Why are we buying these fantasy football players this early? There’s a time and place to draft each player, but based on these average draft positions, these players are going too high in early fantasy football drafts.
Frank Gore
Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore now has new scenery. We get that. But when did the Colts start producing quality running backs?
Last season, the Colts ranked 25th in yards per attempt for running backs and didn’t rank better than 17th in the NFL in any statistical rushing category. In fact, to find a time where the Colts were at least a middle-of-the-road running team, you have to go back to 2007 when Joseph Addai ran for more than 1,000 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns.
There hasn’t been much production from that position since then. And Gore’s statistics have gone down, and it makes sense, considering he’s logged more than 200 carries in nine consecutive seasons. Last season he did muster more than a 1,000 yards, but only netted four touchdowns and wasn’t a factor catching the ball out of the backfield.
Currently, his ADP is 32nd overall and 14th for running back. There doesn’t seem to be a reason to stretch for Gore, whose production may be on the decline.
Peyton Manning
The quarterback field is deep this season and mostly even after the top two quarterbacks, Aaron Rodgers and Andrew Luck. But Manning’s ADP is still 28th overall and he’s currently the third quarterback being taken.
Manning’s recent late season struggles have been detailed at length, so there’s no need to reach. There is a point in several fantasy football drafts to take Manning. Currently, though, in a 12-team league, owners are taking him early in the third round.
That’s too early for Manning, who seems to be in the twilight of his career. He’s still Manning, so fantasy football owners can likely expect some big outputs from him. But those will be fewer and further between than many are accustomed to from Manning.
Andre Johnson
How much does Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Andre Johnson have in the tank?
He’s been in the NFL since 2003, and has been a relatively consistent force since that time without much at the quarterback position. Now, with Luck, who is better than any starter he’s played with, it would seem that he should be a no-brainer as a wide receiver on your fantasy football roster.
But his age should worry fantasy football owners. He’s 34, and he notched less than 1,000 yards receiving last year for only the second time since 2006. He also netted three touchdowns, the least amount of scores since 2005.
He will be the second option for the Colts, so that could draw less attention, meaning bigger numbers. Currently, though, his ADP is 42nd overall and the 17th wide receiver. That may be a bit high for a player entering his 12th year in the NFL.
