Welcome to Awesemo’s Fantasy Football Best Ball Report 4.0. This will be a weekly feature leading up to the 2021 NFL season that will focus on all things related to best ball for the past seven days. It will check in on Underdog Fantasy ADPs (using 4for4 ADP Tool) and look at the NFL fantasy football top risers and fallers over the past week. We will sort the top player news stories on NBC Sports Edge, as this is the main source of news that seems to impact the rise or fall of players’ ADPs. This column will also examine any additional trends that might help fantasy players get ahead of the curve when it comes to players’ ADP value.
The more teams you draft the more players you are going to have exposure to, and with that we want to search out when it is OK to buy a player and when to avoid a certain player. Best ball can be compared to being a day trader in the stock market, as the best ball season runs from February to September.
Underdog Best Ball Fantasy Football Draft ADPs & News
This column looks at weekly ADP shifts on Underdog Fantasy to see how player values are moving with the news around the league. Drafting in best ball means always looking for values when drafting players. For high-volume best ball players, the goal is always to limit the number of times one overpays for a player, and the best way to help with this is tracking ADP movements.
Top 20 ADP Risers (Aug. 1 — Aug. 8)
| Rank | Name | Pos | Pos Rank | Team | ADP | Change (7 days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 148 | Randall Cobb | WR | 1 | HOU | 148.2 | -23.8 |
| 167 | Rashaad Penny | RB | 1 | SEA | 169.0 | -22.1 |
| 49 | Darrell Henderson | RB | 2 | LAR | 49.0 | -16.9 |
| 178 | Damien Williams | RB | 3 | CHI | 179.7 | -16.6 |
| 168 | Marquez Callaway | WR | 2 | NO | 169.6 | -16.0 |
| 142 | Bryan Edwards | WR | 3 | LV | 143.1 | -14.8 |
| 96 | Elijah Moore | WR | 4 | NYJ | 98.3 | -12.8 |
| 162 | Sammy Watkins | WR | 5 | BAL | 162.6 | -12.2 |
| 197 | Byron Pringle | WR | 6 | KC | 198.5 | -12.2 |
| 133 | Terrace Marshall Jr | WR | 7 | CAR | 133.3 | -11.6 |
| 100 | Rashod Bateman | WR | 8 | BAL | 102.3 | -10.9 |
| 205 | Donovan Peoples-Jones | WR | 9 | CLE | 204.0 | -9.9 |
| 85 | Aaron Rodgers | QB | 1 | GB | 86.2 | -9.7 |
| 155 | A.J. Green | WR | 10 | ARI | 155.9 | -9.7 |
| 189 | DeSean Jackson | WR | 11 | LAR | 190.5 | -9.1 |
| 206 | Jerick McKinnon | RB | 4 | KC | 204.5 | -8.7 |
| 116 | Trey Lance | QB | 2 | SF | 113.0 | -7.8 |
| 98 | A.J. Dillon | RB | 5 | GB | 99.8 | -7.7 |
| 194 | Nico Collins | WR | 12 | HOU | 196.0 | -7.4 |
| 87 | Mecole Hardman | WR | 13 | KC | 86.7 | -7.4 |
The interesting part from this week’s top 20 risers is that three of the top four players are running backs in Rashaad Penny, Darrell Henderson and Damien Williams. There are five risers that have an ADP in the top 100, with Henderson rising 16.9 more spots, Elijah Moore up 12.8 spots, Aaron Rodgers 9.7, A.J. Dillon 7.7 and Mecole Hardman 7.4. Randall Cobb is on top of the risers list for the second straight week as his ADP settles in at 148.2. Most of the risers are later-round players, as camp buzz is seeming to raise their ADPs.
Top 20 ADP Fallers (Aug 1 — Aug. 8)
| Rank | Name | Pos | Pos Rank | Team | ADP | Change (7 days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 219 | Carson Wentz | QB | 1 | IND | 210.9 | 34.4 |
| 77 | Michael Thomas | WR | 1 | NO | 76.6 | 23.0 |
| 214 | Amari Rodgers | WR | 2 | GB | 209.2 | 17.5 |
| 156 | Parris Campbell | WR | 3 | IND | 156.8 | 16.1 |
| 153 | T.Y. Hilton | WR | 4 | IND | 153.6 | 15.8 |
| 191 | Tevin Coleman | RB | 1 | NYJ | 193.1 | 14.1 |
| 104 | Michael Pittman | WR | 5 | IND | 105.3 | 10.9 |
| 195 | Darrynton Evans | RB | 2 | TEN | 196.2 | 10.2 |
| 188 | Deshaun Watson | QB | 2 | HOU | 189.9 | 9.8 |
| 78 | DeVonta Smith | WR | 6 | PHI | 76.7 | 9.3 |
| 180 | Blake Jarwin | TE | 1 | DAL | 182.2 | 9.3 |
| 110 | Joe Burrow | QB | 3 | CIN | 110.2 | 9.2 |
| 63 | Kenny Golladay | WR | 7 | NYG | 62.3 | 9.2 |
| 94 | Marquise Brown | WR | 8 | BAL | 97.7 | 9.0 |
| 102 | Jalen Hurts | QB | 4 | PHI | 104.1 | 8.5 |
| 157 | John Brown | WR | 9 | LV | 158.7 | 8.3 |
| 97 | Dallas Goedert | TE | 2 | PHI | 98.4 | 7.3 |
| 239 | Denzel Mims | WR | 10 | NYJ | 214.9 | 6.9 |
| 121 | James Conner | RB | 3 | ARI | 120.9 | 6.7 |
| 243 | Mo Alie-Cox | TE | 3 | IND | 215.1 | 6.5 |
Carson Wentz and Michael Thomas both sit at top of the fallers list for the second straight week. Injuries are the biggest key to why a player’s ADP will free fall, and both Wentz and Thomas continue to ride that wave. There have also been some minor injuries to DeVonta Smith, Joe Burrow, Kenny Golladay, Blake Jarwin and Marquise Brown that have bumped down their ADPs. These minor injuries are a good opportunity to swoop in and consider buying the players at their new ADPs. Any sort of negative news story will lead to a discount, but in reality that news could turn back to positive news in a week or two when the player gets healthy. There is some risk here, as sometimes injuries might be worse off than first predicted, but in most cases with the minor injuries there will be value.
Weekly News, Notes & Trends (Aug 2- Aug 8)
D.J. Chark, WR, JAC — Chark had surgery on a minor break in his hand but should be ready for Week 1.
D’Wayne Eskridge, WR, SEA — Eskridge has been nursing a foot injury and has been out since late June. He will have to make up ground if he wants to beat out Freddie Swain for the number three role in Seattle.
James Washington, WR, PIT — Washington has struggled so far in camp and rumors of him requesting a trade surfaced. His ADP will continue to slide out of 18th- to 20th-round range and is close to undraftable with any negative news.
Dak Prescott, QB, DAL — Is dealing with a shoulder issue, and the Cowboys are taking it slow with him. ADP on Prescott is dropping based on the lack of transparency on his injury.
Darnell Mooney, WR, CHI — Mooney has been on fire with his route running during training camp. Now with Anthony Miller out of town, all signs are pointing to Mooney having a productive season filled with target opportunity.
Zack Moss, RB, BUF — Moss has been the most consistent running back at Bills camp.
Bryan Edwards, WR, LV — Edwards has been running with the first-team offense ahead of John Brown at Raiders training camp.
Michael Thomas, WR, NO — Thomas’ offseason continues to be filled with question marks, as he broke off all communication with teammates and coaches and would not return multiple phone calls.
Marquez Callaway, WR, NO — Callaway has been deemed a “breakout star” at Saints camp. With lack of weapons currently on the Saints depth chart, look for Callaway’s ADP to shoot up.
Marquise Brown, WR, BAL — Brown was cleared (hamstring) for conditioning drills.
Denzel Mims, WR, NYJ— Mims could be up for trade, as he looks to not be a great fit for the Jets’ new offense. He also could just be getting pushed by the coaches in camp so they can see how he responds.
Check Out Our FREE Fantasy Football Rankings The 2021 Fantasy Football season is almost here, so make sure you're dialing in your mock drafts and draft boards with our FREE Fantasy Football Rankings. These are the rankings that Alex Baker himself uses — and created — for his own fantasy football leagues. Our 2021 rankings encompass everything from Half-PPR, Full-PPR, Standard, Dynasty and Rookie Dynasty leagues, with expert data and player profiles for every player you have questions on. Check out Awesemo's rankings and win your league.Justin Jefferson, WR, MIN — Jefferson sprained his AC joint in practice and is considered day to day. Look for the Vikings to limit him up until Week 1. He might come at an ADP discount over the next few weeks based on the injury news.
Dede Westbrook, WR, MIN — Westbrook insists that he will be ready for Week 1. He is also in a battle for his place on the depth chart behind both Jefferson and Adam Thielen.
Josh Allen, QB, BUF — Allen signed a six-year, $258 million extension with the Bills. Now firmly entrenched as the franchise quarterback, it will be interesting to see if the Bills dial back his running attempts.
Tre’Quan Smith, WR, NO — Smith has missed practices with an apparent leg injury. The Saints depth chart cannot afford any extra injuries to their receiver core.
Darren Waller, TE, LV — Waller has missed three consecutive practices for an undisclosed reason.
Nico Collins, WR, HOU — Another week and another Collins mention on the Best Ball report. Collins has seen plenty of first-team reps in training camp.
Carson Wentz, QB, IND — Wentz remains one of the bigger ADP fallers based solely on the uncertainty of his recovery. The team is hoping he will be back closer to the front end of the start of the season but will know more in a couple weeks.
Justin Jackson, RB, LAC — It has been Jackson, not Joshua Kelley, getting higher-up reps behind Austin Ekeler in camp.
Kenny Golladay, WR, NYG — Golladay continues to have hamstring issues and is likely to miss two or three weeks because of it. Looks for his ADP to continue to dip as drafters are losing faith in his ability to stay healthy.
Dan Arnold, TE, CAR — Arnold is the top Panthers tight end and is now gelling with new Sam Darnold. If looking to fill in a roster with a late tight end, one could do worse than Arnold.
Donovan Peoples-Jones, WR, CLE — Peoples-Jones is “absolutely lighting it up” during Browns training camp. He is now firmly in the conversation for a late-round flier.
Boston Scott, RB, PHI — Reports out of Philadelphia are that Scott will basically split touches with Miles Sanders. It is hard to buy into this one too much but worth noting that the Eagles still value Scott and he will have a role on the offense this season.
Irv Smith Jr., TE, MIN — Smith continues to shine in red zone and third-down roles in camp and has potential to be a breakout star in 2021.
Jaylen Waddle, WR, MIA — Waddle has flashed as an outside receiver early in Dolphins camp.
Joe Burrow, QB, CIN — Reports around the team are saying Burrow is struggling badly with interceptions and inconsistency in training camp.
Damien Williams, RB, CHI — With Tarik Cohen out, Williams has impressed as a receiver in Bears camp.
Michael Carter, RB, NYJ — Carter is “a step above the other three running backs” according to The Athletic’s Connor Hughes.
Trey Lance, QB, SF — The 49ers are looking to get Lance looks in an array of zone reads and designed runs.
Elijah Moore, WR, NYJ — Moore has been working with the first-team offense during training camp.
Travis Etienne, RB, JAC — Etienne has been “uncoverable” in training camp.
Devonta Smith, WR, PHI — Smith will miss two or three weeks with an MCL injury. Look for Smith’s ADP to take a slight dip, and it might be the best time to buy him in Best Ball.
Saquon Barkley, RB, NYG — Barkley news has been up and down all offseason, and the latest is that maybe he may sit out the first few weeks of the regular season.
Best Ball Industry News
- Underdog Fantasy — The Puppy 2 is back. The popular $5 buy-in is twice as big with 111,780 total spots and a $500,000 prize pool. The Puppy is now 63% full and will most likely be full by the end of this week. On a bigger scale, Underdog’s $25 buy-in for the BBMII ($1 million to first) is 59.% full with 92,700 of 155,500 entered. Nine thousand teams entered into the BBMII over the last week, so if that average holds, this tournament will fill before the season starts. Underdog also released a $250 buy-in that has 20 rounds and has a top prize of $100,000, and this week released a SLOW (eight-hour clock) for this format and now is 345 of 2,304 entries with 14% full.
- DraftKings — There are three tournament options this year, with a $20 (150 max, $1 million top prize), $3 (20 max, $50,000 top prize) and $555 (59 max, $250,000 top prize). DraftKings also offers “Sit & Go” leagues that are three-, six- and 12-man options from $1 to $1,060. A side note on the Sit & Go leagues is that users can only enter 50 teams in each price point. This is something that is not public knowledge.
- BestBall 10s — They have a $10 entry fee tournament with 3,000 total teams up for grabs and a top prize of $5,000.
- Yahoo! — Yahoo has no best ball tournaments, but they do have $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $250 and $500 10-man leagues. With the Yahoo best ball product, players are limited to 50 total drafts for the season. These are 10-man leagues and have prizes for top three and also have top weekly score prizes.
- Drafters — Drafters is running a best ball championship tournament, which has a twist to it, as it is the overall top scoring team wins and does not offer a playoff round style like DraftKings and Underdog. The entry fee is just $5.55, and the contest is nearly halfway full (8,000 of 10,008). Top prize is $10,000 with a $50,000 total prize pool. Drafters released an Ownership update on their site that shows “My ADP” vs “Current ADP” which is great to see your average ADP of any given player and compare it to the current value of that player. Drafters released an $11 tournament this week as well which is 325 of 10,008 full and has a top prize of $25,000.
- FFPC — Entry fees range from $35 to $1,250. The biggest difference in FFPC is that they have 28 roster spots but include kickers and defenses.
- FanDuel — There are no tournament options currently on FanDuel, but they do have three-man, 10-man and 12-man leagues from $1 to $50.
Check out all of our Fantasy Football content at the Awesemo Fantasy Football YouTube Channel, where you can find expert advice, rankings and strategy, as well as all of our 2021 Fantasy Football Rankings Debates with Dave Loughran, Alex Baker and Steve Buzzard.
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