Everything You Need To Know About Ringer Fantasy Football Rankings
The Ringer, known for its insightful sports analysis and pop culture coverage, also provides fantasy football rankings that can be a valuable tool for savvy managers. Understanding how these rankings are generated and how to effectively use them can give you a competitive edge in your league. Here's a comprehensive guide to navigating The Ringer's fantasy football rankings.
1. Understanding the Ringer's Approach: A Holistic View
The Ringer's fantasy football rankings aren't just about projected stats. They often take a more holistic approach, considering factors like team context, offensive scheme, injury history, and even the player's perceived upside. This makes them more than just a simple numerical projection; they're a well-rounded assessment of a player's potential value. This approach aims to identify potential sleepers and avoid overvaluing players based solely on past performance.
2. Expert Consensus: The Power of Multiple Voices
The Ringer typically utilizes a team of fantasy analysts to create their rankings. This means the rankings are often a consensus opinion, mitigating the biases and idiosyncrasies that can sometimes plague single-analyst rankings. By averaging out different viewpoints, the final rankings represent a more balanced and reliable assessment of player value.
3. PPR vs. Standard: Knowing the Scoring System
Pay close attention to whether the Ringer's rankings are tailored for PPR (Points Per Reception) or Standard scoring formats. PPR leagues significantly boost the value of pass-catching running backs and wide receivers, while Standard leagues place a greater emphasis on touchdowns and yardage. Ignoring this distinction can lead to drafting players who are overvalued in your specific league.
4. Preseason Rankings: A Foundation, Not a Guarantee
The Ringer's preseason rankings are a great starting point for your draft preparation. However, remember that they are based on assumptions and projections made before the season begins. As the season progresses, injuries, coaching changes, and player performance will inevitably alter player values, making in-season adjustments crucial.
5. Weekly Updates: Staying Ahead of the Curve
The Ringer typically updates their fantasy football rankings on a weekly basis during the season. These updates reflect the latest news, injuries, and player performance trends. Regularly checking these updates will help you identify waiver wire targets, make informed trade decisions, and adjust your lineup accordingly.
6. Utilizing Tiers: Drafting with Strategy
The Ringer often organizes their rankings into tiers, grouping players with similar projected value. This is invaluable during your draft, as it allows you to make informed decisions when multiple players are available at a similar rank. Instead of simply drafting the next player on the list, you can weigh the pros and cons of each player within the tier and choose the one that best fits your team's needs.
7. Beyond the Rank: Reading the Analysis
Don't just look at the numerical rankings; read the accompanying analysis. The Ringer's analysts often provide insightful commentary on why a player is ranked where they are. This context can help you understand the reasoning behind the ranking and make a more informed decision about whether to draft or acquire that player.
8. ADP Comparison: Identifying Value Opportunities
Compare The Ringer's rankings to the Average Draft Position (ADP) data from popular fantasy football platforms like ESPN, Yahoo, or Sleeper. Discrepancies between the rankings and ADP can highlight potential value opportunities. If a player is ranked significantly higher by The Ringer than their ADP, they could be a sleeper worth targeting later in the draft.
9. Positional Scarcity: Addressing Team Needs
Consider positional scarcity when using The Ringer's rankings. Certain positions, like tight end, often have a shallower pool of reliable talent. Prioritizing those positions early in the draft can give you a significant advantage over your league mates. Use the rankings to identify the most valuable players at each position and plan your draft strategy accordingly.
10. Combining with Other Resources: A Multifaceted Approach
The Ringer's fantasy football rankings are a valuable tool, but they shouldn't be the only resource you rely on. Supplement them with other expert rankings, projections, and news sources to create a well-rounded perspective. Combining different viewpoints will help you make more informed decisions and increase your chances of fantasy football success.
11. In-Season Waiver Wire: Identifying Breakout Stars
Throughout the season, The Ringer's rankings can be invaluable for identifying waiver wire gems. Pay close attention to players who are consistently climbing the rankings due to increased playing time, improved performance, or favorable matchups. Adding these players to your roster can provide a significant boost to your team's chances of winning.
12. Trade Value: Assessing Player Worth
Use The Ringer's rankings to assess the trade value of players on your roster. If a player is consistently ranked highly, you may be able to trade them for a significant return. Conversely, if a player is struggling and their ranking is dropping, it may be time to cut your losses and trade them before their value diminishes further.
By understanding and effectively utilizing The Ringer's fantasy football rankings, you can gain a competitive edge in your league and increase your chances of hoisting the championship trophy. Remember to stay informed, adapt to changing circumstances, and combine these rankings with other resources for a comprehensive and strategic approach to fantasy football.
