Fantasy Football Draft Risers and Fallers: Your 2023 Cheat Sheet!

Hey there, fantasy football enthusiasts! Welcome back to another season of gridiron glory. We know you're chomping at the bit to dominate your draft, so we've put together the ultimate guide to help you spot the fantasy football draft risers and fallers for the 2023 season. Let's dive in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and fantasy football draft risers and fallers.

Understanding Fantasy Football Draft Risers and Fallers

Before we get started, let's quickly recap what we mean by "risers" and "fallers." Draft risers are players whose stock is on the rise, making them potential sleepers or breakout candidates. Conversely, fallers are players whose value has decreased, presenting an opportunity to snag them later in the draft or even avoid them altogether.

2023 Fantasy Football Draft Risers

1. QB: Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars

Remember when we all thought Lawrence was a bust after his rookie season? Well, hold my beer. The former Clemson tiger showed signs of life last year, and with a new coaching staff and weapons like Calvin Ridley and Travis Etienne joining the squad, expect Lawrence to soar up draft boards this year.

2. RB: JK Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens

Dobbins' return from a torn ACL is highly anticipated, and with the Ravens' commitment to the run game, he's poised to explode back onto the scene. Don't let his ADP (average draft position) fool you – Dobbins has the potential to be a top-10 fantasy back.

3. WR: Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Godwin is another player coming off an injury-plagued season, but with Mike Evans likely gone, he's set to reclaim his WR1 role in Tampa. His ADP is currently around the fifth round, making him a steal for fantasy managers.

4. TE: Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans

Schultz cashed in on a big contract with the Texans, but the real reason he's a riser is the lack of competition at the tight end position. With no proven talent around him, Schultz should feast on targets and become a reliable fantasy option.

2023 Fantasy Football Draft Fallers

1. RB: Saquon Barkley, New York Giants

Barkley's ADP has him going in the first round, but his injury history and the Giants' lackluster offense give us pause. With Brian Daboll at the helm, expect a more pass-heavy approach, limiting Barkley's touches. Consider waiting until the late first or early second round before pulling the trigger.

2. WR: Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills

Diggs' target share is bound to decrease with the arrival of rookie quarterback Josh Allen and the addition of veteran wideout Jordan Poyer. With Diggs' ADP still in the late first round, it's hard to justify taking him over other elite receivers like Justin Jefferson or Ja'Marr Chase.

3. TE: Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

Kelce is still an elite tight end, but his age and the Chiefs' offense shifting towards more youthful pass-catchers like Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney make us cautious. Kelce's ADP is currently in the early second round, but we'd rather wait and invest in a younger, more ascending talent like T.J. Hockenson or George Kittle.

Draft Strategy: When to Target Risers and Fallers

When drafting, it's essential to balance taking risks on risers with securing reliable fallers. Here's a simple strategy to follow:

1. Rounds 1-3: Focus on securing elite talent and reliable producers. This is not the time to gamble on risers or fallers.
2. Rounds 4-7: Start targeting risers and fallers. This is where you can find value by snagging players whose stock is trending upwards or downwards, respectively.
3. Rounds 8-14: Continue to target risers while also avoiding fallers. At this point in the draft, you should have a solid core of players, and it's time to focus on adding upside.
4. Rounds 15+: This is the late-round dart-throwing phase. Feel free to take chances on high-risk, high-reward risers, as you have little to lose at this point in the draft.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, folks! Our comprehensive guide to fantasy football draft risers and fallers for the 2023 season. By keeping an eye on these players and employing a smart draft strategy, you'll be well on your way to a championship. Good luck, and happy drafting!

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