Early 2015 Fantasy Football Rankings

Falling one day after the end of the Colbert Report (R.I.P.), just six days before Christmas 2014 and, most importantly, on the same day I release my first run at 2015 player rankings, I’m announcing today my retirement from my day job.

Straight out of college in 2007, I took a job as an accountant at a local railroad construction company. A few years in, I needed a hobby and decided my affection for football and numbers, as well as, my commitment to nerdom, made fantasy football analysis a perfect fit. Since then, I’ve created the now-defunct FantasyDC.com, got married, started and operated the fantasy section at Pro Football Focus, contributed at Rotoworld, PhiladelphiaEagles.com, Athlon Sports, ESPN Insider, ESPN the Magazine, ESPN Radio (among others), bought a house, appeared in Madden 25 and 15, joined the FSWA board and hall of fame voting committee, had a baby, created a few stats, and even announced an NFL signing.

I’ve been busy.

And I’ll remain so, but now with all of my work time directed at football analysis here at PFF. I was fortunate to get a great accounting job straight out of college (not an easy get for 21^st century grads), but I won’t lie and say I’ll miss it. I now get to watch and analyze football for a living. I get to lead a team of some of the best fantasy football minds in the industry. I get to team up with the incredible group of analysts at PFF to provide the best NFL and fantasy coverage available. It’s going to be a fun ride and I thank all of you who have and will support both me and Pro Football Focus along the way. If you thought we did a great job in the past, you’re going to be blown away by our progress in the coming years.

This is obviously an exciting day and I’m anxious to get to work.

Without further ado, here is my first run at 2015 rankings at the four primary fantasy football positions. Obviously, a lot will change as a result of the draft and free agency, but this is an effort to get a first look at what 2015 drafts may look like. Additionally, many of you are currently able to stash players in dynasty/keeper leagues. This should help you make some decisions.

PS. I'd be remiss if I didn't point out this study from Datascope, which ranks our weekly projection accuracy as tops in the industry.

Enjoy.

Quarterback

QB Quick Thoughts – I feel pretty good about the top 13 quarterbacks on this list, but there are tons of question marks from there. Will Blake Bortles, Derek Carr, Teddy Bridgewater, or Johnny Manziel emerge? Bridgewater is progressing well and I personally think Bortles has a great chance at a second-year jump. It’s possible he’ll have Allen Robinson, Justin Blackmon and Marqise Lee in three-wide sets. That’s formidable. The four sophomore-to-be passers are on the QB2 radar for now. Will Jay Cutler be a starter? How about Robert Griffin III? Eli Manning’s ceiling is not terribly high and he’s in his mid-30s. How long will the 49ers stick with Colin Kaepernick? Who will start in Philly?

Running Back

RB Quick Thoughts – DeMarco Murray and LeSean McCoy are closing in on 27. Jamaal Charles, Matt Forte, Arian Foster, Marshawn Lynch and Adrian Peterson will be between age 28 and 30 next season. Is a changing of the guard upon us? It seems likely. So who will step up? Jeremy Hill, Carlos Hyde, Isaiah Crowell and Christine Michael are names to watch. C.J. Anderson, Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman are tough to rank as we’re not yet sure how the Denver backfield will sort out. Currently, I’m hedging bets, but leaning toward Anderson. I’m buying on Latavius Murray and think he’s a worthwhile stash. Jerick McKinnon (if Peterson leaves), Andre Williams, Lorenzo Taliaferro and Devonta Freeman are backs who could easily lead their team in carries next season.

Wide Receiver

WR Quick Thoughts – I couldn’t get myself to back off Brown as the top wide receiver simply because he’s been both dominant and insanely consistent this year. He should be off the board in Round 1. Beckham’s resume is short and Victor Cruz will be back, but he’s too darn good to rank any lower. He’ll be gone before the third round. Floyd will bounce back with Carson Palmer healthy. Moncrief figures to play every down opposite T.Y. Hilton. He’s a major breakout candidate. Similarly, Cody Latimer will be on the field in three-wide sets in Denver.

Tight End

TE Quick Thoughts – Rob Gronkowski should be a first-round pick next season. Jimmy Graham won’t be far behind. The top six here is pretty good/safe, but there are a lot of question marks from that point on. Will a boost in targets offset touchdown regression for Allen? Can Jordan Reed, Jordan Cameron, Kyle Rudolph and Dennis Pitta stay healthy? Will Zach Ertz, Tyler Eifert and Ladarius Green finally emerge? Will Jason Witten and Antonio Gates show their age? Green Bay’s probable starter, Richard Rodgers is a sleeper to watch.

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 Follow Mike Clay on Twitter: @MikeClayNFL