason so Jones finally has a true top pass catcher to target in the passing game. He could very well finish as the TE3 behind just Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews so I absolutely love a Jones-Waller stack.
This will allow fantasy owners to build a pretty well-balanced team considering where each of these players are currently being drafted. That said, I wouldn’t take a stab at Isaiah Hodgins or Wan’Dale Robinson. If anything, wait a little longer and snag Parris Campbell, who very well could emerge into New York’s WR1.
Tennessee Titans
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Ryan Tannehill | N/A | Derrick Henry (RB) | 23 | DeAndre Hopkins | 44 | Treylon Burks (WR) | 73 | Chigoziem Okonkwo(TE) | 128.5 |
Before Hopkins landed in Tennessee, the Titans would have been listed under “rosters to avoid”. Ryan Tannehill is getting closer and closer to father time and the team was missing a true WR1.
Now, the Titans have a bell cow back in Derrick Henry who is being selected in Round 2, and a true stud as their WR1 who is being selected in Round 4. A Henry-Hopkins stack would likely result in a fantasy team getting the bulk of Tennessee’s yardage and touchdowns.
Treylon Burks is an interesting mid-round wideout who could actually benefit from Hopkins’ arrival. He will no longer have to go up against opposing top cornerbacks and should have a much easier time as Hopkins will likely draw double coverage a lot.
I was all in on Chig Okonkwo prior to the Hopkins news but now it seems like there may not be enough mouths to feed, especially given the way Mike Vrabel likes to play football. The offense will run through Henry and Hopkins so that is the most valuable stack in Tennessee.
It doesn’t come without risk as both players are getting older for their positions and have a ton of wear and tear on their respective bodies. But if they can remain healthy, they could help lead your fantasy team to the promised land. It certainly doesn’t hurt that Henry has the second-easiest strength of schedule among all running backs.
Atlanta Falcons
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Desmond Ridder | N/A | Bijan Robinson (RB) | 12 | Drake London (WR) | 36 | Kyle Pitts (TE) | 82 | Tyler Allgeier (RB) | 141.5 |
Desmond Ridder is slated to start the 2023 season for the Falcons after replacing Marcus Mariota. Ridder struggled quite a bit but the Falcons added Bijan Robinson to the mix, which should take a ton of pressure off the passing game.
This is actually the perfect time of the year to stack Robinson and Atlanta’s go-to pass catcher, Drake London. A fantasy owner can grab Robinson at the turn in Round 1 or 2 and London in Round 3 or 4. That said, I’m a bit worried about Robinson’s usage as the Falcons aren’t going to let Tyler Allgeier warm the bench every game. He’ll remain a piece of this offense.
The biggest question mark comes at the tight end position with Kyle Pitts. Pitts continues to be drafted as an elite tight end despite the fact that he only has three touchdown receptions in his first two NFL seasons. Still, Pitts did surpass 1,000 yards in his rookie season and last year was an outlier due to injuries that forced him out of seven games. While I wouldn’t go crazy with a huge Falcons stack, both Allgeier and Pitts seem like values at their current ADPs and Desmond Ridder could emerge as a streamable quarterback.
Las Vegas Raiders
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Jimmy Garoppolo | N/A | Davante Adams (WR) | 14 | Josh Jacobs (RB) | 25.5 | Jakobi Meyers (WR) | 94.5 | Zamir White (RB) | 152 |
The Raiders will look much different in 2023 with a new quarterback in town and a disgruntled running back that could very well hold out. Jimmy Garoppolo is going undrafted in high stakes. However, we’ve only heard positive reports about his health from training camp.
Garoppolo has one of the top wideouts in the league in his arsenal of weapons in Davante Adams, who is currently being selected with an early second-round pick. If Jacobs continues to fall due to his contract dispute, an Adams-Jacobs stack could be gold but there is a ton of risk when considering Jacobs.
Also, Las Vegas has some interesting mid-round and late-round targets such as Jakobi Meyers, Zamir White, and even TE Michael Mayer. I actually think Mayer could surprise folks and finish as a TE1 by the end of the season. His path to a ton of targets is very easy considering the lack of competition at the tight end position in Vegas. Overall, the only stack that has significant value is an Adams-Jacobs stack and even that is a bit too risky for my liking.
Rosters to Avoid
Green Bay Packers
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Jordan Love | 218 | Christian Watson (WR) | 40 | Aaron Jones (RB) | 51 | A.J. Dillon (RB) | 99.5 | Romeo Doubs (WR) | 105.5 |
The Aaron Rodgers era is over in Green Bay, Davante Adams has moved on to Las Vegas. The torches have been passed on to Jordan Love and Christian Watson. Green Bay ranked just 20th in plays per game last season (61.8). But the transition from Rodgers to Love should help Green Bay pick up the pace.
Christian Watson finished his 2022 rookie season on an absolute tear. That’s why the high-stakes community is drafting him in the middle of the fourth round. Starting RB Aaron Jones is only going 11 picks later, which makes a WR-RB stack unlikely.
However, fantasy owners who think Jones may be past his prime could consider pairing Watson with A.J. Dillon, who is going much later in the draft. Dillon is one of the top handcuffs in the NFL. And if anything should happen to Jones, Dillon has the capacity to put up RB1 numbers.
Christian Watson is the only member of the Packers that I’m interested in rostering. I’d stay away from a Packers stack in 2023 outside of BestBall leagues simply because you never know when it’s going to be an Aaron Jones or A.J. Dillon day. Plus, Jordan Love hasn’t proved enough to me quite yet.
Indianapolis Colts
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Anthony Richardson | 126.5 | Jonathan Taylor (RB) | 17.5 | Michael Pittman (WR) | 57 | Alec Pierce (WR) | 177 | Jelani Woods (TE) | 210 |
Things are a bit hectic in Indy right now as Anthony Richardson is preparing for his debut season. Plus, superstar running back Jonathan Taylor wants out of town. Taylor has been sliding down draft boards, But once the situation is resolved, he should still finish as a top-10 running back in 2023.
Richardson likes to run the ball a lot but Taylor is still the person that this offense revolves around. So long as he remains in Indy, he is going to see 20+ touches a game. He could be the Comeback Player of the Year. A Richardson-Taylor stack makes a lot of sense because a fantasy manager would score points for essentially any touchdown run by the Colts.
Michael Pittman is another intriguing option (particularly in PPR formats) but he’s never been a touchdown machine. Still, if Richardson can improve his accuracy, Pittman has a chance at delivering value. I wouldn’t hate a Richardson-Taylor-Pittman stack.
The rest of the Colts aren’t really my forte. Alec Pierce is an intriguing late-round dart throw. Pierce has great hands and made some unbelievable contested catches in his rookie season. But I’m just not sure how often the Colts are going to really throw the ball, which limits his opportunities.
The high-stakes world is also much higher on tight end Jelani Woods than the average drafter despite a late ADP. We all know that rookie quarterbacks tend to rely on check-down passes to their tight ends. Woods could have some solid weeks in PPR formats.
Overall, there are really only three members of the Colts I’d even consider. Plus, with the drama surrounding JT, I’m avoiding this roster for the most part.
New Orleans Saints
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Derek Carr | 216 | Chris Olave (WR) | 19.5 | Michael Thomas (WR) | 86 | Alvin Kamara (RB) | 97.5 | Jamaal Williams (RB) | 120 |
There isn’t a ton to like about this New Orleans offense even with Derek Carr stepping in at quarterback. Chris Olave is clearly the top option in New Orleans. But outside of him, there are simply way too many question marks.
Will Michael Thomas return to form? Will Alvin Kamara bounce back after serving a three-game suspension? It’s hard to believe that Kamara has never surpassed 1,000 rushing yards.
Also, there will certainly be some touchdown regression for Jamaal Williams. Especially with Taysom Hill in the mix. The Saints like to use Hill as a short-yardage runner.
While I love New Orleans’ upside at wide receiver, I wouldn’t invest much draft capital in the Saints.
Washington Commanders
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Sam Howell | N/A | Terry McLaurin (WR) | 43.5 | Jahan Dotson (WR) | 64 | Antonio Gibson (RB) | 94.5 | Brian Robinson (RB) | 104.5 |
Washington is likely to go through some growing pains with rookie Sam Howell taking on the starting quarterback role. I don’t think the Commanders have a potent enough offense to support multiple solid fantasy options. However, I do like both Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson so if I was going to stack in Washington, I’d go the double wide receiver route.
The backfield is going to be very difficult to predict on a week-to-week basis. While Antonio Gibson is someone I’d consider drafting at the right price, he’s not someone I’m necessarily targeting. There is a good chance that Brian Robinson splits touches with the veteran.
If you trust Howell, consider the electric Dotson who is known for his explosive plays. He’s a great target in BestBall but even McLaurin seems a bit too pricey for my taste.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Baker Mayfield | N/A | Chris Godwin (WR) | 50 | Mike Evans (WR) | 55 | Rachaad White (RB) | 69 | Chase Edmonds (RB) | 228 |
Tom Brady has retired and Baker Mayfield is the new signal caller in Tampa. I’m not so sure Mayfield ends the season as the starter. He’s shown that he’s not consistent and Kyle Trask is chomping at the bit to replace him.
There’s only one member of the Bucs I like this season and that’s Chris Godwin. He is going to be peppered with targets and should be a PPR monster. Mike Evans needs a quarterback with an accurate deep ball. It’s tough for me to envision Mayfield and Evans developing the necessary rapport to be effective in the NFL.
Rachaad White is someone I would consider at the right price point. However, I don’t want more than one member of the Buccaneers on my fantasy squad. This team is going to struggle to put up points. So I’d rather take a running back on a better offense such as Cam Akers. And Chase Edmonds isn’t worthy of being drafted. Sure, he has some talent but barring an injury to White, his opportunities will be limited. Fade the Bucs in 2023.
Arizona Cardinals
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Kyler Murray | 205 | Marquise Brown (WR) | 55 | James Conner (RB) | 86.5 | Rondale Moore (WR) | 117 | Keaontay Ingram (RB) | 191 |
The Cardinals are in trouble this season with Kyler Murray set to miss the first few weeks. Colt McCoy will likely be the signal caller in Week 1. That doesn’t bode well for Arizona’s top player according to ADP in Marquise “Hollywood” Brown. McCoy simply doesn’t have a big enough arm to play to Brown’s strengths.
While I do really like James Conner as a player, the Cardinals are going to dig themselves into many holes. That will lead to negative game scripts. For that reason, I won’t draft him unless he slips a little further. I also dislike Keaontay Ingram.
If there is one player who I think has some value on the Cards, it’s Rondale Moore. He can catch a lot of passes and make plays after the catch. Moore could be Colt McCoy’s go-to option in the early weeks of the season. But I’m definitely not rostering more than one member of the Cardinals and you shouldn’t either.
New England Patriots
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Mac Jones | N/A | Rhamondre Stevenson (RB) | 30 | JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR) | 106 | Pierre Strong Jr. | 161 | DeVante Parker (WR) | 168.5 |
As much as Bill Belichick is a genius, the New England Patriots’ offense was a complete disaster in 2022. And I don’t see it getting much better in 2023. There is a reason that the high-stakes drafters aren’t even considering Mac Jones as a backup option. Jones will hit the open man rather than force-feed his WR1.
Rhamondre Stevenson has a ton of talent and upside. But I don’t see the Pats scoring a lot which is why I’m fading him in 2023. WR JuJu Smith-Schuster is new to the team. And since Jones likes to spread the ball around, I have no interest in him either.
Pierre Strong is a very interesting backup who I would select at the right price. He’s one injury away from seeing 15+ touches per game if he plays his cards right. DeVante Parker is available very late in the draft but I don’t foresee him making an impact on fantasy squads. Unless you are all in on Stevenson, fade the Patriots.
Houston Texans
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| C.J. Stroud | N/A | Dameon Pierce (RB) | 70.5 | Nico Collins (WR) | 109 | Robert Woods (WR) | 133 | Dalton Schultz (TE) | 137.5 |
The Texans are in the midst of another rebuild after drafting C.J. Stroud in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Stroud doesn’t have many playmakers around him. Also, the Texans are yet again going to struggle to put points on the board and win games. They will be playing from behind quite a bit so the pass-catchers could see some extra work in garbage time. However, this is not a team worth stacking.
Dameon Pierce is Houston’s top playmaker but he’s not great in pass protection or at catching the ball. Plus, Houston is going to have to abandon the run in the second half quite often.
Nico Collins is a post-hype sleeper who I do like at his price point. But that doesn’t mean that I trust him and Robert Woods should simply retire.
The only member of the Texans who I think has immense value at his current ADP is Dalton Schultz. He could easily lead Houston in receiving.
Overall, the Texans need to rebuild and this is not the season to target their offensive skill players.
Carolina Panthers
| QB | ADP | PLAYER 1 | ADP | PLAYER 2 | ADP | PLAYER 3 | ADP | CONTINGENCY PICK | ADP |
| Bryce Young | N/A | Miles Sanders (RB) | 66 | Adam Thielen (WR) | 113.5 | Jonathan Mingo (WR) | 137 | D.J. Chark (WR) | 146 |
Carolina is another team in a massive rebuild. They are a roster you want to avoid when it comes to stacking. Yes, they finally have their franchise quarterback in Bryce Young but they no longer have Christian McCaffrey or D.J. Moore to move the chains.
Miles Sanders has some talent but he’s not a third-down back so I think he’s being a bit overdrafted. Adam Thielen is getting closer and closer to father time, Jonathan Mingo is an unproven rookie, and D.J. Chark hasn’t been productive in the last couple of years.
Avoid stacking Panthers at all costs.
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